PFI Glossary: Facade Meaning & Inspection Terms
Understand facade meaning, building facade meaning and common PFI inspection terms in Singapore, including BCA, Competent Person, Facade Inspector, visual inspection, rope access, drone inspection, CORENET and falling object hazard.
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Plain-English PFI Terms for Building Owners
This glossary explains common terms used in Periodic Façade Inspection, BCA correspondence, inspection reports, defect assessments and quotation discussions. It is written for MCST council members, managing agents, facility managers, building owners and non-technical stakeholders who need a clearer understanding of facade meaning, facade wall meaning, visual inspection meaning, drone, rope access and façade inspection terminology.
Glossary Terms
01
BCA
BCA meaning: Building and Construction Authority, the Singapore authority responsible for the Periodic Façade Inspection regime and related building safety matters.
02
CBC
Commissioner of Building Control. The authority referenced in relation to notices, approvals, unsafe defects and regulatory actions under the building control framework.
03
Competent Person (CP)
Competent Person meaning: the qualified professional responsible for conducting the façade inspection, supervising any appointed Facade Inspector and preparing the inspection report.
04
Facade Inspector (FI)
Facade inspector meaning: a qualified and accredited person who may assist the Competent Person in carrying out visual and/or close-range inspection under the CP’s direct supervision and control.
05
Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI)
Periodic façade inspection and Periodic facade inspection refer to the recurring inspection regime for building façades and exterior features to detect deterioration and support public safety. PFI inspection is often used informally to describe this process.
06
PFI Notice
A notice served to the building owner when the building is due for Periodic Façade Inspection.
07
CORENET e-Submission / CORENET 2
The electronic submission platform used for regulatory submissions and correspondence, including PFI-related report submission and correspondence where applicable.
08
Building Owner
The person or party responsible for the building, which may include an individual owner, company, MCST, Town Council or other responsible entity depending on the property type.
09
MCST
Management Corporation Strata Title. The management corporation responsible for common property in strata developments such as condominiums or mixed-use strata buildings.
10
Managing Agent
A property management firm or appointed team assisting the MCST or building owner with day-to-day building management, maintenance coordination and compliance administration.
11
Façade
Façade meaning / facade meaning in construction: the building exterior and exterior features such as facade wall systems, cladding, curtain wall façade, curtain wall facade, windows, railings, sunshades, louvres, brackets and other attached elements.
12
Exterior Feature
An external building element or attachment that may be part of, fixed to or associated with the building exterior, such as sunshades, railings, awnings, screens, ledges or brackets.
13
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection meaning: a non-intrusive inspection of the entire building façade from ground level, vantage points, openings, photos, drones or other suitable viewing methods.
14
Close-Range Inspection
A closer inspection of selected façade areas on each elevation to assess the condition of façade elements using appropriate tools and access methods.
15
Full Façade Investigation
A more detailed investigation that may be recommended when widespread or systemic defects are suspected, subject to applicable regulatory approval requirements.
16
Defect Assessment
The professional review of façade defects to understand their condition, severity, likely cause and recommended follow-up action.
17
Remedial Advice
Recommendations for repair, monitoring, further testing or safety measures after defects are assessed.
18
Falling Object Hazard
A condition where loose, unstable or deteriorated façade elements may fall from height and endanger people or property.
19
Unsafe Defect
A defect that may present an immediate or serious safety concern and requires prompt reporting, safety measures or urgent action as directed by the Competent Person and relevant authority.
20
Tapping Rod
A simple inspection tool used during close-range inspection to help detect hollow-sounding tiles, plaster or finishes.
21
Drone Façade Inspection
Drone façade inspection uses unmanned aircraft systems to capture high-resolution images or videos of façade areas that are difficult to view from the ground.
22
Rope Access Inspection
Rope access inspection uses trained rope access personnel to reach façade areas safely for close-range viewing or hands-on inspection, subject to proper safety planning and supervision.
23
MEWP / Boom Lift
Mobile Elevating Work Platform used to access façade areas where ground conditions and site constraints allow.
24
Gondola / Suspended Scaffold
Suspended access equipment used on some buildings for façade inspection, maintenance or repair works.
25
Water Ingress
Unwanted entry of water into façade joints, cracks, wall systems or building interiors, often causing staining, corrosion, mould, debonding or deterioration.
26
Efflorescence
White powdery deposit caused by soluble salts moving through masonry, concrete, plaster or tile systems when moisture is present.
27
Spalling
Breaking, flaking or dislodging of concrete or plaster, often associated with corrosion, moisture or material deterioration.
28
Delamination / Debonding
Separation of finishes such as tiles, plaster, coatings or panels from the substrate or backing surface.
29
Sealant Failure
Breakdown of sealant due to ageing, movement, poor adhesion, UV exposure or incorrect application, often leading to leakage or open joints.
30
Building Facade Meaning
Building facade meaning: the outer face or envelope of a building seen from outside, including external wall systems, windows, cladding and attached exterior features.
31
External Facade Meaning
External facade meaning: any outward-facing part of the building exterior that is exposed to weather, public view or maintenance access and may need inspection, maintenance or repair.
32
Façade Wall / Facade Wall Meaning
Façade wall and facade wall meaning: the external wall or wall system forming part of a building facade. A facade wall may be painted plaster, concrete, brick, glass, metal cladding, stone, tile or curtain wall panels.
33
Curtain Wall Façade
Curtain wall façade, also searched as curtain wall facade, means a non-load-bearing external wall system, often aluminium and glass, fixed back to the main building structure to enclose the building envelope.
34
Glass Facade Meaning
Glass facade meaning: a building exterior formed partly or mainly with glass panels, windows or curtain wall systems, usually supported by aluminium, steel or other framing.
35
Facade Inspection Meaning / Façade Inspection Meaning
Facade inspection meaning: a systematic check of façade elements and exterior features to identify deterioration, loose elements, leakage paths, corrosion, cracking, spalling or falling object hazards. Façade inspection meaning uses the accented spelling but refers to the same concept.
36
Facade Work Meaning
Facade work meaning: inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement, cleaning or upgrading works carried out on the building facade or related exterior features.
37
Facade Cleaning Meaning
Facade cleaning meaning: planned cleaning of external façade surfaces, glazing, cladding, ledges and exterior features using suitable access methods and safe work procedures.
38
Inspection Meaning
Inspection meaning: a planned visual, close-range or technical check carried out to understand the condition of a building, façade, material, installation or completed work.
39
Periodic Inspection Meaning
Periodic inspection meaning: an inspection repeated at set intervals to check ongoing condition, safety or compliance, rather than a one-off check.
40
Site Inspection Report
Site inspection report: a written record of inspection date, area inspected, observations, photos, defects, risk notes and recommended follow-up actions.
41
Inspection Checklist
Inspection checklist: a structured list of items to review during site or façade inspection so important façade elements, access areas and defect types are not missed.
42
Professional Engineer (PE)
Professional Engineer meaning: a registered engineering professional who may be involved in structural design, investigation, certification or specialist advice where engineering input is required. He may act as a Competent Person for PFI where the relevant requirements are met.
43
Architect
Architect meaning: a registered design professional who plans, designs and administers building projects, and may act as a Competent Person for PFI where the relevant requirements are met.
44
Drone
Drone: an unmanned aircraft used to capture high-level or difficult-to-access façade photos and videos for visual inspection planning and documentation.
45
Thermal Drone / Drone Thermal Camera
Thermal drone and drone thermal camera refer to a drone fitted with an infrared thermal camera to capture temperature differences. It may support screening for moisture, insulation or heat-related patterns, but results usually require professional interpretation.
46
Periodic Structure Inspection
Periodic structure inspection: recurring inspection of building structural elements or related components. It is different from Periodic Façade Inspection, which focuses on façades and exterior features.
47
MPI Test Meaning
MPI test meaning: Magnetic Particle Inspection, a non-destructive testing method used to detect surface or near-surface defects in ferromagnetic metal components. It may be relevant to brackets, steel supports or specialist façade investigations.
48
Rope Access Course
Rope access course: a training course for workers who use rope access techniques to work at height. Building owners should check that appointed rope access teams have suitable training, certification and safety systems.