During the winter season, façades and glass curtain walls become some of the most exposed elements of a building’s infrastructure.

Frost, snow, ice, and rapid temperature changes create conditions in which even minor construction imperfections can quickly turn into serious damage. As the thaw begins, these problems reveal themselves in the most dangerous ways: through shifting panels, crumbling joints, leaks, and even the risk of façade fragments falling off. High-rise office buildings, shopping centers, and modern structures with extensive glazing are particularly vulnerable, as their constructions operate within a wide temperature range, and every element of the façade must maintain full tightness and stability regardless of the weather.

WHY IS WINTER INSPECTION SO IMPORTANT?

1. Frost reveals damage invisible during warmer seasons

In winter, façade structures operate in exceptionally harsh conditions. Low temperatures cause most materials to contract—from glass, to aluminum elements, to silicones and seals. When water enters gaps and freezes, it expands by up to several percent, creating a natural wedge that enlarges microcracks and exposes weak points of the façade.

This leads to:

more visible cracks on glass,
wider gaps in joints,
chips and peeling of silicones,
loosened clips and fasteners,
stiffening and cracking of rubber seals.

In summer, many of these defects are barely noticeable because materials are more flexible and stable temperatures hold the structure in place. Winter reveals the true technical condition of the façade. This is why inspections during this season provide the most accurate picture of issues that must be addressed before they turn into serious failures.

2. The thaw period carries the highest risk

Thawing is the most dangerous phase of the winter season for façades. As temperatures rise, the structure heats unevenly, ice and snow melt and flow into hidden areas of the façade, and materials expand dynamically. If micro-damage has already formed, the thaw can rapidly accelerate its progression.

Melting water penetrates gaps and mounting spaces, increasing moisture levels and causing uneven loads on the structure. Glass and metal panels move more intensely due to temperature changes. Even small shifts create stresses that eventually lead to cracks or deformations. Elements that were previously loosened become even more unstable, and wind gusts may cause panels, trims, or cladding to detach, posing a real danger to people around the building.

Leaks become more intense and unpredictable. Water entering behind the façade can flow freely, accumulating where it shouldn’t, causing soaked insulation, damp interior walls, mold, and even damage to installations.

Excess moisture during thawing also affects aluminum profiles and fasteners, potentially initiating corrosion that weakens the façade structure over time. Additionally, heavy, water-soaked snow places extra load on upper elements such as cornices, cladding, and decorative panels, leading to bending or detachment—especially if they were already weakened.

Many façade failures occur during the thaw not because of sudden breakage, but because earlier minor issues were not detected and secured in time. Regular winter inspections act as protective shields that help prevent emergencies and expensive repairs.

3. High-rise buildings are especially vulnerable

The taller the building, the greater the forces acting on its façade. Modern office towers, shopping malls, and residential buildings use advanced façade systems made of many interconnected components: aluminum profiles, ventilation systems, expansion joints, and numerous fastening elements.

These façades are not simple walls—they are precise systems of cooperating parts. Profiles hold panels stable, connectors guarantee safe installation, and seals and expansion joints prevent water ingress and compensate for building movement. High-rise structures expand, contract, and respond to temperature changes much more intensively than low-rise buildings.

In winter, high-rise façades face:

stronger wind loads,
larger temperature differences between lower and upper areas of the façade,
heavy snow loads on cornices and parapets,
ice buildup blocking ventilation openings and water drainage paths.

Winter is a real endurance test for such structures. If any element begins to malfunction, tall buildings react faster and more violently than low-rise ones. Therefore, regular professional inspections—preferably carried out by experienced rope access technicians—are absolutely essential.

MOST COMMON ISSUES DETECTED DURING WINTER INSPECTIONS

Winter façade inspections reveal defects that are often invisible during other seasons. Rope access technicians frequently identify glass cracks and scratches that become more visible in frost and may compromise façade stability. Sealants and expansion joints often show gaps or detachment, as cold temperatures cause them to shrink and harden, leading to leaks and moisture penetration.

Common issues include detaching cladding, loose fasteners, and deformed aluminum profiles. Ice buildup can block ventilation gaps, disrupting moisture drainage and increasing risk of damage. Technicians often notice dangerous snow or ice overhangs posing hazards to pedestrians.

Wind-related damage also becomes easier to spot, such as shifted panels or small deformations that cannot be seen from the ground. Importantly, most of these issues can be repaired quickly and at low cost—if detected early.

HOW DOES A WINTER FAÇADE INSPECTION WORK?

Unlike summer inspections, winter assessments require technical expertise and experience in working safely in low temperatures. Rope access technicians can perform:

a detailed visual inspection with photographic documentation,
stability checks of fasteners, profiles, and panels,
assessment of sealing systems, silicones, and expansion joints,
detection of potential leak points,
identification of detached materials,
removal of dangerous icicles and snow overhangs,
temporary securing of damaged areas until proper repairs can be performed.

BENEFITS FOR BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS

Winter façade inspection offers numerous benefits. It significantly improves safety by minimizing the risk of falling façade elements and preventing leaks that could damage the interior or endanger people around the building. Early detection of defects keeps maintenance costs low, as repairs after thawing are typically much more expensive due to deeper moisture penetration.

Regular inspections also extend the lifespan of the façade and help meet safety and property management standards.

SUMMARY

Winter inspection of façades and glass curtain walls is not just a technical requirement—it is an investment in the safety and durability of the building. Early detection of micro-damage prevents costly repairs, protects building users, and prolongs the lifespan of the façade. Regular inspections performed by experienced industrial climbers are a key element of professional property management.

To quote a classic: Safety is not a luxury—it is the foundation of every durable structure.

Winter Inspection of Building Facades and Curtain Walls