A building's facade is its first defence against the weather. When render cracks, brickwork frets, sealants fail or concrete spalls, water gets in and damage spreads into the structure behind. Facade restoration repairs that outer layer and makes the building weathertight again.
Common facade defects in Sydney
- Cracked and drummy render that has lost its bond with the wall.
- Fretting brickwork and eroded mortar, often with salt staining.
- Sandstone erosion on heritage buildings.
- Concrete cancer on slab edges, balconies, window heads and concrete facades.
- Failed sealant joints around windows and between panels.
- Corroded lintels cracking the masonry above openings.
What facade restoration involves
- Inspection to map defects, often with close-up access to test for drummy render and hidden cracking.
- Specification, usually by an engineer or facade consultant on larger buildings.
- Access by scaffolding, swing stage, elevating work platforms or rope access, depending on height and site.
- Repairs: render removal and reinstatement, brickwork repairs, concrete cancer repairs, lintel replacement and sealant renewal.
- Protection with appropriate coatings and paint systems, chosen to let walls breathe where needed.
Heritage facades
Heritage buildings need repairs that suit the original materials: lime mortars, matched bricks and appropriate sandstone repair methods. Heritage-listed buildings and conservation areas may need heritage advice and approval before work starts. See our heritage restoration service.
Approvals and safety
Like-for-like facade repairs often do not need development consent, but changes to appearance, heritage buildings and some access structures may. Work over footpaths usually needs hoarding permits from council. For Class 2 apartment buildings, facade remedial work is generally regulated under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020.
Choosing a facade restoration contractor
- Licensed builder, and DBP registered for apartment buildings.
- Experience with the facade material: render, brick, sandstone or concrete.
- A clear access and safety plan.
- An itemised quote against the specification, with rates for extra repairs found once access is up.
- Photo documentation of every repair before it is covered.
Facade repairs across Sydney
See our facade repair service or send us photos of your building.
Frequently asked questions
How long does facade restoration last?
Done properly, with the cause of the damage fixed and suitable materials used, facade repairs and coatings can last many years. Regular inspections help catch new defects early.
Do I need council approval for facade repairs?
Like-for-like repairs often do not, but heritage buildings, changes to appearance and hoardings over footpaths may need approval or permits.
Why does render crack and come away?
Usually from water getting behind it, movement in the wall, or render that is too hard for the masonry underneath.
