Bill 122 and its regulations, which came into effect on March 18, 2013, are aimed at improving building safety and security. All buildings of 5 storeys or more must present an audited report on the building façade every 5 years, duly signed by a professional engineer or architect. These verifications provide an opportunity to detect and eliminate any dangerous condition, and to make recommendations necessary for short and long-term solutions to any such problems.
Is your building subject to these regulations? Start by determining the number of storeys and consult the RBQ's Guide explicatif des exigences d’entretien des façades (section 1.2).
A new building constructed after the regulations came into force must submit an audited report before the 10th anniversary of its date of construction, and then every 5 years following that report.
"Choosing a professional is an important aspect, and a call for tenders is recommended. The professionaI inspector is responsible for the method of inspection, but must conduct a visual inspection of 100% of the surface area of the façade, plus a tactile inspection of at least 25% of that surface area. Balconies require a 100% tactile verification. Exploratory openings are required for brick façades. The façade verification report must be available at all times for consultation by the RBQ," notes Daniela Petrulian, president of Consultants Facades Plus.
We strongly encourage owners and managers to comply with this obligation.