Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid During NYC Parapet Inspections
Regular parapet inspections are necessary to stay compliant with NYC safety regulations. These small walls or railings at the top of buildings help keep structures stable and ensure public safety. If you are Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Manhattan property owners, understand that missing inspections can lead to costly problems.
What are the most typical pitfalls and what can you do to avoid them? Check out 5 most common parapet inspection mistakes and their solutions.
1. Ignoring New York City’s Local Law 11 Requirements
NYC’s Local Law 11 requires a façade inspection every five years for buildings above six stories. This includes inspecting parapets for cracks, leaning or loose materials. Many property owners ignore this requirement believing that their building is “in good shape.” However, you could end up paying steep fines, a lawsuit, or even an unsafe building designation if you don’t conduct inspections.
Solution: Stay on top of things. Keep Local Law 11 compliance deadlines in mind, and enlist the help of experienced inspection experts to ensure your parapet is up to code.
2. Waiting Until Problems Escalate
A tiny crack or chip in the parapet may appear harmless, but quickly become a major structural issue. Water damage is among the top culprits, especially during NYC’s icy winters, where freeze-thaw cycles can amplify even the tiniest flaws.
Solution: Perform regular inspections, even when you are not legally required to. This way, you can catch small problems before they escalate, saving you large repair bills down the line.
3. Choosing Unqualified Inspectors
Not all inspectors are created equal. Enlisting an inexperienced or unlicensed inspector could lead to missed repairs or incomplete reports. This is particularly risky given NYC’s rigorous building codes and enforcement.
Solution: Choose an inspection company, such as NYC Parapet Inspection with experience performing NYC parapet inspections. The trained specialists know the city codes and will inspect all aspects of your parapet carefully.
4. Overlooking Proper Documentation
Once inspected, property owners must submit a FISP (Façade Inspection Safety Program) report to the NYC Department of Buildings. Most owners either forget this step or submit inaccurate reports, which can result in penalties.
Solution: Documentation is essential. Keep your inspection results properly recorded and filed in compliance with city regulations. Working with an experienced contractor will make this much easier.
5. Neglecting Repairs After an Inspection
A parapet inspection is only the beginning. If your parapet is flagged with issues, delaying repairs can make your parapet worse, which in turn will increase the cost of repair and can also put residents and visitors at risk.
Solution: If your parapet needs repairs, act fast. NYC Parapet Inspection specializes in parapet restorations and can get the job done quickly and efficiently while keeping your building compliant.
Protect Your Building with NYC Parapet Inspection
When parapet inspections are handled properly, you keep not just your building, but everyone surrounding it, safe. At NYC Parapet Inspection, we strive to ensure property owners across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond meet NYC’s strict safety standards with confidence. Whether you need an inspection, repair, or restoration, we will guide you every step of the way.
Don’t leave compliance up to chance—choose NYC’s trusted parapet inspection partner. Get in touch with NYC Parapet Inspection today for a free estimate and keep your building in excellent condition. Call 718-550-2779.
