What are Intrusive Surveys?

Our intrusive surveys are a meticulous process that involves the careful removal of sections of cladding, render, or other façade materials to examine the underlying structure. This thorough process allows us to identify key details such as substrate type, cavity depth, fire barrier locations, and the condition of fixings and insulation. The information gathered supports accurate assessments, compliance reviews, and future remediation or refurbishment works, ensuring the reliability of our service.

These surveys are an essential part of pre-remedial works to an existing building. Many building owners, even today, do not hold complete or accurate as-built drawings of their properties. In many cases, the available drawings do not fully represent the building as it was constructed. Intrusive surveys bridge this gap, uncovering how the façade has truly been built – a vital step in ensuring safety, compliance, and reliability.

During the survey, we assess:

• Materials and products used in the façade to confirm whether they are combustible and if replacement is required (e.g., insulation or external finishes).
• Façade and cavity depths and construction details to verify compliance with NHBC and CWCT
• Fire barriers – ensuring the correct type, location, and installation in accordance with manufacturer guidance and fire strategy documentation.

All stripped areas are reinstated using either products specified by the client or A-rated materials to maintain safety and integrity throughout the process. Typically, these reinstatements are temporary until remediation begins, at which point all works are completed with non-combustible materials. Our reinstatement process is carefully planned to ensure that façades remain weather-tight, structurally sound, and visually consistent.

How do they add value?

The detailed findings from an Intrusive Survey form the foundation of a compliant remediation strategy. Once complete, reports and photographs become part of the building’s remediation documentation, allowing designers to develop accurate remedial solutions and enabling contractors to price the scheme correctly to a compliant specification.

Intrusive Surveys help:

• Identify combustible materials that require replacement.
• Confirm façade construction and fire barrier compliance.
• Support compliance with current fire safety and building regulations.
• Inform façade remediation or recladding projects.
• Provide evidence for EWS1 assessments where combustible materials are present.
• Deliver peace of mind through transparent, evidence-based reporting.

All findings are compiled into a clear, detailed report with supporting photos and measurements, then uploaded to Viewpoint Field View, our cloud-based construction project management platform. This ensures transparency and ease of client review, keeping you fully informed and involved at every stage.

Recent projects

We pride ourselves on our quality and attention to detail across all façade services and continue to bring the same standards to projects for some of the UK’s leading contractors, including:

Morgan Sindall – Detailed façade investigations revealed substrate composition, cavity depths, and fire barrier locations, providing essential data for compliance and future planning.

CBG Construction – The comprehensive removal of cladding, copings, render, and brickwork allowed full exposure of the façade build-up, confirming cavity details and substrate conditions.

R G Carter – Surveys across cladded and rendered elevations identified substrate types, cavity depths, and fire safety provisions, ensuring a complete understanding of façade performance.

Across all projects, reinstatement was completed promptly and to a high standard, ensuring buildings remained safe, compliant, and aesthetically consistent following the survey.

Why work with us?

As façade specialists with years of hands-on experience across both new-build, refurbishment and remedial projects, Eden Facades is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality intrusive surveys. Our team combines deep technical knowledge with practical on-site expertise to ensure every investigation is thorough, safe, and aligned with client needs. Paul Michaelson, Construction Director at Eden Facades, adds:

“We’re delighted to add this vital service for our clients. Intrusive Surveys allow us to provide even greater value by combining our façade expertise with detailed, evidence-based insight – helping clients achieve compliance and peace of mind and truly understand their building’s façade make-up and condition.”

Whether you’re an existing client or working with us for the first time, you can rely on our attention to detail, commitment to quality, and deep understanding of façade systems to deliver exceptional results.

Get in touch today to learn more about how our Intrusive Surveys Service can uncover essential information and help you plan your remediation works with confidence.