Miami Structural Glazing Inspection Program

Practical guidance for building managers responsible for façade safety and compliance

Managing a building with structural glazing in Miami requires careful attention to inspection requirements, documentation, and long-term façade performance. Miami-Dade County has established specific guidelines for the inspection of structural glazing systems on threshold buildings, and those requirements are ongoing—not one-time events.

For building managers, the objective is straightforward: maintain compliance, understand the condition of the façade, and plan responsibly for maintenance or repair when needed.

Understanding the Structural Glazing Program

Structural glazing systems—commonly used in curtain wall construction—rely on sealants and engineered connections to secure glass to the building structure. Over time, these systems are subject to environmental exposure, movement, and material aging.

Miami-Dade requires that qualifying buildings undergo periodic structural glazing inspections, typically at five-year intervals, to verify that these systems remain in safe condition.

These inspections must be performed by a licensed Professional Engineer and submitted in accordance with County guidelines.

What this means for building managers

For building managers, the structural glazing program is primarily about organization and execution:

• Tracking when inspections are due

• Coordinating access for façade review

• Managing consultants and contractors

• Communicating with ownership and residents

• Ensuring reports are properly submitted

A well-managed inspection process reduces disruption and provides clear, actionable information for the board or ownership group.

Inspection levels and field work

Miami-Dade guidelines define different levels of inspection depending on the building and prior findings. These may include:

General Visual Inspection

A broad review of accessible façade areas to identify visible concerns such as sealant distress, glass issues, or movement.

Close-Up Inspection

Hands-on evaluation of representative areas of the façade. This may require swing stage, scaffolding, or other access methods.

Detailed Evaluation / Testing

Where conditions warrant, additional testing may be performed to evaluate adhesion, structural performance, or water intrusion resistance.

While tools such as drones can support documentation, they do not replace required close-up inspections when specified by the program.

Classification of findings

Inspection results are typically categorized to guide next steps:

• Safe – No significant deficiencies observed

• Safe with Repair or Maintenance – Conditions identified that should be addressed

• Unsafe – Conditions requiring immediate action

If an unsafe condition is identified, prompt notification and protective measures may be required to safeguard occupants and the public.

Reporting requirements

A key part of the program is the engineering report. Miami-Dade requires that reports:

• Follow prescribed formats and guidelines

• Include photographic documentation

• Provide façade mapping of observed conditions

• Clearly state inspection results and recommendations

• Be signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer

For building managers, the report becomes the foundation for decision-making, budgeting, and future planning.

Planning ahead: reducing disruption and uncertainty

Experienced building managers approach structural glazing inspections proactively. This includes:

• Reviewing prior inspection reports

• Coordinating inspections with other façade or recertification efforts

• Budgeting for potential repair work

• Scheduling inspections well in advance of deadlines

A structured approach allows the property team to move forward without unnecessary urgency or confusion.

Integration with broader building requirements

Structural glazing inspections are often part of a larger compliance framework that may include:

• 40-Year or 50-Year Recertification

• Milestone Inspections under Florida law

• Ongoing façade maintenance programs

Coordinating these efforts can reduce redundancy, improve efficiency, and provide a more complete understanding of building condition.

Our approach

We work with building managers, condominium boards, and ownership teams throughout Miami-Dade to deliver clear, compliant structural glazing inspections.

Our services include:

• Review of prior reports and building documentation

• Development of inspection plans aligned with County guidelines

• Field inspections using appropriate access methods

• Photo-documented findings and façade mapping

• Clear, organized engineering reports

• Practical guidance for next steps when repairs are recommended

We understand that building managers are balancing multiple priorities. Our role is to provide reliable engineering support, clear communication, and a structured process that helps you meet requirements without added complexity.

Schedule a consultation

If your building includes structural glazing systems, now is the time to confirm your inspection status and plan ahead.

We can help you:

• Determine whether your building is subject to the program

• Review prior inspection history

• Establish a timeline for compliance

• Coordinate the next inspection

Contact us to discuss your property and next steps.