Facade problems rarely start as emergencies. They start small, and they are usually visible from the ground long before an engineer's report makes them official. Here are five signs worth acting on right away.

1. Cracking and Spalling Concrete

• Hairline cracks that have widened or multiplied over a season
• Chunks of concrete missing, exposing reinforcing steel underneath
• Debris on the sidewalk or setback below

2. Efflorescence and Water Staining

• White, chalky deposits on brick or stone surfaces
• Dark streaking below window sills or parapets
• Persistent damp patches that do not dry between rain events

3. Loose or Displaced Masonry Units

• Bricks or stones that sound hollow when tapped
• Visible gaps or shifting in a masonry coursing pattern
• Units that have already fallen or been temporarily netted

4. Rust Streaks Near Steel Connections

• Orange or brown staining running from lintels, shelf angles, or anchors
• Bulging or cracked masonry directly above a steel lintel

5. Sealant Failure at Joints

• Cracked, hardened, or missing sealant at expansion and control joints
• Visible daylight or water infiltration through a joint

Any one of these signs is worth a professional look. Together, they are usually a sign that a facade inspection and repair plan should move up your priority list, not wait for the next FISP cycle.