If your building is preparing for a Local Law 11 facade inspection, this can also be a practical time to assess the membrane and roof-edge areas. FISP concerns the facade rather than the entire roof assembly, but scaffolding, rigging, and access arranged for facade work may create an efficient opportunity to complete planned waterproofing or maintenance at the same time.
Get a Free Roof AssessmentPlaceholder — scaffolding and access equipment shared between facade and roof work
Local Law 11 is formally known as the Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP). It requires buildings taller than six stories to have applicable exterior facade conditions examined every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). A QEWI is generally a licensed professional engineer or registered architect who meets the applicable requirements.
The examination can result in one of three classifications: Safe, Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP), or Unsafe.
NYC is currently in FISP Cycle 10, with buildings assigned to filing sub-cycles according to their block number. Owners should pay close attention to applicable filing deadlines because missed requirements can result in Department of Buildings enforcement and financial penalties. An Unsafe condition can also require immediate protective measures while hazardous conditions are addressed.
The facade program examines applicable exterior walls, parapets, and other covered elements rather than functioning as a general inspection of the building's entire roof assembly. We do not perform FISP examinations, prepare FISP filings, or act as a QEWI. Those responsibilities belong to the appropriately qualified licensed professional engaged by the building.
If the building needs a required facade examination, the owner should work directly with a qualified QEWI.
Since January 2024, qualifying buildings with parapets fronting a public right-of-way have an annual parapet observation requirement. The observation addresses the condition and stability of the parapet and applicable rooftop appurtenances.
This is separate from the five-year facade examination, but it creates a useful connection between facade maintenance and conditions at the roofline. An observation may identify deteriorated masonry, cracked coping, loose materials, or deterioration around the roof-to-parapet junction. Where the identified condition involves flashing or sealant within our scope, we can address that portion after the appropriate professional has identified the condition.
See our Flashing Repair service →The practical advantage is primarily access and timing. Facade examinations and SWARMP work may require scaffolding, rigging, suspended access, or other equipment. Once that infrastructure is being arranged, coordinating additional maintenance can sometimes be more efficient than mobilizing separate access later.
Depending on the project, owners may coordinate membrane maintenance, flashing, sealant, waterproofing, or other work around the same schedule. We can work with boards, managing agents, contractors, and QEWIs to coordinate our portion of the project without taking over the responsibilities of the facade professional.
Placeholder — flashing and sealant condition at the roof-to-parapet junction
Cycle 10 is divided into three filing sub-cycles based on the final digit of the building's block number:
| Sub-Cycle | Block Numbers Ending In | Filing Window |
|---|---|---|
| 10A | 4, 5, 6, or 9 | February 21, 2025 – February 21, 2027 |
| 10B | 0, 7, or 8 | February 21, 2026 – February 21, 2028 |
| 10C | 1, 2, or 3 | February 21, 2027 – February 21, 2029 |
If access equipment is already being planned for facade work, ask us to assess whether other maintenance can be coordinated with that project.
Get a Free Roof Assessment at the Same TimeA QEWI may identify conditions around a parapet or roof edge that require corrective action. The professional determines the appropriate classification and compliance path. Conditions can include deteriorated coping, failed sealant, damaged flashing, or water-infiltration points around the roof-to-parapet junction.
Where a condition falls within our trade, we can address the applicable flashing, sealant, waterproofing, or membrane scope after the QEWI has documented the issue. This is particularly relevant to a SWARMP roof repair situation: the facade professional identifies and classifies the condition, while the appropriate contractor performs the authorized corrective work.
An Unsafe condition is different because it can require immediate protective measures. Building owners should follow the QEWI's recommendations and DOB requirements before proceeding.
FISP applies to qualifying buildings throughout:
Manhattan | Brooklyn | Queens | The Bronx | Staten Island
Clear responsibilities are especially important when multiple contractors and professionals are working around the same building.
| Our Role | QEWI / Qualified Professional's Role |
|---|---|
| Membrane and waterproofing work | Conduct the required facade examination |
| Roof coating | Evaluate facade conditions |
| Flashing and sealant work | Determine applicable facade classification |
| Roof-edge maintenance | Prepare and file required FISP documentation |
| Coordinate our schedule with facade work | Identify required facade corrective measures |
| Work with the building's project team | Provide applicable professional engineering or architectural determinations |
We do not file FISP reports, or serve as the building's QEWI. Our role begins with the applicable roof-level scope: assessing conditions, providing requested maintenance or waterproofing work, and coordinating timing with the building's existing facade project.
Back to HomepagePlaceholder — membrane and coating work coordinated around facade access
No. FISP focuses on applicable facade conditions, while the annual parapet observation is a separate requirement. Neither should be treated as a substitute for a comprehensive assessment of the entire roof assembly. Even so, owners may choose to schedule an assessment around the same project window for practical reasons.
No. The required examination and filing must be handled by a properly licensed Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). We can coordinate waterproofing, flashing, sealant, and related work around the building's FISP schedule, but we do not replace the licensed facade professional.
Qualifying parapets facing a public right-of-way are subject to an annual observation requirement. The observation addresses parapet stability and applicable rooftop appurtenances. It is not a general membrane inspection, but it can bring attention to conditions near the roofline. If flashing, coping, sealant, or another component within our scope requires work, we can help address it after the condition has been appropriately identified.
Cycle 10 uses the final digit of the building's block number:
Your managing agent or QEWI can confirm the applicable filing window for your property.
Often, it can. If scaffolding, rigging, or other access is already being arranged, coordinating additional exterior work may reduce duplicated mobilization. Whether the same access can be used depends on the equipment, work locations, safety requirements, and project scope.
The QEWI determines the condition and applicable classification. A SWARMP condition may require corrective work within the applicable compliance framework, while an Unsafe condition can require more immediate protective action. If the identified issue involves flashing, coping, sealant, or another component within our scope, we can coordinate with the building and QEWI to address that portion of the work.
Get a Free Roof Assessment
Planning a facade examination or SWARMP project? A timely assessment can help identify maintenance that may be coordinated with existing access arrangements.
Get a Free Roof AssessmentCall us to discuss your building's exterior maintenance schedule.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, engineering, architectural, or compliance advice. Local Law 11/FISP requirements, filing deadlines, classifications, and repair obligations can vary by building and circumstance. Building owners should confirm their specific obligations with the NYC Department of Buildings and a properly qualified Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI).
A roof coating is a system applied to an existing roof that has to be properly evaluated, prepared, repaired, and matched with the right coating technology.
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