Northmark documents commercial building facades and envelopes by drone in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead. Our FAA Part 107 remote pilot captures systematic imagery of each elevation, covering wall surfaces, masonry and cladding, windows and frames, sealant joints, parapets, copings, signage and attachments, so owners and managers can see conditions that are hard to view from the ground and plan repairs without first renting lifts or scaffolding.
Why the envelope deserves attention
The building envelope, meaning the walls, windows, roof and foundation that separate inside from outside, controls water, air and heat. The U.S. Department of Energy's building envelope resources describe how envelope performance affects energy use and occupant comfort. When envelopes fail, water gets in, energy leaks out and materials deteriorate behind finished surfaces.
In the Red River Valley, envelopes are tested hard:
- Freeze-thaw cycles drive water into masonry joints and cracks, then expand it as ice
- Long heating seasons push warm, moist interior air outward through any gap
- Wind-driven rain and snow in spring and fall find failed sealants
- Hail and high winds damage cladding, windows and signage
Most envelope problems start high on a wall or behind a parapet, exactly where nobody looks.
What we capture
| Element | What imagery can show |
|---|---|
| Masonry and brick | Cracks, spalling, open mortar joints, efflorescence, staining patterns |
| Metal and composite cladding | Dents, loose or missing panels, fastener issues, corrosion |
| EIFS and stucco | Cracks, impact damage, staining, sealant failures at edges |
| Windows and storefronts | Damaged frames, failed sealants, broken glazing, missing caps |
| Sealant joints | Cracking, separation, missing sections |
| Parapets and copings | Displaced copings, open joints, vegetation, debris |
| Signage and attachments | Loose mounts, damaged signs, abandoned equipment |
| Upper-level staining | Streaks that often indicate water paths |
Imagery is organized by elevation and floor, labeled with date and location, and accompanied by a summary of visible observations.
Common reasons owners order facade documentation
- Leak investigation: an interior leak with no obvious source, where imagery helps narrow down where water might be entering
- Maintenance planning: prioritizing sealant, masonry or cladding work before winter
- Post-storm documentation: recording hail or wind damage for insurers and contractors (hail and storm documentation)
- Acquisition or lease: recording exterior condition before a transaction
- Contractor bidding: giving facade contractors imagery so their bids are based on actual conditions
Safety and flight rules near buildings
Facade work puts the drone close to walls, often next to sidewalks, parking areas and entrances. Part 107 rules restrict operations over people. Before each mission we plan flight paths to avoid flying over people and moving vehicles, coordinate with building management about timing and, where needed, ask for temporary control of entrances or sidewalk areas. In controlled airspace near Hector International Airport or Moorhead's municipal airport, we obtain FAA authorization, typically through LAANC.
Downtown Fargo and Moorhead present tighter conditions, with neighboring buildings, overhead lines, trees and street traffic. We assess each site and tell you in advance if any elevation cannot be documented safely.
What we do not do
We document visible conditions. We do not perform hands-on testing, infrared moisture surveys, structural evaluation or repair. A facade contractor, envelope consultant or engineer should assess findings that need diagnosis. Our imagery makes their first visit more productive.
Combine with roof documentation
Water problems often start where the roof meets the wall. Pairing facade documentation with a drone roof inspection covers parapets, copings, roof edges and walls in one visit. Both can feed into ongoing property condition reports.
For multi-story commercial buildings, see also multi-tenant office buildings. Local detail: drone inspection in Fargo.
Typical timing
Facade documentation is most useful in late spring, after winter's freeze-thaw damage is visible, and in late summer, when there is still time to schedule sealant or masonry work before cold weather returns. Post-storm missions are scheduled whenever hail or high winds strike.
Frequently asked questions
Can a drone find the source of a leak?
Imagery can reveal visible defects, such as failed sealants, open joints and damaged copings, that may explain a leak. Confirming the source usually requires hands-on investigation by a contractor or consultant.
Do you need to close sidewalks during the flight?
Sometimes. We plan flights to avoid flying over people and may coordinate temporary control of entrances or sidewalks with building management.
Can you document downtown buildings?
Often, yes, though nearby structures, lines and traffic can limit some elevations. We assess each site before scheduling.
Do you use thermal imaging?
Our standard facade documentation uses visual imagery. Ask us about your specific needs before scheduling.
Sources
Published · Updated · Northmark Facility Services.