ASTM E3036-15(2021)

Standard Guide for Notating Facade Conditions in the Field

SCOPE
1.1 This guide consists of symbols and notations pertaining to documenting deficient conditions observed during facade inspections.  
1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide a quick shorthand, notation system that will serve as a uniform system for facade inspectors to record their observations on existing elevation drawings or photographs, or both, of existing building facades.  
1.3 This guide is not intended to be used to record or document a diagnosis for the particular symptom.  
1.4 Notations are listed in alphabetical order. Compound terms appear as per the first word as spoken.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2021
• ICS: 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.55 - Performance of Building Enclosures

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E631-93a(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 28-Jul-2000

Overview

ASTM E3036-15(2021) – Standard Guide for Notating Facade Conditions in the Field – provides a systematic approach for facade inspectors to document observed deficiencies in building facades. Developed by ASTM, this guide standardizes the use of clear, consistent symbols and notations for field documentation, enhancing communication and reliability in facade inspection reports. The standardized notation can be applied directly to elevation drawings or photographs, ensuring uniformity regardless of the medium.

Key Topics

• Uniform Notation System: Details a shorthand, symbol-based approach for documenting facade deficiencies.
• Applicability: Meant for use in recording observed conditions, not for diagnosing root causes or recommending repairs.
• Alphabetical Listing: Notations and terms are organized alphabetically for ease of use in the field.
• Measurement Units: The guide uses inch-pound units exclusively as the standard measurement system.
• International Alignment: Developed in accordance with internationally recognized standardization principles as outlined by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade Committee.

Applications

The ASTM E3036 guide offers practical value in a variety of building inspection scenarios, especially for professionals involved in facade surveys, condition assessments, and documentation projects. Key applications include:

• Field Facade Inspections: Enables inspectors to efficiently mark and record visible deficiencies directly onto facade drawings or annotated photos during site visits.
• Building Envelope Surveys: Facilitates rapid data collection during comprehensive envelope surveys, supporting consistent interpretation among inspection teams.
• Documentation for Maintenance and Repair: Supports facility managers and engineers with clear records that inform maintenance planning and rehabilitation strategies.
• Quality Assurance in Construction: Provides a uniform reference for tracking and verifying exterior conditions on both new and existing structures.
• Regulatory and Compliance Reporting: Assists professionals in meeting obligations for standardized facade condition documentation under local codes or asset management programs.

Related Standards

For professionals interested in extending the benefits of standardized documentation and terminology, the following ASTM standards are particularly relevant:

• ASTM E631 - Terminology of Building Constructions: Serves as a foundational resource for terminology within ASTM E3036 and broader building inspection practices.
• Other ASTM E06 Series Guides - Address performance standards and best practices for building enclosures and their inspection.

This guide is especially valuable for building inspectors, engineers, architects, and facility managers seeking reliable, repeatable methods for facade condition surveying. By adopting ASTM E3036, organizations can improve the consistency and clarity of their building facade documentation processes, ultimately supporting better decision-making and communication across project stakeholders.

Keywords: facade inspection, facade documentation, notation system, building condition survey, ASTM E3036, building envelope, deficient conditions, field inspection, standardized symbols, building inspection standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3036 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Guide for
Notating Facade Conditions in the Field
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3036; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This guide consists of symbols and notations pertaining
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
to documenting deficient conditions observed during facade
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
inspections.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide a quick
shorthand, notation system that will serve as a uniform system
2.1 ASTM Standards:
for facade inspectors to record their observations on existing
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
elevation drawings or photographs, or both, of existing build-
3. Symbols
ing facades.
3.1 See Fig. 1.
1.3 This guide is not intended to be used to record or
document a diagnosis for the particular symptom.
4. Modifying Syntax
1.4 Notations are listed in alphabetical order. Compound
4.1 See Fig. 2.
terms appear as per the first word as spoken.
5. Notation Examples
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5.1 See Fig. 3.
standard.
6. Keywords
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
6.1 condition; facade; notation; survey
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.55 on Perfor- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
mance of Bu
...