Risk Analysis

The completion of a short risk analysis will allow to determine whether a facade is a potential target for graffiti and further deteriorations. 

The risk assessment is based on an analysis of both the property and the surroundings and depends on various factors. One should particularly try to estimate the cleaning frequency, i.e. the likelihood of vandalism. 

Typical questions related to property analysis:

Is the property a likely target?
Properties with a higher risk to be vandalized are for example schools, youth clubs and public buildings. 

Building materials used? 
Building materials that are porous (e.g. natural stones) or not resistant to solvents and/or acids (e.g. thermal insulation system EIFS) are also vulnerable to graffiti or improper graffiti removal.

Is the facade of the property easily accessible?
Facades of properties that are easily accessible (e.g. direct access from the street) and from which graffiti artists can escape easily are more likely to be defaced than facades that are hidden away or fenced in. 

Does the surface of the facade provide a canvas? 
Privileged targets are eye catching facades that are plain and bright, have a smooth surface and ensure high visibility.

Does the property offer high public visibility?
A graffiti vandal is striving to be famous and wants his „work of art“ to be seen by as many people as possible (e.g. pedestrian zone, downtown areas, train stations and bus stops, freeways).

Helpful questions related to the surroundings: 

How do other facades in the neighborhood look like?
There is a higher probability for a property to be the target of vandalism if facades in the vicinity are also vandalized.

Are neighboring buildings a risk factor?
Buildings located near schools, youth centers, train stations or bus stops are more likely to be potential targets.

How is the social environment?
The proximity to places frequented by young people (e.g. playground, public space, youth center) or to a student district are also to be seen as potential risk factors.

Internal sources of risk should not be underestimated. One of the most important issues in terms of possible subsequent damages is:

Who will take care of potential graffiti removal? 
Some damages are not caused by graffiti but by its improper removal. Solvents from hardware stores used by inexperienced janitors or high pressure washer used by unqualified cleaning companies result in blasting damages to the substrate structure or abrasive burns to the surface.

Risk factor, e.g. bus or train station
Risk factor, e.g. school

We would be pleased to complete an extensive risk analysis for your project. Do not hesitate to contact us.
 

More questions?
Give us a call or use our contact form. We will be glad to answer your questions or send you a non-binding offer.

Contact Grafffiti-Guard