Forensic Services & CAT Response
The building envelope or curtain wall system protects the underlying components and interior from the elements. If the building enclosure is not weather-tight, it is only a matter of time before damage will occur to those components and to the interior of the building. When leaks occur, there are a number of possible causes. We provide thorough investigations to determine the source of problems within the building envelope, and then makes recommendations that will lead to solutions.
We offer emergency response services, investigation and assessment, and renovation and repair design services for structural or serviceability failures in the building envelope.
Remedial Investigation Services
When problems occur in a building envelope or curtain wall system, we will investigate the situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Reviewing documentation, performing on-site field investigations from ground floor and elevated levels, and supervising testing, our consultants can determine the cause of problems, develop corrective solutions and provide cost estimates.
For historical preservation or historical renovation projects, our consultants act as stewards of the building throughout the process. Often well-intended but inappropriate repairs have caused damage throughout the years. We examine how the building functioned with historic technology, then incorporate and blend in new technologies and materials that enhance the original design.
Catastrophic (CAT) Response Services
We provide site investigations, conditions assessments, document reviews and design of repairs and/or remediation for the curtain wall, building enclosure and roofing systems following these types of catastrophic events:
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Hailstorms
- Windstorms
- Earthquakes & Seismic Events
- Floods
- Fires
- Acts of Terrorism, Vandalism or other human caused events
We can provide an expert opinion as to the specific causation of damages and can provide an expert opinion as to whether the damaged building envelope was properly built to the applicable codes, standards and specified criteria at the time of construction.
Planning to Avoid Future Catastrophic Events
To assist clients with preparing for future catastrophic events, we have provided document reviews, site investigations, conditions assessments and design of remediation as required. We have also provided designs for mitigation methods as a preliminary level of protection until the permanent solution can be designed and constructed.