Forensic Building Enclosure
Investigations
Building Enclosure Forensics provides independent forensic building enclosure investigations throughout Colorado. We investigate water intrusion, air leakage, roofing failures, window and wall-system deficiencies, and other building-envelope performance concerns to help property owners, attorneys, contractors, and other stakeholders understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what corrective action may be appropriate.
What Is a Forensic Building Enclosure Investigation?
A forensic building enclosure investigation is a systematic evaluation of building components to determine the source and cause of water intrusion, air leakage, moisture-related damage, premature deterioration, or other performance problems.
Our investigations may include visual observations, review of construction documents, diagnostic testing, selective exploratory openings, moisture evaluation, and analysis of exterior wall, window, roofing, waterproofing, and related enclosure systems.
The objective is not simply to identify where a symptom appears, but to determine how and why the building enclosure is failing and provide technically supported findings that can guide repair decisions, dispute resolution, or further evaluation.
Common Building Enclosure Problems We Investigate
Building enclosure failures can develop from design deficiencies, construction defects, material deterioration, improper installation, or interactions between multiple building systems. Our investigations focus on identifying the underlying cause of the problem rather than simply documenting visible symptoms.
Typical conditions we investigate include:
Water intrusion and moisture damage
Air leakage and uncontrolled air movement
Window and curtain wall leakage
Exterior wall and cladding deficiencies
Roofing and waterproofing failures
Flashing and transition deficiencies
Sealant and joint failures
Condensation and moisture-related deterioration
Premature material deterioration
Building enclosure performance disputes
Where appropriate, observations may be supplemented by diagnostic testing, selective exploratory openings, moisture evaluation, document review, and applicable ASTM or AAMA testing procedures.
Our Building Enclosure Investigation Process
Every investigation is tailored to the building, reported conditions, and objectives of the client. Depending on the circumstances, our forensic evaluation may include:
1. Initial Consultation & Document Review
We discuss the reported conditions, history of the problem, previous repairs, and available construction documents, photographs, reports, or other relevant information.
2. Site Investigation
We perform visual observations of relevant building enclosure components and document conditions that may contribute to leakage, deterioration, or other performance concerns.
3. Diagnostic Testing & Exploratory Evaluation
When appropriate, the investigation may include water penetration testing, air leakage testing, moisture evaluation, selective exploratory openings, or other diagnostic procedures.
4. Analysis & Findings
Observed conditions and testing results are evaluated to identify probable sources, pathways, contributing factors, and causes of the reported building enclosure problem.
5. Recommendations & Documentation
Depending on the scope of the engagement, findings may be communicated through consultation, photographs, written documentation, repair recommendations, or a formal technical report.
When to Consider a Forensic Building Enclosure Investigation
A forensic building enclosure investigation may be appropriate when a building experiences recurring leakage, unexplained moisture damage, premature deterioration, or other enclosure performance problems that have not been resolved through routine repairs.
Clients may seek an independent investigation when:
• Water intrusion continues after previous repairs
• The source of leakage or moisture damage is unclear
• Roofing, window, wall, or waterproofing systems are suspected of failing
• Construction defects or installation deficiencies may be contributing to the problem
• Multiple building components may be interacting to create a failure
• Property damage or deterioration requires documentation
• A technically supported evaluation is needed before significant repairs are undertaken
• Building enclosure conditions are involved in a construction or property dispute
Building Enclosure Forensics, LLC provides independent building enclosure consulting and forensic investigation services throughout Colorado for property owners, attorneys, contractors, associations, and other stakeholders.
Need Help Determining the Cause of a Building Enclosure Problem?
Building Enclosure Forensics, LLC provides independent forensic investigation and building enclosure consulting services throughout Colorado.
If your property is experiencing recurring water intrusion, air leakage, moisture damage, premature deterioration, or another unresolved building enclosure problem, contact us to discuss the conditions and determine an appropriate next step.