Forensic Investigation

Our Building Forensics Solutions Solve Your Water Damage Problems

You may act at the first sign of water damage in your building, but do you truly understand the full scope of the problem?

Our building forensics experts can help, using industry-standard testing methods to assess your walls, roofing, windows and more. We’ll pinpoint the root cause of the damage, so you end up with solid strategies for a lasting solution.
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Forensic Investigation Services

When GCI investigates your building envelope for water leakage problems, we follow a five-step proven process, exercising due diligence to assess conditions and evaluate defects or damage.

Pre-Testing Discovery

Before we go on-site, we review all documentation related to your building. This includes original construction and repair history, maintenance records, photographic and video evidence, and weather data.

On-Site Visual Investigation

Next, we perform a visual investigation of the damage, looking for clues and evidence of previous leakage. We also use investigative tools, including moisture meters, to provide us with additional data.

Protocol Development

Based on the results from the first two steps, we then develop a responsible water infiltration testing protocol based on the industry-standard methodologies best suited to your building and water leakage issues.

On-Site Water Infiltration Testing

Here's where we conduct tests to simulate water leakage conditions in reported areas. In some cases, we remove interior finishes to trace leakage paths back to their sources.

Analysis & Reporting

Finally, we develop a comprehensive report on our findings, giving you relevant data to identify the parties responsible for correcting the defects in connection with construction or insurance claims.

Forensic Investigation Methodologies

Our forensics experts have spent decades analyzing building envelope damage and defects, so we know how to apply industry-standard testing methods to match your specific circumstances.

Here are some of the standards we use to evaluate your building envelope issues:

ASTM Standards:

ASTM E2128 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls

ASTM E576 - Standard Test Method for Frost/Dew Point of Sealed Insulating Glass Units in the Vertical Position

ASTM E783 – Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors

ASTM E1105 - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference

ASTM D5957 -  Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations

ASTM D7053 - Standard Guide for Determining and Evaluating Causes of Water Leakage of Low-Sloped Roofs

ASTM D7954 – Standard Practice for Moisture Surveying of Roofing and Waterproofing Systems Using Non-Destructive Electrical Impedance Scanners

AAMA Standards:

AAMA 501.2 – Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems

AAMA 511 – Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products

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Rely on Us for Forensic Investigations Tailored to Your Building Envelope Issues

Our building forensics consultants conduct thorough assessments across the United States. With certified specialists in window, door, wall, waterproofing and roofing systems, we solve your building envelope issues cost-effectively and efficiently.

Need help? Contact Us

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