Forensic Investigation Services
Our forensic investigations help solve your building enclosure's water leakage problems.
There are signs of water damage in your building. do you truly understand the full scope of the problem?
Our building forensics experts can help, using industry-standard testing methods to assess your exterior walls, roofs, windows, doors, and cladding. We can pinpoint the root cause of the damage, so you end up with solid strategies for a lasting solution.
Our Approach
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. See below for details on our services for forensic investigations.
1. Pre-Testing Discovery
This step provides context and informs our on-site investigation strategy. We begin by thoroughly reviewing all relevant documentation, including:
- Original construction plans
- Repair and maintenance records
- Photographic and video evidence
- Historical weather data
2. On-Site Visual Investigation
Next, our forensic experts conduct a visual inspection of the damage. We utilize investigative tools including moisture meters and thermal imaging technology to gather additional data on potential problem areas. We are looking for:
- Evidence of previous water leakage
- Signs of material degradation
3. Protocol Development
Based on the results from the first two steps, we develop an investigative testing protocol using industry-standard methodologies best suited to address your water leakage issues. The testing is intended to simulate real-world conditions specific to your building.
4. On-Site Investigative Testing
We conduct rigorous investigative testing to:
- Simulate water leakage conditions in reported areas
- Trace water paths to their sources
- Identify vulnerabilities in the building envelope
5. Analysis & Reporting
Finally, our team develops a detailed forensic report, including:
- Comprehensive findings and data analysis
- High-resolution imagery and documentation
- Recommendations for remediation or replacement
Forensic investigations and solutions tailored to your specific building envelope issues.
Additional Forensic Services
Due Diligence Surveys
Our pre-purchase condition assessments provide a clear picture of a property's current state, helping you make informed decisions and mitigate risk involving your real estate investment.Construction Support
We have completed our investigation, and you want to move forward with our recommendations. What's next? GCI can provide expert construction support services to help your team successfully implement those solutions. Learn about our construction support services >Property Condition Assessments
Following ASCE 30-14 standards, we deliver thorough evaluations of your property's overall condition and identify potential areas of concern.Drone (UAS) Surveys
Our FAA-licensed pilots utilize state-of-the-art drone flight technology to capture high-resolution imagery of hard-to-reach areas, enhancing our forensic capabilities. Learn about the AirGCI Program >Accredited and Certified Testing Agency
GCI is accredited as a certified AAMA Field Test Agency by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and certified as a Miami-Dade County Approved Testing Laboratory by Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER). These accreditations underscore our commitment to delivering the highest level of quality assurance in building envelope performance.
- Water Penetration Testing
- Air Leakage Testing
- Frost Point Testing
- Flood Testing
- Roof Moisture Survey Testing
- Destructive Testing
We adhere to ASTM and AAMA testing methods and industry standards. Our field testing services lead to higher quality assurance in window and door glazing systems, among other building enclosure products and systems. Let us help you by providing the data you need to achieve project success.
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.
- 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 E576 "Standard Test Method for Frost/Dew Point of Sealed Insulating Glass Units in the Vertical Position"
- ASTM E2128 "Standard Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls"
- ASTM D5957 "Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations"
- ASTM D7954 "Standard Practice for Moisture Surveying of Roofing and Waterproofing Systems Using Non-Destructive Electrical Impedance Scanners"
- ASTM D7053 "Standard Guide for Determining and Evaluating Causes of Water Leakage of Low-Sloped Roofs"
- ASTM C1521 "Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesion of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints"
- AAMA 501.2 "Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems"
- AAMA 511 "Voluntary Guidelines for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products"
- TAS 126 "Standard Procedures for Roof Moisture Surveys"
- ASCE 30-14 "Voluntary Guideline for Condition Assessment of the Building Envelope"
Can't figure out why your building is still leaking and how to fix it?
Our building envelope specialists work alongside your existing team and general contractor to collaboratively implement custom repair solutions for your property.
Need help investigating a water leakage or building envelope issues?
