Sometimes you need to look under the hood to find the problem. This is especially true of building facades. When puzzling problems occur, the most direct approach may be to perform a construction forensic investigation. This simply means, take the construction apart and look inside.

 

Forensic investigation of construction glass
Mark Meshulam a.k.a Chicago Window Expert checks quality of glass before it is tested for impact resistance. This followed a construction forensic investigation into a glass breakage problem at a university in Chicago.

We forensically disassemble troubled parts of the building facade, layer by layer until the problem becomes clear.

Every step of the forensic disassembly is documented. We issue clearly explained and well illustrated reports describing the problem.

Then, based upon our 40 years of experience, we propose remedial repairs. Upon your request, we will perform the repairs indicated by the construction forensic investigation and test them for effectiveness.

Areas of Construction Forensic Investigation

Workmen perform construction forensic investigation of window in high rise building
Chicago Window Expert workmen perform construction forensic investigation of window in high rise building
Construction forensic investigation performed in a window factory
This construction forensic investigation led to observation of window fabrication in the factory
Construction forensic investigation includes removal of window
Window leak problem was investigated by forensically removing a newly installed window. Construction forensic investigations can occur during construction when problems arise.

 

  • Caulk/Sealant failure
  • Coping leaks/failure
  • Curtainwall leaks/failure
  • EIFS (or stucco) leaks/failure
  • Flashing leaks/failure
  • Glass breakage
  • Glass fogging or seal failure
  • Masonry leaks/failure
  • Panel system leaks/failure
  • Roofing leaks/failure
  • Storefront leaks/failure
  • Window leaks/failure

Tools and Equipment Used for Construction Forensic Investigation

Device for measuring air quality such as VOCs and formaldehyde
A recent forensic investigation involved locating the source of a chemical smell in new construction. This device helped discover that the source was sealant reversion.
Work men investigate glazing leak from swing stage
Window glazing leak is forensically investigated by work men from a swing stage
Device for measuring temperature, relative humidity and absolute humidity is used in some construction forensic investigations
Sensitive and accurate device for measuring temperature, relative humidity and absolute humidity. It is used in construction forensic investigations where climatic conditions are at issue

 

  • Boom lift / scissors lift
  • Caulk/sealant guns and tools
  • Data loggers for moisture and temperature
  • Glass thickness and coating meter
  • Glazing cups and glazing tools
  • Hand tools and power tools
  • High Resolution Camera
  • Humidity meter, including absolute humidity
  • Infrared camera
  • Masonry tools
  • Moisture indicator paper
  • Moisture meter
  • Polariscope for finding stresses in glass
  • Safety equipment (Personal Protective Equipment) Scaffolding
  • Thermometer and thermocouple

Call to discuss your Construction Forensic Investigation

We welcome your inquiry and are happy to discuss creating a custom-designed construction forensic investigation approach for your unique project. Call or email now.