Forensic Investigations
BEaR Engineers has been contracted by multiple clients to locate the source of reported water infiltration, and recommend appropriate repair prescriptions.
BEaR Engineers is typically hired by facility owners, and installation contractors, to provide a third party unbiased opinion of the cause and source of water infiltration. Our investigations do not “point the finger” at a specific contractor or installer, but rather identify the components of construction that resulted in the failure. Our investigations begin with collecting information on the history of the reported water infiltration, along with original construction documents if available, and a history of repair attempts (if any). We then utilize our experience and understanding of building science, construction methods, and typical failure points to evaluate the building components in the area of the reported water infiltration to note deficiencies that may contribute to the infiltration. Water testing is performed to isolate each observed deficiency to confirm the source(s) of water infiltration are identified. A report is generated detailing the results of our investigation, and our recommendation on how to properly repair the deficiencies to prevent further infiltration.
Testing an unsealed coping joint for water infiltration - No water infiltration was observed.
Testing the improperly repaired flashing of a roof overflow scupper - No water infiltration was observed.
Testing the exterior of an unsealed roof overflow scupper - Water infiltration observed at the reported locations within the facility.
Water observed dripping down the interior wall while testing the unsealed overflow scupper.
Overview of window system that had reported leaks during construction.
AAMA 501.2 testing of the window system to locate the failure point. No water infiltration was observed.
Testing the wall panel to storefront flashing interface. Water infiltration observed.
Water applied above the window system was observed dripping from the horizontal mullion. The failure point was determined to be the flashing interface between the wall panels and the storefront head.