Thursday, December 15, 2011

Condo Window Replacement Quality Control

Condominium Owners and the Board of Directors that are charged with guiding and overseeing a window replacement project are not always up to speed with the quality control measures that should be specified on a replacement project to ensure the best results.

If you are on the board of a Condominium Association or are a concerned owner that knows your building is going to be renovated, make certain that third party testing is going to be included on your project.

Demand it.  You'll be living with the results.  The value of your unit depends upon it.

For more information on what needs to be included, contact Recon Independent Assessments.  We will review your project specs prior to the project being put out to bid to help ensure your investment is protected.

866-584-6868

Monday, December 12, 2011

Multi-Family Residential & Student Housing

Recon Independent Assessments has been minding the store so to speak, taking care of projects here closer to home over the past days.

A Multi-Family Apartment project in a retirement community was successfully tested using ASTM E-1105 Method B test proceedures.

A Student Housing project will recieve the first round of testing in the coming days as the project looks to ensure the installation of windows is going well before getting rolling.  Taking the time to validate methods and workmanship early can save money, time and reputations. 

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Florida Field Testing

In response to many clients asking for services beyond Field Testing Windows, Storefront, Curtain Wall and Skylights for Water Penetration Resistance (ASTM E 1105,AAMA 502, AAMA 503), a spin off company was formed just a little over a year ago to meet those needs.

Florida Field Testing, LLC

One of the services FFT provides is Third Party Testing of concrete slabs for moisture content.

For more information regarding FFT's RH Probe testing for concrete slabs, CLICK HERE

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Nationwide Third Party Window Testing - AAMA 502 & 503 - AAMA 501.2 - ASTM E 1105 & E 783

Recon Independent Assessments, LLC is set to finish 2011 in strong fashion. As we look back at the year in review, we are pleased to have been involved in many projects throughout the entire country. Field testing newly installed windows, curtain wall, skylights and storefronts was provided from the east coast to the pacific rim.

Expert legal services are ongoing in the mid west.

Building envelope consulting services increased in 2011 as well.

Leak detection and forensic cause and origin testing increased over the past year, allowing Recon to provide many happy clients with solutions that had been eluding them.

Our total commitment to quality, affordable consulting and testing services should continue to spur growth in 2012.

We hope to see you on your project soon.

Contact us to learn how we may be of service to you:

866-584-6868

 Additional Construction Materials Testing services are available through Florida Field Testing

Friday, November 11, 2011

Skylight Replacement Field Quality Control

Recon provided field testing services at University of Buffalo to ensure that the replacement of skylights was successful.

AAMA 501.2 Field Quality Control Check procedures were used to evaluate the success of the installation.

Recon is available to complete testing on your project, wherever it may be.  Contact us to discuss how our service and pricing will best serve your needs for a Qualified Third Party Field Testing Agency.

866-584-6868

Monday, October 31, 2011

Recon Provides Building Envelope Consulting Services

Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute Florida Port St. Lucie, FL
98,000 SF biomedical research facility focusing on immunology and research of infectious disease. Nine biochemistry labs and a 13,000 SF vivarium with ABSL-3 and BSL-3 suites. Project is design build delivery pursuing LEED Silver certification and is currently in construction phase with an expected completion date of January, 2012. Responsibilities include overall project and program management, design development, project cost control, value engineering/ buyback management, permit approval coordination, LEED facilitation oversight, bid and construction management oversight.
Recon was pleased to have been selected to provide Building Envelope Quality Control inspections and testing on the VGTI Project.

Working for the Owner and together with the Contractor and Sub-Contractors to provide a well constructed and watertight building envelope was a months long journey with a rewarding conclusion.

Finding The Source of Hard To Find Leaks in The Building Envelope

Recon Independent Assessments provides specialized consulting services to contractors, owners, and architects that are experiencing water intrusion in their buildings and have experienced difficulty locating the source.

The approach employed by Recon is geared towards exploring every component and interface as a potential source.  A systematic investigatory analysis of the problem is designed to ensure that all possibilities are examined.

Recon executes the plan using all available technology at their disposal.  What may appear to be no problem at all to the naked eye, may in fact be a potential clue to solving the hidden leak.

An example of the same area as viewed normally or via a thermal scan utilizing infrared: 





Recon is available in Cincinnati, OH or Nationwide to perform Building Envelope Leak Investigations, ASTM Water Penetration Resistance Field Testing, AAMA 502 & 503 Field Testing for Operable Windows, Curtain Wall & Storefront Window Systems.

Contact Recon Today: 

 866-584-6868

Friday, October 28, 2011

Historic District Retrofit - Mock-up Testing - Energy Efficiency Upgrade

Recon Independent Assessments had the pleasure of providing testing and consulting services to help provide data to a building owner who is looking to improve the water penetration resistance of an apartment building in downtown Indianapolis as well as to reduce air infiltration to improve energy efficiency.

When your project requires real time data to support a proposal to retrofit the existing windows with newer more energy efficient ones, we're ready to assist.

Call 866-584-6868 to discuss your project requirements and pricing options.







Monday, October 17, 2011

Third Party Field Quality Control Testing & Consulting

Recon Independent Assessments is called on often to help locate latent issues in the building envelope that have allowed for water penetration.

For the most part, sealants often play the dominant role in being the proximate cause of an envelope failure.

Once the  possible source(s) have been identified, a remedial plan must be executed to repair the breached envelope.

After the repair, the most critical part of the remedial plan should take place, re-testing the subject areas to confirm the repair worked and the suspected source was the only source.  Often times multiple sources can only be determined as each overlying cause is repaired.

Recon uses a systematic, thoughtful and purposed approach to ongoing intrusion issues. By not rule in or out any possibility we feel confident that finding the source of failure can be achieved. We approach the building envelope suspecting anything and everything has failed and develop an investigative process that requires each part of the facade to perform.

Available Nationwide:  866-584-6868

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Baltimore Healthcare Project


Orlando School Project

Norfolk Military Project

Jacksonville University Project

Hawaii Community College Project

Washington DC Commercial Office Project

ASTM E 1105 Field Quality Control

AAMA 502 Field Quality Control


The Industry Leader For Independent Third Party Testing

• ASTM E 1105 Field Test for Water Penetration / Static Pressure.
• ASTM E 783 Field Test for Air Infiltration.
• AAMA 501.2 Field Check Metal Curtain Walls / Water Leakage.
• AAMA 501.3 Field Water Test- Static Method.
• AAMA 502 Field Test - Windows.
• AAMA 503 Field Test - Curtain Walls.


We take a team approach to advising clients on the
right strategies to develop a Sound Envelope and
Sensible Quality Control plans.

866 - 584 - 6868

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Curtain Wall Testing Underway at Patriot Ridge - ASTM E 1105 Test Method


Recon Independent Assessments is pleased to be joining the project by providing field quality control testing for installed fenestration.

Recon Independent Assessments is a Qualified Third Party Testing Agency serving the entire United States.

Contact us to discuss your project testing needs: 866-584-6868

Monday, September 26, 2011

Recon Independent Assessments Provides ASTM & AAMA Window Testing Anywhere

ASTM E 1105 Testing by Recon Independent Assessments



Recon Independent Assessments is providing Division 8 Field Quality Control Testing on a community college campus this week in Hawaii.

Our reputation for reasonable pricing and quality testing services leads us to yet another opportunity.

In addition to the engagement that we have to provide ASTM E 1105 testing on the island, we will be visiting another site to provide a pre-bid walk though for yet another.

Wherever your project happens to be, Recon can be there.

Call us anytime 866-584-6868

Friday, September 23, 2011

Post Hurricane Water Intrusion Investigations Provide Valuable Information

In September 2011, Recon Independent Assessments provided investigative testing for two clients in Virginia and North Carolina that experienced water intrusion as the area felt the effects of Hurricane Irene.

The results from the testing were used to formulate an action plan to correct the problems identified.

All parties involved in each project are invested in providing solutions to the issues.

Recon always enjoys assisting in a team effort to keep water outside the building envelope.

If your building is experiencing leaks that are difficult to locate, give Recon a call at 866-584-6868 to discuss your needs and receive a proposal of cost.

Monday, September 19, 2011

The Hurricane Irene Road Show - Building Envelope Consulting

As the tropical storm force winds and rains moved along the Atlantic coast earlier this summer, water intrusion issues were discovered in many buildings as wind driven rain exploited building envelope components that did not hold up to the pressure.

Recon has engagements in Virginia and North Carolina to conduct investigations to determine points of origin for water intrusion on several buildings.  The building facade construction is varied; curtain wall, metal panel,  brick veneer.

If you have an immediate need for assistance, we're always happy to help, give us a call:

866-584-6868

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Fall Semester 2011 - Field Testing Report

An early Fall quiz at University of North Florida has begun.

Punched openings with HC 75 storefront windows are being tested for water penetration resistance.

Later in the semester, curtain wall will be tested.

The ASTM E 1105 is the standard and test method.

Recon Independent Assessments continues to be a leader in the post secondary education construction market.

Future testing on other campuses will take place this Fall in New York, Hawaii, Florida and Mississippi.

Contact us if your Facilities Department has new buildings under construction that require Third Party Field Testing of installed windows, curtain wall, skylights or storefronts.

866-584-6868

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Testing Completed Early & Under Budget in Baltimore

Recon Independent Assessments earned the opportunity to provide testing on a healthcare project in Baltimore by beating the pants off the competition with our pricing.  The contractor couldn't be happier now that we've finished testing early and under budget.

WIN - WIN!!

If your project requires Air Infiltration or Water Penetration Field Testing in the Washington DC - Baltimore Area, contact us today to learn how field testing should be performed, reasonably.









Call today for a proposal on your project.  866-584-6868

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Baltimore ASTM E 783 & ASTM E 1105 Window Testing


Recon Independent Assessments is returning to Baltimore to complete field testing on newly installed windows on the new construction project at Sinai Hospital.

If your project is in the Baltimore - Washington, DC area required a Qualified Third Party Testing Agency for field testing, we are happy to provide you with a proposal.  If time allows, we can potentially visit your site early next week.

Questions or Proposal Requests: 866-584-6868

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Plan On Testing Installed Glazing Early To Ensure A Watertight Building Envelope

Recon Independent Assessments - Third Party Building Envelope Testing

Your soils were tested, the concrete was tested, steel and welds were inspected, the list goes on...

Make sure to wrap it all up into a protective envelope that has been tested to make sure it is performing as intended.

The right time to test is early on in the project.  If there is an issue, there is a lot of time left to correct.

Test throughout the project, to ensure quality remains high.

Verification of a successful installation of a curtain wall, storefronts, windows, or sky lights is critical to your immediate success and your long term reputation.

ASTM and AAMA test methods such as the ASTM E 1105, AAMA 502 & 503, AAMA 501.2 are available, check the specs to see which is called for in your Div. 8.

Recon would be honored to be your Qualified Third Party Testing Agency.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

AAMA 501.2 Skylight Replacement Project







Recon Independent Assessments Provides Qualified Third Party Field Testing.

Quality installation work is verified to ensure that the project is successful.

Recon provides detailed reporting to ensure that everyone is informed of failures so that remedial work can be undertaken.

Contact Recon 866-584-6868 to learn how our services can benefit your project.

Affordable, Timely, and Professional - Recon Independent Assessments  AAMA 501.2 Field Quality Control  

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

ASTM E 1105 Field Testing for Water Penetration Resistance

Recon Independent Assessments spent the past two days providing field testing on a project at NSA, Norfolk.

ASTM E 1105 
Sixteen punched openings were tested for water penetration resistance using the ASTM E 1105 over the past two days.

Work is ongoing to ensure that the US Navy will have a watertight building envelope.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Water Penetration Field Testing - ASTM E 1105 or Mother Nature

Wind & Rain Are in the Forecast!!
If you had your choice, would you rather learn of problems with installed fenestration or perimeter sealants while you're project is being built or by phone call from an owner after a storm?

Recon Independent Assessments is your link to quality field testing services:  866-584-6868

Friday, July 29, 2011

Healthcare Project Field Testing - Curtain Wall - Water Penetration Resistance


Recon Independent Assessments is proud to be assisting the Project Team by providing Field Testing as a Qualified Third Party Testing Agency.

Testing the installed curtain wall to ensure no water leakage is evidenced will lead to a sustainable environment for patients and staff.

Contact us today to have us join your healthcare construction team.

866-584-6868

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Operable Window Testing Completed On Multi-Family Project

Recon Independent Assessments was on a project today to provide Field Quality Control Testing on an operable system today.

The ASTM E 1105 Method B was the procedure employed to test for water penetration resistance.

We've worked several projects over the years with these talented and capable guys, so it was more like a reunion than work today.

We love our job!

Call 866-584-6868 to invite us to your next water party.

Monday, July 25, 2011

ASTM E 1105 vs. AAMA 503

A lot of field testing is specified using the AAMA 503, which calls for the use of the ASTM E 1105 procedure to execute the field quality control field testing.

If you're confused, you are not alone.

The ASTM E 1105 is the procedure in this case, and the AAMA standard guides the criteria for what constitutes a passing or failing result.

AAMA allows for a prescribed amount of water to be evident inside the plane of the glazing so long as it is "controlled".

After years of testing, Recon Independent Assessments is puzzled by the fact that any water evidenced inside the building envelope would be considered a successful installation.

Over time, conventional wisdom dictates that water intrusion never cures its self, rather it typically gets worse.

Why start a building's occupancy at a deficit?

In the case of an ASTM E 1105 being specified as the stand alone standard and procedure to evaluate the water penetration resistance of a newly installed fenestration system, the standard is clear:  No water shall be evidenced inside the inner plane of the glazing.  Period.

If you are an architect, owner, or building manager, which standard would you prefer, a little water or none at all?

Be careful when specifying the standard you'll have to live with.

Recon Independent Assessments provides Qualified Third Party Field Testing Agency services regardless of the standard, we simply refer to the specs and proceed accordingly.

Contact us today to receive a proposal for your project.  Turnaround on proposals typically is less than 48 hours.

866-584-6868

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Coastal Healthcare Project AAMA 501.2 & ASTM E 1105

Two days of testing along the coast of Georgia involved providing AAMA 501.2 Field Quality Control Checks on multiple windows on a health care facility renovation project.

Additional windows were tested to the ASTM E 1105 standard.

Field Testing Division 8 work is always a good idea, along the coast, its imperative.  Mother Nature will surely provide opportunities to test a system, so get out in front of her and test during construction to ensure the owner has a watertight building envelope before your reputation is tested too.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Recon Independent Assessments AAMA 501.2 & ASTM E 1105 Field Testing

AAMA 501.2 Identified Issues Requiring Remedial Work
Curtain Wall Testing ASTM E1105

Recon Independent Assessments has been assisting project teams from New York to Virginia this summer to help ensure that owners receive a watertight building envelope.

Recon has used the ASTM E 1105 and AAMA 501.2 to evaluate newly installed fenestration.

To learn more about the AAMA 501.2 view the "How To" located here:  CLICK

To learn how cost effective testing can be, call us today:  866-584-6868

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Field Testing of Installed Windows Made Easy

Recon Independent Assessments makes field testing performed under the Field Quality Control section of Division 8 an easy affair.

AAMA 501.2, AAMA 502,AMMA 503or ASTM E1105 Standard?  No Problem

ASTM E 1105 Test Procedure
Available Nationwide:

866-584-6868

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Window Testing - ASTM E 1105 & AAMA 501.2

Recon Independent Assessments is working hard this summer providing services on many projects.

From Buffalo, NY to Columbia, SC field testing RFP's are coming in daily.  It should come as no surprise that we're batting .1000 on proposals that result in purchase orders.

If you are looking for the best pricing and great field service and reporting, call us today:

866-584-6868


AAMA 501.2 Field Quality Control Check

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Re-Testing Windows and Curtainwall via an ASTM E 1105

The Department of the Navy required testing, Recon Independent Assessments provided it.

Remedial work has been completed, sealant cure time allowed for, and now it's time to check the work to ensure it has enabled the two systems to pass an ASTM E-1105 water penetration resistance field test.

Building owners and occupants deserve the best quality possible.  Recon helps ensure that quality is delivered.

If your project requires field quality control within Div 8, call us:

866-584-6868

Monday, June 20, 2011

Division 8 Field Quality Control Testing & Building Envelope Consulting

Division 8 Field Quality Control Testing & Building Envelope Consulting




Recon Independent Assessments, LLC has the experience and capabilities to provide your next project with the best value in materials testing and consulting.



Our project experience has ranged from a 20,000 sq/ft residential structure to district schools, college & university facilities, industrial facilities, healthcare facilities, as well as federal projects including military facilities.



Recon Independent Assessments, LLC is a small business. By providing only in the field consulting and testing, we do not have to support the high overhead of having a testing laboratory. Our pricing reflects it.



Once provided with your project specifications, we can turn around a proposal of cost very quickly.



Recent projects:








Orange County Public Schools - ASTM E-1105

Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute – Building Envelope Consulting

SUNY Fredonia – AAMA 501.2

USJFCOM HQ – ASTM E- 1105

Halifax Hospital – Building Envelope Consulting

University of Florida – AAMA 502 & 503

University of North Florida – ASTM E-1105

Indian River State College – ASTM E-1105

Seminole County Public Schools – ASTM E-1105

Albany State University – Building Envelope Consulting

Contact Recon Independent Assessments, LLC



866-584-6868

Friday, June 17, 2011

Operable Windows Tested Using ASTM E 1105

Recon Independent Assessments recently completed testing on a new school being constructed in Seminole County Florida.

ASTM E 1105 Field Testing by a Qualified Third Party Testing Agency being required on your project?

Call us to discuss the required test protocol and to learn how affordable Recon makes field testing:

866-584-6868

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Curtain Wall Testing Along The Treasure Coast

Recon Independent Assessments is hard at work today validating the installation of a new curtain wall.  ASTM E 1105 testing procedures will be used to evaluate water penetration resistance of a newly installed system.

If your project specs call for an Independent Qualified Third Party Testing Agency, call Recon today for a free consultation and proposal of cost.

866-584-6868

Monday, June 13, 2011

Concrete Slab Moisture Content Testing

Recon Independent Assessments provided services on an Orlando, FL project this morning by performing in situ testing of three slabs on an ongoing project that is awaiting installation of flooring. 

ASTM F 2170 Best Practices were followed when placing 15 monitoring stations.

After a 72 hour equilibrium period has passed, Recon will return to the project to begin collecting data from the probes.

If your project is in need of RH testing to determine whether the slab is ready for flooring, call us to get a personal response, your questions answered and a  proposal of cost.

1-866-584-6868

Friday, June 10, 2011

SUNY Fredonia Skylight and Storefront Testing Completed - AAMA 501.2

Recon Independent Assessments flew to Rochester, NY this week to perform AAMA 501.2 Field Quality Control Checks on three different types of installed fenestration on the campus of SUNY Fredonia.

After a short drive to the campus, Recon mobilized on site and performed testing as contracted. 

The AAMA 501.2 Field Quality Control Check was prescribed as the test method by project specifications.

Recon remains available for your project in Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, Erie and beyond.

Contact us today to receive a personal, project specific consultation:

1-866-584-6868

Monday, June 6, 2011

Summer School In Mississippi - The Windows Will Be Tested for Water Penetration

Recon Independent Assessments, LLc will be travelling to the Great State of Mississippi to perform Field Testing of Newly Installed Windows on a Campus Project a little later in the Summer of 2011.
The engagement is new work from an existing client.  At Recon we feel the greatest compliment we receive is an invite to our clients next project!

Whether AAMA 502 or AAMA 503, Recon will provide you with the best value in testing in the nation.  ASTM E 1105 testing procedures to evaluate windows, storefront and curtain wall systems are the standard in the construction field to evaluate the quality of an installation of glazing within the building envelope.

Contact Recon Independent Assessments today to get your project specific quote for services.

1-866-584-6868

 We Would Love To Hear From You!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

2011 Hurricane Season officially set to begin tomorrow (June 1, 2011)

Press Release Source: Verizon Wireless On Tuesday May 31, 2011, 8:30 am EDT


ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the 2011 Hurricane Season officially set to begin tomorrow (June 1), Georgians should be preparing an emergency communication plan to keep their families safe and in touch.



Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless carrier, offers these tips for storm season:





Keep phones, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location. Consider waterproof accessories or simple zip-lock storage bags to protect devices.

Keep wireless phone batteries fully charged – in case local power is lost – well before warnings are issued.

Have additional charged batteries and car-charger adapters available for back-up power.

Maintain a list of emergency numbers – police and fire agencies; power and insurance companies; family, friends and co-workers; etc. – and program them into your phone.

Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and friends.

Download from a wide variety of weather- and safety-related applications for smartphones, tablets and other devices. Many of these apps are free.

Use a service such as Backup Assistant, the free Verizon Wireless application that stores a phone's address book on a secure server in case the phone is lost or damaged.









Verizon Wireless also suggests the following actions once a storm is on the way:





Limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free-up wireless networks for emergency agencies and operations. Send brief text messages rather than voice calls for the same reason.

Forward your home phone calls to your wireless number if you evacuate.

Check weather and news reports on wireless phone applications when power is out.









"We already have seen this spring what severe weather can do right here in Georgia," says Jeff Mango, president of Verizon Wireless' Georgia/Alabama Region. "We know that preparation, and the earlier the better, is important in staying safe and keeping the lines of communication with loved ones and emergency responders open."



Verizon Wireless, which operates the nation's fastest 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, has made numerous network enhancements over the past year. These include launching its most advanced 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) services in the Atlanta and Athens markets. Additionally, over the course of 2010 new cell towers and/or other network enhancements worth more than $190 million were activated in 279 Georgia cities. These initiatives are part of a network investment in Georgia totaling more than $1.8 billion since the company was formed in 2000. Nationally, the company has invested more than $65 billion to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network, and to add new services.



In the aftermath of even the most devastating weather, the Verizon Wireless network in Georgia has remained strong while many other wireless communication networks struggled to serve emergency response officials and residents. Verizon Wireless' storm preparation includes:





Verizon Wireless is fully prepared to set up Wireless Emergency Communication Centers (WECCs) to serve residents and rescue agencies in the area(s) in the greatest need.

The company also has a fleet of Cells on Wheels (COWS) and Cells on Light Trucks (COLTS), and generators on trailers (GOaTS) that can be rolled into hard-hit locations.

Verizon Wireless pre-arranges fuel delivery to mobile units and generators to keep the network operating at full strength even if power is lost for an extended period of time.

Installation of advanced in-building systems to boost wireless coverage and services at hospitals, government and emergency facilities, high-traffic public venues and other locations throughout Georgia.

Verizon Wireless has a Communications Store on wheels ready to roll. The 35-foot trailer allows Verizon Wireless to maintain retail operations in areas when company stores are not able to open or when retail services are needed in areas where natural disaster strikes, enabling customers to purchase the wireless phones and accessories they need.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Southbound and Down

Another busy week is about to wrap up at Recon Independent Assessments.

Projects in Ft. Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Norfolk, and Orlando have kept us hopping.

ASTM E-1105, AAMA 502, AAMA 501.2 were provided to some very satisfied clients.

If you are seeking a qualified third party testing agency, call today 866-584-6868.

Next week: Georgia, Orlando, Jacksonville...

Where will you send us?