Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Controlling Storefront and Curtainwall Water Infiltration

The following article from Architect's Guide to Glass and Metal is definitely a worthwhile read:

 Controlling Storefront and Curtainwall Water Infiltration

Most architectural aluminum glazing systems are not designed to be totally waterproof. Rather, most systems are designed to control water infiltration under extreme conditions and weep that water back to the exterior. Storefront and curtainwall systems differ in many ways: appearance, profiles, windload resistance, glazing, thermal performance and how they weep water. This discussion focuses on how storefront and curtainwall handle water disbursement differently.

Click Here For Full Article

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Water Intrusion Investigation to Determine Source of Water From Tropical Storm Debby

Recon Independent Assessments spent the day examining a structure in Jacksonville today to determine the cause and origin of a water intrusion event caused by the wind and rain resulting from the stormy conditions caused by TS Debby.

Through the use of IR thermography and visual examination several areas were identified as intrusion points.

The contractor who requested the building envelope investigation is now well prepared to address the owners concerns.

Recon Independent Assessments draws from a deep well of experience and a practical approach to the evidence to uncover hard to find conditions that allow water to penetrate the building envelope.

Call today if you face a similar problem.  Recon is standing by to assist in repairing your storm damaged building.

866-584-6868

Monday, June 25, 2012

Debby Downer - Tropical Storm Damage Assessments


Recon Independent Assessments provides post tropical storm investigations to determine the source of water intrusion events caused by the adverse weather.

Protect your reputation by responding quickly and decisively to reported problems.  The sooner a positive resolution is reached, the better.

866-584-6868

Thursday, June 21, 2012

AAMA 503 using the ASTM E 1105 & ASTM E 783

Yep, 

We do that.

866-584-6868

Call today to learn how you save when Recon Independent Assessments is your Qualified Third Party Testing Agency of choice.

Save Money - Test Early

Storefront Testing AAMA 503

Monday, June 18, 2012

Affordable & Reliable Field Quality Control Testing for Water Penetration Resistance - ASTM E 1105

Recon Independent Assessments - 866-584-6868 - continues to provide testing and evaluation of newly installed windows, curtain wall, storefront and skylights as a Qualified Third Party Testing Agency.

Recent Field Testing in Orlando Florida provided valuable information to the Project Team charged with delivering a watertight building envelope on a high school replacement project.

The ASTM E 1105 was used to field test for water penetration resistance of installed curtain wall sections.

ASTM E1105 Building Envelope Testing ASTM E783

ASTM E 1105 Water Test Recon Independent Assessments

Recon Independent Assessments ASTM E1105

ASTM E 1105 Spray Rack Qualified Independent Testing Agency

Manometer Recon Independent Assessments ASTM E1105

Recon Independent Assessments ASTM E1105 Testing Window



Building Envelope Recon Independent Assessments ASTM




ASTM E 1105 Recon Independent Assessments Building Envelope


Contact Recon Independent Assessments to receive a proposal for testing based on your project specifications.

866-584-6868

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Building Envelope Testing Courtesy of Mother Nature

Recent storms throughout the Southeast United States have brought with them excessive 24 hour rainfall totals and high winds.

From rooftops and skylights to windows and curtain walls, the water penetration resistance of many structures has been tested in real world conditions that far exceed the test protocols that are typically seen in field quality control testing.

The ASTM E 1105 typically uses a test pressure equivalent to 1/3 the water test pressure used in the laboratory test, ASTM E 331.

After rain events like the ones that have been felt recently, many facilities managers will be looking for the source of unwanted water inside the building envelope.

Recon Independent Assessments has been providing building envelope consulting services to quite a few clients to locate the source of leaks so that the repairs are made accurately.

It is very often diagnosed by owners initially as; "the curtain wall leaked".

In many cases it isn't.

Recon provides a fresh and unbiased set of eyes to evaluate the structure with one goal in mind, finding the responsible component that allowed for water to penetrate the building envelope.

As a Qualified Third Party Testing Agency, we see a lot of conditions during construction that gives us insight into where potential problems may exist.

As providers of Expert Opinions in Construction Litigation we also understand the importance of addressing owners' concerns professionally and accurately.  By being proactive and involving a third party to conduct a post event investigation, many times owners never consider litigation.

Failure to address leaks professionally and successfully can lead to court proceedings.

Recon Independent Assessments is available at considerably less expense in the role of third party moisture intrusion investigation consultant versus as opposing counsel's expert.

Our goal is to pursue the truth.  By seeking it, time and money is always saved.

To learn more about our capabilities and to receive a quote for your specific problem or testing needs, call us anytime:  

866-584-6868

Friday, June 8, 2012

Field Quality Control Testing AAMA 501.2 & ASTM E 1105

Recon Independent Assessments has been busy as summer arrives, bringing along with it more afternoon rains.

From a Senior Assisted Living Facilities, a University Vertical Expansion, a High School Construction Project, a Hospital Vertical Expansion and multiple storm related Moisture Intrusion Investigations, Recon has been providing valuable information to project teams across the State of Florida.

Recon Independent Assessments continues to earn business by pricing services reasonably and delivering stellar service on site.

To learn how our approach to testing as a Qualified Third Party Testing Agency will save your budget and preserve your reputation, contact us today:

866-584-6868

Providing AMMA 501.2 - AAMA 502 - AAMA 503 & ASTM E 1105 & E 783 Field Testing Standards on Projects Nationwide

Expert Reports and Testimony for Construction Defect Litigation Cases Anywhere in America


Saturday, June 2, 2012

Post Tropical Storm Water Intrusion Investigation

After the recent wind driven rains of a tropical storm passed, Recon Independent Assessments was contacted to perform a post event investigation after reports of water intrusion by the owner.

The building's fenestration had been subjected to rigorous testing throughout construction, far in excess of what is seen in most specifications.  As a result, the curtain wall and punched openings had a record of having been watertight only months before.

Initial examination on the interior side above the section of curtain wall where water had been seen resulted in observation of staining coming from above the head plate.

After inspection of the brick facade and precast architectural relief above the curtain wall it became apparent that the sole possible source for water to enter into the structure would be through weeps in the masonry.

Water was applied at the weeps in a manner to simulate wind driven rain.  Water was evidenced inside above the curtain wall almost immediately.






Through careful and deliberate analysis of the building envelope's components, Recon was able to provide a course of action to it's client to address the water intrusion event in a professional and reasoned manner.

Despite the best building practices and field quality control testing, Mother Nature can exploit an opening that is designed to keep a structure dry.  If your client reports a water intrusion event after a wind driven rain event, Recon is standing by to document the cause so a repair can be effected and confidence can be restored.

Call anytime to learn how our response is step one in restoring trust and moving towards a solution:

866-584-6868