Third Party Field Quality Control - Building Envelope

A  lot is going on when your project team tackles the big task of building a multi-family community.  Multiple buildings are ongoing, in different stages of construction, at all times.

We're watching the little details that could lead to leaks.

You're managing trades, running meetings, planning the next start and scheduling deliveries of materials in hopes of keeping the machine well oiled and running smooth.

There is simply not enough time in the day to get deep into the details.

When it comes to the building envelope, we can step in and help by providing periodic site visits to examine critical details to supplement your watchful eye.

Recon's experience can ensure you're not missing details that may lead to leaks. 

The cost for our services is negligible, the benefit is priceless.

A simple detail like plugged weeps could prove to be disastrous.

We're focused on the singular issue of preventing water from causing your phone to ring after the buildings are turned over.

Let us help.  Call today.

Field Testing & Investigating Leaks / Water Intrusion

We've been busy the past few weeks.

From Florida to Mississippi, we've investigated the causes of leaks in a multi-story municipal building with storefront windows and curtain wall, field tested storefront windows in a new medical center & tested curtain wall and storefront systems in new dormitories on a university campus.

It was our privilege and honor to be able to provide services and solutions for each client.

If you're ready to explore how we can work with your project team, please give us a call.

We work to ensure our costs are reasonable and we deliver value to your bottom line.

407-948-4983 

Reputation Insurance - A 15 Minute Phone Call...

Mother Nature will come calling and provide a real & dynamic QC check after the building is occupied by the owner.

The importance of field quality control in Division 8 can not be overlooked.

Over 80% of construction related claims involve water intrusion through the building envelope.

Wind Driven Rain is a Reality

Waterproofing details are important.

Testing Early in the Project Sets the Bar for Quality.

Recon Independent Assessments provides comprehensive services to make your next building envelope  and components a watertight success.  Beginning with Design Review & Mock-Up Testing and continuing through the project with FQC visits and Field Testing, Recon will partner with your team to enhance the final result.  We view the project with a concentration on the details that our experience identifies as potential problems that could exist or be created.

With typical cost of less that 1% of most project budgets, we provide the most affordable Reputation Insurance available.

Contact is easy:

407-948-4983

Field Quality Control ALERT

Nearly every product used in the construction of the building envelope suggests compatibility testing in the field before use.  Its a good practice to follow.  By doing so, you may avoid negative issues downline.

Recently, Recon Independent Assessments conducted an investigation to determine causation of leak issues on an existing structure and subsequently provided field QC while repairs were implemented.

During the repairs phase, evidence of degradation of Blue Skin vapor barrier / waterproofing membrane was noted where it had come into contact with expandable foam insulation.

As one of the last lines of defense beneath the exterior cladding, the damage to the Blue Skin membrane was of great concern.

If you plan to use a spray foam where it will come into contact with a peel and stick membrane of any type, investigate the compatibility of the two substrates to ensure that a latent problem is not being created.

Blue Skin Membrane damaged by Expandable Spray Foam

Additional Blue Skin Areas Damaged Where In Contact With Expandable Spray Foam

Contact Recon at 

407-948-4983

if you have questions 

regarding this

Field Quality Control ALERT.

Building Envelope Success By Recon Independent Assessments

Create A Culture of Quality

The skilled trades that assemble the components of your next project should be well aware of the importance of delivering a watertight building envelope.  Their reputation, as well as yours will be put to the test by Mother Nature after the owner occupies the building.

To ensure the success of the building envelope, Recon Independent Assessments is available to provide candid observations and RFIs to your design team well before the first footer is dug or concrete is poured.

By addressing details in the early phase of a project, expectations are set regarding quality and the importance of getting it right the first time.  There are no winners when warranty claims are required.

Once the best design effort is complete and work begins in earnest, things may develop on site that call into question how systems tie together despite the details that exist.  There will also be unforeseen issues that are borne of scheduling or changes uplink in the construction.  Recon Independent Assessments provides QC visits to the site to focus on the prevention of water penetration through the envelope.

Recon personnel will often see issues that are easily solvable once trades openly discuss them and an RFI is generated to gain approval from the design professionals.

Periodic visits of this kind keep the quality focused and address issues in real time, not in hind site, which can become costly and impact schedules.

As systems begin to integrate, testing in the field confirms everyones efforts were successful.  Its not only recommended as a matter of due diligence, most often its required by the specifications.

Recon Independent Assessments has seen a marked improvement in successful testing on projects where the culture of quality is implemented from the design phase and carried through until the testing begins.

To learn how our services will lead to cost savings and improved reputation, contact us today.

866-584-6868

Design Review - Consulting - Mock-Up Testing - Envelope QC - Failure Analysis

407-948-4983

Recon Independent Assessments has a broad base of knowledge from years of experience in the Building Envelope Consulting field.  Whether your project is on the board going through design phase or construction is beginning Recon Independent Assessments has the skill set and experience to provide real time actionable recommendations to help your team deliver the very best watertight building envelope to your client.

An overview of some of our current projects includes:

Two federal projects in Virginia; one under construction and another undergoing renovations to correct issues related to water intrusion after occupancy.

A project in North Carolina that encompasses three new buildings under construction where Recon Independent Assessments is assisting the Building Envelope Commissioning Agent by providing field testing and consulting to ensure roof systems, cladding and fenestration are performing to meet design criteria.

A project in Florida on a state university campus assisting an the Architect tasked with developing a remedial plan for a dormitory that is being adversely affected by high moisture levels within the structure.

Four projects in Florida providing field quality control testing on various residential multi-family low rise and high rise structures for the General Contractor to ensure the glazing subcontractor meets the design criteria for installed fenestration.

A project in Florida encompassing multiple buildings for a Regional Public Transportation System's Maintenance facility to document successful installation of various window systems using ASTM E -1105 Field Testing for Water Penetration Resistance.

A project in Florida where new construction of a municipal Police Department requires field testing of punched openings, storefront and curtain wall systems to meet the project specifications design criteria.

Two healthcare projects in Maryland; providing building envelope consulting, design review and field testing on one and providing field testing and consulting on the other.

Recon Independent Assessments is available to assist on your project should the need arise.

Contact us to discuss your project:

407-948-4983

Field Quality Control Testing Operable Windows

Operable systems can present problems when seeking a watertight building envelope.  The joinery of compressible seals in operable portions of the unit can lead to unintended leakage.

For assistance in testing or evaluating leaks within an operable system, Recon is available for your project.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and scheduling:

866-584-6868

Baltimore Projects Awarded to Recon Independent Assessments

Recon Independent Assessments earns opportunity to provide consulting and testing services on two projects in Baltimore.

Testing, examination, and consulting services will be provided on a hospital renovation project and a new medial office building  project.

By providing the services, both project teams will be better prepared to deliver a watertight building envelope to their owners.

In addition to Recon's industry leading pricing, we were able to coordinate schedules between the two projects to save on mobilization expenses for the contractor.

To learn how Recon can provide services on your next project:  Click Here to Email

Call anytime to discuss your project requirements:  866-584-6868

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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How Important is Window, Storefront, Skylight & Curtain Wall Testing?

Recently, a comment regarding Quality Control testing in Division 8 struck me odd.  The perception by many owners I was told is that Field Quality Control Testing is a "value added" service, one of the first unnecessary things in a project's specifications that gets "Value Engineered" out as cost savings measures are sought.

Struck me odd...

Odd from this perspective; the most likely call a contractor might receive after turning over a new building  to an owner is the report of a water leak through the building envelope.  The entire reason for shelter in man's world is to keep the elements out and to provide a safe and healthful environment to work and live within.

All manners of required testing and inspection takes place as the building is being completed.  From soils, concrete, and plumbing among others...  Albeit required by code or statute, these tests and inspections would never be omitted.

With the majority of construction defect litigation being the result of water intrusion through the building envelope, it is odd to think that field testing the installed fenestration on a project would be taken out of the specs.  It actually runs counter to the design intent of most buildings, to provide a watertight building envelope.

What is the standard of care on projects you'll complete?  Confirm the integrity of the building envelope or hope the phone never rings?

Affordable Field Testing is a phone call away:

866-584-6868

Factory Water Penetration Resistance Testing During Production

Recently, Recon Independent Assessments was conducting field tests on newly installed windows at a vertical expansion project on a healthcare facility.  One of the openings selected for an ASTM E 1105 field test for water penetration resistance had windows installed that included stickers showing that the glazing system had been subjected to testing at the factory as part of their quality control program.

Factory Tested

Two windows were joined in the opening along with a vertical mullion between them.

At 4 minutes into the test cycle, water appeared beneath the sill and entered the building.

While the factory QC test may have given a sense of security that the opening would be watertight, testing in the field allowed for the problem with perimeter sealant to be exposed and corrected.

Field testing should be an important part of every project.  The money spent to confirm that windows, storefronts, curtain wall and skylights can go a long way towards ensuring that the building envelope will be performing as the design intended.

Recon Independent Assessments provides field testing during new construction as well as expert services in the construction defect litigation arena.  Without a doubt, the use of field testing on a project is much less costly.

To learn more about why Recon should be your choice in field testing by a qualified third party testing agency, give us a call.  866-584-6868 


From design review, specification review and consulting, field testing and litigation support Recon has you covered.

Waterproofing and Air Barrier Tested for Air Infiltration Rate

Work continues in Jacksonville at University of North Florida.


Air Infiltration Testing was called for in the project documents as part of the field quality control testing procedures to ensure the building envelope performed as designed.

Lots of critical building envelope details are being tested to ensure the water penetration resistance of the design is met.

Metal panels will cover the fluid applied air barrier/waterproofing.

Recon Independent Assessments provides quality field testing services in Florida & Nationwide.

Contact us today to discuss your project and to receive a proposal of cost for the testing required on your project.

University of North Florida - Jacksonville Curtain Wall Field Testing

The field quality control testing called for in the project documents includes testing at 10 - 30 & 70% of completion of Division 8 work, including aluminum windows and curtain walls.

Recon arrived on site this morning to continue testing to help ensure the project's successful completion.

Call Recon Independent Assessments
866-584-6868
Field Quality Control Testing
&
Building Envelope Consulting

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

Recon Independent Assessments - Independent Third Party Testing Agency

As part of ongoing field testing and building envelope consulting services, Recon has been busy in South Florida supporting the team building a new research facility.

ASTM E-1105 Field Test for Water Penetration is the method for field quality control on the project.

Storefront System in Progress

Elevation Work Being Completed, Finish detail and Sealant Work Will Follow

Recon Independent Assessments Provides Acceptance Field Testing Once Completed

Recon Independent Assessments continues to provide unmatched service and value to clients throughout Florida & Georgia.

Upcoming testing engagements are scheduled in Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia, and Connecticut.

To have us join you on your project, give us a call.

Difference Between AAMA and ASTM?

In simple terms:  Wet vs. Dry


Ask yourself this question before you choose:

In today's litigous climate, why allow ANY water inside your structure at a window opening?

If you have further questions regarding the differences between the test standards, send us an email.  We'll spend a few minutes with you to help you have a clear understanding.

Unless you're planning to do this:

RMS Cat Model Revision May Cause Homeowners Rate Shift | PropertyCasualty360

Ultimately, when windows and roofs fail under the load of a storm event, insurance steps in to restore the subject property to pre-loss condition.

Preparing for an event by ensuring everything that could be done to prevent water penetration from wind driven rain is essential.

Field testing installed fenestration in newly constructed buildings has been proven to be a plus when faced with actual weather events that test the system to it's design loads.

A robust field quality control specification that demands excellence is the first defense in making sure your buildings weather the storm.

Conventional wisdom has always been to test along the coast, perhaps its time for Spec Writers to acknowledge that risks from wind driven rain exist inland as well. The Article Linked below clearly shows that the folks that ultimately pick up the tab have recognized that fact.

RMS Cat Model Revision May Cause Homeowners Rate Shift PropertyCasualty360

Now read the Linked Article below to see how Field Testing using the ASTM E 1105 lead to great results for a resort while others suffered lost revenue due to damage.

Print it and share with your QC Team and Spec Writers:

http://www.peci.org/ncbc/proceedings/2005/16_Parzych_NCBC2005.pdf

Recon Independent Assessments Heads Back to High School Next Week



Recon Independent Assessments will be providing Third Party Field Testing of Installed Fenestration on the project.

Recon is pleased to have been selected to provide Field Testing for water penetration of newly installed windows on the University HS project.  Recon's consultants will be on site to help ensure the building envelope is being completed according to the Project Specifications.

AAMA test standards and ASTM procedures will be used to validate the installation has been completed successfully.

To have Recon join your team, contact us for a proposal.

Click Here To Request A Testing Cost Proposal



Healthcare Project Field Testing for Water Penetration

Recon Independent Assessments is providing field quality control testing on the vertical expansion of North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL.

http://www.nfrmc.com/CPM/NFRMCExpansionAnnouncement.pdf

Recon's continued support of construction teams throughout Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia & Oklahoma has been our pleasure.

Field Testing of Windows, Curtain Walls & Storefront Systems for both water penetration and air infiltration continues to ensure successful completion of construction where the weather meets the wall.

Whether the test standard is based on AAMA guidelines or is specified per ASTM standards, Recon has faithfully executed the field testing and reported results to aid the construction team in ensuring the best possible building envelope is delivered.

Recon Will Be Providing Field Testing At NFRMC

Standard of Care: Including Water Penetration Testing of Installed Fenestration Products

Your Project Team is gearing up for a new building that is coming out of the ground very soon. The "i"s are being dotted and the team is looking to "value engineer" the project. One of the components that is set for getting cut is the "field testing" for windows and curtain wall.

Big mistake.

The low cost of field testing windows using the ASTM E 1105 proceedure, whether to the AAMA 502 or AAMA 503 test standards, or keeping it clear and simple by keeping the ASTM standard; far outweighs the potential cost of call backs for leaks after building turn over.

The cost to your reputation could be the biggest risk you take when water intrusion issues become a focal point on one of your completed projects.

Someone may bring up that all of the fenestration passed testing at the factory. Why test it again. While true, the product was tested for performance by the manufacturer, the production of the product typically gets one per ten thousand or production run...

The actual installation of the product gets tested in field testing, as well as the product. The field testing takes place where the "weather meets the wall".

If your project doesn't engage a qualified third party testing agency like Recon, dont be suprised when that decision is put into question.

Provide a reasonable standard of care when building your next building. You'll test the soil, the concrete, and the mechanical systems; dont forget to ensure mother nature stays outside.

Click here for a proposal for testing from Recon on your next project. Your reputation is worth it!