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

Division 8 Specifications - Laboratory Testing vs. Field Testing

A few months ago, Recon Independent Assessments provided field quality control testing on a project that was installing both curtain wall and storefront systems.

During the first round of testing, quite a few failures were observed using the ASTM E 1105, the field testing specification called for in the project specifications.

After the installer evaluated the cause of the failures, they conducted remedial work to ensure the installation was watertight.  Re-testing was called for and Recon returned to test the installed systems once again.

Unfortunately, water penetration continued in both systems.

Nearly six months passed without word from the project regarding additional re-testing being scheduled to confirm a second round of remedial work had solved the leaking.

The installer contacted Recon asking questions regarding the test pressures that had been used during the previous field testing.

The project specifications called for a curtain wall that had evidenced water penetration resistance at 12 PSF during laboratory testing using an ASTM E 331.  The project specifications called for the use of the ASTM E 1105 to evaluate the installation in the field.  A knowledgeable professional would know that the ASTM E 1105 requires a test pressure in the field of 2/3 of the pressure used in the laboratory (8 PSF).

Despite documentation detailing the use of the ASTM E 1105 and references to the project specifications that determined the test pressures, the installer was questioning the testing rather than focusing on providing a solution to the failures.

Care in selecting a glazing contractor that understands a project's specifications and has the ability to demonstrate quality work can best prepare your project for success.  Ask for proof of past testing success from the contractor that is bidding, price should not be the only determining factor in awarding a bid.

If you ignore testing or engage contractors that do not understand its importance and you may be seeing this:

In an effort to resolve leaks, an unknown "sealant" was applied within the storefront system.

Despite the addition of the "sealant", leaks continue to plague the project.

Recon Independent Assessments is available to provide continuing education for your staff.  Knowledge is power.  Contact us today to learn how our lunch and learn presentations can lead to higher quality results on your project.

866-584-6868