Building Envelope Investigations & FISP
Building enclosure defects resulting in water leakage, air infiltration, or condensation can result in increased energy consumption, increased maintenance costs, property damage, and loss of use. Comprehensive building envelope evaluations are paramount in documenting the current condition of a building’s façade and developing a plan for repair and restoration.
CTLGroup provides building envelope investigations, remedial action plans, laboratory testing of material components, and litigation support services, which include:
- Identifying areas of thermal bridging or defective thermal insulation using infrared thermography
- Construction document review and analysis
- Providing repair options when feasible and replacement options when necessary
- Providing evaluations and materials identification for expansion joints, flashing, joint sealants, and water proofing materials
- Product development of materials used in building envelope systems
- Materials evaluation of systems used in building envelopes
- Non-Destructive Testing
Ensuring Higher Performance for Today's Standards
The current focus on energy efficiency demands higher performance requirements for today’s building enclosures than those of the past.
The fundamental purpose of the building enclosure, also called the building envelope, is to separate the indoor environment from the natural elements. The building enclosure includes wall, roofing and waterproofing, air barrier, skylight, window, door, and foundation systems.
CTLGroup’s experts evaluate existing building enclosures, design solutions, and prepare drawings and specifications in order to repair defects, restore the enclosure’s integrity and aesthetics, or even retrofit new cladding or roofing systems to existing buildings.
Building Envelope Commissioning Services (BECX) and Retro-Commissioning
CTLGroup provides BECx consulting services that are effective in achieving high performance within the building enclosure systems. Planning and executing strategies to reduce the risk of occurrence of air/water leakage, condensation and thermal transmission in the building enclosure requires a high level of coordination among all stakeholders.
CTLGroup is experienced in devising and coordinating BECx programs to ensure that new construction and renovation enclosure systems perform and operate as designed. Services are preformed thru the life of the project:
- Early Phase Design Coordination
- Additional Design and Submittal Review
- System Manual Review
- Verification of Occupant and Operator Training
- Post-Occupancy Operation Review
Water Infiltration and Condensation Issues
Building design and construction defects resulting in water damage requires investigation by professionals with expertise in building enclosures. CTLGroup’s experts can identify the defects causing water damage using forensic techniques including:
- Wind-driven rain (on site) penetration testing
- Analysis of building wall components for condensation potential using WUFI and THERM
- Laboratory testing to determine the potential of water vapor transmission of materials
Air Barrier
Proper air barrier installation can save energy and prevent future moisture issues. Air barriers in properly designed building envelopes are required by standard building codes and municipalities. CTLGroup’s air barrier services include:
- Blower-door testing
- Air and water barrier repair solutions
CTLGroup building envelope experts also perform FISP (Façade Inspection Safety Program) inspections in accordance with local law 11/98
Get in contact with a CTLGroup building enclosure expert today by calling 847-965-7500 or visiting www.ctlgroup.com/contact
