My building is leaking when it rains. The brick is efflorescing. The cladding is displaced and falling off. The stucco has seemingly too many cracks. There is condensation within the parapet cavity. The rolled vinyl floor is blistering and wood floor is cupping/crowning.

What went wrong?

Forensic engineering is the foundation of AEC. With the experience of several hundred investigations, AEC has examined many buildings with numerous problems. Occasionally, the problems are relatively straightforward and perhaps isolated. For other projects, the manifestation of damage may be more widespread and have multiple contributing factors. Whatever the root of the problem, AEC has a method, and likely previous experience, to identify the source.

Diagnostic spray testing, wall cavity drainage, relative humidity and air pressure readings, thermal imaging, laboratory analysis, and intrusive testing/exploratory openings are all useful tools in our quiver, accessible when warranted.

Once we have determined the source(s), we will use our judgement and expertise to extrapolate the extent of the problem along with reasonable repair scopes. We typically outline multiple means to address the problems along with the risks of taking ‘lesser’ approaches. The intention is to educate you, our client, so you can proceed with the resolution that fits you and the project appropriately. Once a repair has been selected, and at your request, we will generate a set of comprehensive repair documents used for bidding or a negotiated contract with a preferred contractor. AEC is typically involved through bidding and the construction phase to work through unforeseen conditions, review the quality and pace of the contractor, and to address any hiccups along the way.