Forensic Engineering, Materials Testing, and Building Performance Services

Investigating Failures. Identifying Causes. Protecting Buildings.

When buildings show signs of damage, movement, leaks, cracking, corrosion, or performance failure, property owners need more than a visual opinion. They need a clear technical investigation backed by engineering analysis, testing, and documented findings.

Our Forensic Engineering Division provides expert evaluation of structural problems, construction defects, material failures, and building performance issues for commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional properties.

We help owners, associations, attorneys, insurers, contractors, and developers determine what happened, why it happened, how serious it is, and what should be done next.

Our Forensic Engineering Services

Structural Failure Investigations

We investigate visible and hidden structural problems affecting the safety, stability, and serviceability of buildings and structures.

Typical issues include:

  • cracking in concrete, masonry, or stucco

  • floor deflection or settlement

  • wall movement or bowing

  • roof framing distress

  • corrosion-related deterioration

  • structural collapse or partial failure

  • water-related structural damage

Our engineers identify likely causes, evaluate severity, and recommend corrective action.

Construction Defect Investigations

Construction defects can lead to costly repairs, safety issues, and disputes between owners, contractors, developers, and insurers.

We investigate defects involving:

  • improper installation

  • code noncompliance

  • poor workmanship

  • inadequate waterproofing

  • facade system failure

  • roof assembly defects

  • balcony and railing deficiencies

  • structural design or construction errors

Our team documents conditions, evaluates the source of failure, and provides technical findings to support repair planning or dispute resolution.

Storm, Impact, and Damage Assessments

Severe weather, vehicle impacts, falling debris, vibration, and accidental events can damage buildings in ways that are not always immediately visible.

We perform damage evaluations for:

  • wind and storm damage

  • hurricane-related distress

  • roof and envelope damage

  • impact damage to structural elements

  • water intrusion after weather events

  • collapse or emergency response inspections

These assessments help owners understand immediate risk, necessary stabilization, and long-term repair needs.

Litigation Support and Expert Consulting

Our forensic engineers support legal teams, insurance professionals, and building owners with technical analysis and expert documentation.

Services may include:

  • engineering review of claims

  • defect analysis

  • causation studies

  • expert reports

  • deposition and trial support

  • review of repair scope and responsibility

We provide objective engineering opinions based on site conditions, testing, records review, and professional analysis.

Materials Forensic Testing

When visible damage is only part of the problem, materials forensic testing helps determine what is happening inside the building materials and why failures are occurring.

Our testing and evaluation services help identify deterioration, incompatibility, contamination, corrosion, and hidden material defects.

Common Materials Testing Services

  • concrete distress evaluation

  • core sampling and laboratory review

  • carbonation and chloride testing

  • corrosion investigation

  • masonry and mortar analysis

  • coating and waterproofing failure analysis

  • sealant and joint failure testing

  • moisture intrusion evaluation

  • metal corrosion and deterioration analysis

  • wood decay and moisture-related damage assessment

Why Materials Testing Matters

Materials forensic testing helps answer critical questions:

  • Is the material still structurally sound?

  • Is deterioration surface-level or deeper within the assembly?

  • Did water intrusion accelerate damage?

  • Was the original material defective or improperly installed?

  • Are repairs possible, or is replacement required?

These findings help owners make informed repair decisions and reduce the risk of incomplete or ineffective corrective work.

Building Performance Testing

Some building failures are not caused by structural collapse, but by poor performance of the building envelope, moisture control systems, roofing assemblies, or air and water barriers.

Our Building Performance Testing services evaluate how the building is functioning under real conditions and where the envelope is failing.

Building Performance Testing Services

  • water intrusion testing

  • leak investigation

  • infrared moisture scanning

  • air infiltration testing

  • facade and enclosure performance review

  • roof condition testing

  • waterproofing diagnostics

  • window and glazing performance evaluation

  • balcony and terrace waterproofing assessment

  • building envelope distress analysis

Problems We Investigate

  • recurring leaks

  • staining and moisture damage

  • mold-related conditions

  • facade water penetration

  • roof system failure

  • condensation problems

  • poor thermal performance

  • window leakage

  • waterproofing membrane failure

Building performance testing helps determine whether a building is functioning as intended and what corrective measures are needed to restore performance.

Our Investigation Process

1. Initial Assessment

We begin with a site review, visual inspection, interviews, and available document review to understand the condition and likely sources of concern.

2. Engineering Evaluation

Our forensic team evaluates structural systems, materials, and building components to identify possible causes of distress or failure.

3. Testing and Analysis

When needed, we perform or coordinate:

  • non-destructive testing

  • selective destructive testing

  • materials sampling

  • moisture testing

  • laboratory evaluation

  • performance testing

4. Findings and Conclusions

We prepare a detailed assessment identifying:

  • observed conditions

  • probable causes

  • extent of damage

  • safety implications

  • recommended repairs or next steps

5. Reporting

Clients receive a clear written report with documentation, photographs, technical findings, and engineering recommendations.

Who We Serve

We provide forensic engineering and testing services for:

  • condominium and homeowner associations

  • commercial property owners

  • developers

  • property managers

  • attorneys

  • insurance carriers

  • contractors

  • municipalities

  • hospitals, schools, and institutional facilities

Why Clients Choose Us

  • licensed engineering expertise

  • objective, defensible findings

  • experience with structural and envelope failures

  • clear reporting and documentation

  • practical repair recommendations

  • support for both compliance and dispute-related matters

When to Call a Forensic Engineer

You should consider a forensic engineering evaluation if you observe:

  • major or recurring cracks

  • unexplained movement or settlement

  • repeated water intrusion

  • facade deterioration

  • roof failure

  • corrosion or spalling

  • suspected structural instability

  • construction defects

  • damage following storms or impacts

Early investigation can prevent further damage, reduce liability, and help define the right path forward.

Schedule a Forensic Evaluation

Our Forensic Engineering Division provides expert investigation, testing, and reporting for structural failures, materials problems, and building performance issues.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and get a clear understanding of your building’s condition.