Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler. - Albert Einstein
Construction Expert Witness
& Consulting Services
(843) 470-0459
Building Envelope Defects
The envelope is a key aspect of every building. It provides a face to the public that conveys value, it regulates the occupant environment and repels weather. The building envelope is composed of many elements that must work together well: windows, masonry, panels, flashings, sealants, roofing and more.
Too often the envelope fails in one or more of its tasks. Building envelope defects may include water leaks, air infiltration, premature deterioration, operational difficulties, structural failure, solar overloading and gaps in insulation.
Unraveling the often tangled history of building envelope defects, and more importantly, determining responsibility and a solution requires an expert steeped in this discipline. Gogulski & Associates, Inc. has expanded and strengthened our capabilities in this crucial area.
Gogulski & Associates applies several methods in its approach to building envelope defects including document review, history review, infrared thermography, field testing for sealant adhesion, water penetration, air infiltration, insulating glass dewpoint, precise measurement, field surveying and industry review. Depending upon the requirements of the project, Gogulski & Associates may utilize forensic disassembly, and may invent, prototype and test a unique solution.
Glass Breakage Injuries
Some believe that glass, more than most other building materials, conveys enhanced value, especially in newer buildings. It is not uncommon to see buildings clad entirely in glass, with yet more glass and mirrors on the interior spaces.
The downside of glass is the danger it poses to the public when it breaks. Even tempered glass can break in a way that produces injuries. Even with safety glazing codes and consumer safety standards, glass breakage injuries still occur.
When glass breaks, evidence is often quickly swept away, making forensic investigation more difficult. Gogulski & Associates approaches these issues with a combination of global and focused vision, in order to come to the best possible conclusions about the origins of the injury-producing glass breakage. Microscopic examination, slow motion videography, testing of attachment methods, wind simulations, impact calculations, stress testing and purposeful breakage of similar glass lites are combined with an analysis of code and specification requirements utilized to arrive at the correct opinion.
In addition to such objective methods, our staff has a tactile and intuitive understanding of glass behavior through decades of work with the material.
Window Leakage Investigations
When windows leak water or air in an existing building producing damage and discomfort, an expert is needed to get at the root of the problem. The expert will collect "big picture" information, then drill down to the specific leaks as they present themselves.
In most cases a window leakage investigation will involve an analysis of not only the window, but also the surrounding conditions, sometimes all the way up to the roof. With the frequency and pattern of the leaks understood, and an understanding of the building construction, the expert will then develop a test protocol that is appropriate to the building. The protocol will take into account the occupancy of the affected area, the access from interior and exterior, availability of shop drawings and other documents.
If a testing protocol is designed correctly, the testing will produce usable results. The tests will successfully segregate possible points of entry so they can be tested separately. Further, the window leakage investigation will recognize that determining the point of water entry is only half of the equation. The more important half is the analysis and testing of the window's water management system. Gogulski & Associates possesses the experience and expertise required to perform a full spectrum, yet targeted window leakage investigation, and to plot a course for successful remediation.
Window Testing
Extensive test methods and standards are utilized by Gogulski & Associates in the testing of windows and related components: