How to Find the Root Cause Behind Building Problems
It can begin with a leaky window in your office. Caulk seems like a quick and easy fix, but eventually there’s a strange smell and discoloration on the wall beneath the window. Eventually you get a contractor to cut out the wet drywall and find water pooling in the wall cavity. You wonder why the caulk didn’t fix the window leak and whether this same condition will come back in a few months.
This experience underscores the importance of working with a specialist in building forensics. Rather than just treating symptoms, a specialist identifies the root causes of your building issues. They then install long-term fixes.
Watch the short video below to learn more about identifying root causes.
The Role of Forensic Analysis and How It Works
A specialist in building forensics plays a crucial role in accurately diagnosing and addressing complex building issues. These professionals have the experience to carry out a forensic investigation that analyzes a building’s construction and performance. They then use this knowledge to tackle the cause of problems such as water infiltration and mold.
The first step in the building forensics process is to understand the symptoms. Specialists conduct a site inspection and discussions with occupants, looking for observable signs that indicate larger building failures:
Visible leaks
Mold growth
Poor indoor air quality
After collecting data, the forensic specialist performs a cause analysis, identifying potential reasons for building issues. These evaluations can include a construction drawing review, moisture testing, infrared thermography, and air leakage assessments.
The specialist takes all the data into account in order to recommend remediation strategies that address the problem at its source. This proactive approach helps prevent the recurrence of problems and ensures the building’s overall health and performance.
Why Quick Fixes Don’t Work
The building forensics process is essential for avoiding quick fixes that only treat the symptoms rather than the root causes.
For example, many buildings experience recurring mold issues. While cleaning visible mold seems like a straightforward solution, it doesn’t address the underlying moisture problems that promote mold growth in the first place. Forensic services identify and fix the root causes of the issues, so the mold doesn’t return. That can save a property owner time and money in the long-term.
Common Causes of Building Issues
Faulty Design
Building design flaws often stem from a lack of thorough planning, insufficient consideration of environmental factors, or gaps in the architect or engineer’s expertise. These deficiencies can lead to:
Persistent leaks
Structural failures
Poor thermal performance
Improper ventilation
To catch design flaws early and prevent them from becoming costly problems, it’s crucial to conduct third-party peer reviews before a construction project begins. Independent reviews done by professionals help ensure that buildings are designed with the appropriate materials, systems, and construction techniques.
Faulty Construction
Even a well-designed building can have construction defects that create significant issues. Improper installation of building components, substandard materials or workmanship, and a lack of quality control during the construction process can all undermine the integrity of a structure. That’s why it’s important for an independent expert to do:
Water Testing: Helps verify the weathertightness of the building envelope
Construction Commissioning: Ensures that all building systems are installed, calibrated, and functioning according to the design specifications
These assessments provide a quality check, confirming that the building is constructed to withstand environmental stressors and perform as intended over its lifespan.
Improper or Deferred Maintenance
All buildings require ongoing maintenance to remain in optimal condition. However, improper or neglected maintenance can exacerbate minor issues, allowing them to escalate into major problems. Something as simple as failing to clean gutters and downspouts can lead to water intrusion and structural damage.
Regular inspections, proactive maintenance, and timely repairs are important for extending the lifespan of any building and preventing small problems from snowballing into more complex issues.
Areas of Assessment in Building Forensics
A forensic expert needs to follow a thorough investigation process in order to identify the root causes of building issues. Some of the areas they look at include:
Building Envelopes: Roofs, windows, and exterior skins are critical areas of assessment. These components are the first line of defense against environmental factors like rain, wind, and temperature changes. Ensuring they are well-constructed and maintained is essential for building integrity.
Systems and Infrastructure: The plumbing, HVAC, and other systems within a building must be efficiently designed and regularly maintained to ensure they function correctly.
Interiors: Insulation and vapor barriers play a significant role in maintaining indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Proper installation and maintenance of these components is crucial for a healthy indoor environment.
Building forensics is central to preserving the integrity of structures. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of building issues, property owners and managers can prevent ongoing problems, reduce long-term costs, and ensure a safe environment for occupants. Don’t wait for problems to escalate. When some issues arise, it takes a forensic specialist to address the problem properly.