Envelope Investigation
Building Envelope Investigation
Water on the inside of a building entered from the outside, usually at a joint, penetration or failed assembly. The investigation traces which one, instead of resealing everything hopefully.
Symptoms we're called for
- Staining or damp on interior walls and ceilings after rain
- Water appearing at window frames, floor lines or balcony doors
- Mould at wall bases, corners or closets
- Damage that returns after patching
Property types
- Strata and townhouse buildings
- Commercial and institutional facades
- Residential homes, especially at additions and penetrations
- Balconies, decks and below-grade assemblies
Methods used
- Envelope review of joints, flashings, sealants and penetrations
- Controlled spray and dye testing of suspect assemblies
- Thermal scanning to find hidden moisture behind finishes
- Moisture mapping to establish extent and path
Limitations, stated plainly
- Testing identifies water entry under test conditions; some defects only leak under specific wind-driven rain
- Opening finishes may be required to confirm concealed details
- We document; repairs are performed by envelope and restoration contractors
What you receive
- An entry-path report with test results and images
- A moisture map of affected assemblies
- Repair priorities by assembly and next steps
Next steps
- Repair the identified assembly with a qualified contractor
- Re-test after repair to verify performance
- Monitor problem elevations through the next storm cycle