Thirty or more years ago, not much was known about the effects of moisture changes and building movements on facades. As one can imagine, northern climates experience more severe façade degradation compared to southern climates due to the colder temperatures, significant snowfall, extended periods of below freezing temperatures, and larger seasonal temperature changes. Differential expansion and contraction, caused by temperature and moisture changes, can also lead to similar failures. Building movement in the form of shortening, caused by creep and shrinkage, and foundation settlement can cause cracks, spalls and buckling of the façade. Water vapor pressure trapped within the veneer along with freeze/thaw action can result in cracks and spalls. Moisture, either penetrating the exterior or escaping the interior of a building, can cause rust and deteriorate supports. With age, the façade may experience degradation due to normal wear and tear and chemical exposure. It also provides environmental protection from the elements, including moisture and temperature. While there is often overlap, condition assessments and failure investigations of the envelope can be broken down into two categories: structural and waterproofing. Often times, inspectors are cross trained in both. Components of the envelope typically include: roofs, some floors, exterior walls, and openings for doors, windows, skylights, louvers etc. The envelope provides structural resistance to wind, seismic, and gravity loads.
The building envelope is the physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a building. We have never had an accident or lost time incident. All inspections are executed with complete regard for safety using a 2-man buddy system consisting of an engineer and inspector for each site visit. A variety of inspection techniques are utilized depending on the situation, including but not limited to boom lift and rope access, drone technology, infrared, and bore scope examination. As experts in the design and construction of building facades, and stability and deterioration mechanisms relating to the specific materials and assemblies of facades, Innovative Engineering Inc’s façade inspection services include a critical examination of as-built drawings, user interviews and research, broad and close inspection of the building façade, photographic evidence collection, and estimating repairs and reporting. We are also backed up by very reputable restoration contractors with real time cost data.ĭetermining the root cause of a façade deficiency can be very challenging, though possible if you understand how façades and building superstructures are constructed, how they behave when subjected to movement and load, and the possible failure mechanisms involved. Our staff includes engineers with construction experience with estimating and scheduling skills. IEI takes a very holistic and thorough approach to façade inspection, forensic investigation, reporting and estimating of repair costs. Having a façade inspection and report done only to realize during the restoration that the budget you were given isn’t enough to complete the project can creates unnecessary problems, and possibly damage reputations.
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