Blogs

This article compares two primary methods of estimating repair costs for property damage: Xactimate estimates and restoration contractor estimates. It highlights their strengths and weaknesses to help property owners navigate insurance claims effectively.

Water loss and building failure claims are significant challenges for property owners, often leading to high costs and emotional stress. Construction forensic experts play a crucial role in investigating these claims, ensuring transparency and cost control, in contrast to standard mitigation contractors who may cause unnecessary damage and inflated repair costs.

The blog post discusses the wetting and drying processes of wood in construction, focusing on adsorption, absorption, and desorption rates, moisture content requirements for various materials, and building code standards for drying materials before covering. Key points include: - **Wetting and Drying of Wood**: Wood undergoes wetting (absorbing water) and drying (evaporating water) cycles during construction, influenced by wood type, environmental conditions, and moisture content. - **Adsorption, Absorption, Desorption**: Adsorption involves molecules adhering to a surface, absorption is mass transfer into a material, and desorption is the release of these substances, with rates depending on temperature, pressure, and material properties. - **Moisture Content Requirements**: Materials like concrete, insulation, drywall (5-12% moisture), plywood/OSB (≤19%), and gypsum sheathing/gypcrete (≤1-5%) have specific moisture thresholds for optimal performance. - **Code Requirements**: Building codes mandate drying ma

This case study explores the challenges and failures of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC systems in high-rise condominiums. It emphasizes the importance of following industry standards, manufacturers’ installation guidelines, and proper maintenance schedules to prevent issues. The study highlights key industry regulations from AHRI and ASHRAE, as well as installation requirements set by major manufacturers. Regular maintenance, including quarterly or semiannual checkups, is identified as essential for optimal system performance. Common site observations reveal installation flaws such as missing inverted oil traps, inadequate piping support, and poor insulation, all of which can lead to inefficiencies and failures. The design of VRF system piping is crucial for efficiency and longevity, requiring proper sizing, expansion loops, oil traps, and as-built documentation. The consequences of inadequate piping support range from leaks and misalignment to corrosion and catastrophic failures.

This case study explores the use of advanced 3D technology for deviation analysis in construction, focusing on an easement agreement between two property owners. The agreement required the hotel developer to restore any damage caused to the existing building during construction. To assess deviations, experts utilized 3D digital twins, laser scanning, drone photography, crack gauges, and floor level manometer surveys. These tools provided precise measurements and visualizations to track structural shifts and foundation movements. The findings pinpointed areas of damage, allowing the building owner to present clear evidence to the hotel developer. As a result, the developer agreed to cover the necessary repairs. The study highlights the importance of technology in enforcing easement agreements and maintaining structural integrity. It also demonstrates how digital twins and laser scanning can revolutionize construction analysis, ensuring safer and more resilient buildings.

This article explores the impact of air leakage and condensation on building performance, emphasizing the need for energy-efficient and durable structures. Air leaks contribute to energy loss and moisture-related issues, making proper sealing crucial. Dew point analysis helps predict condensation risks, preventing mold and structural decay. Managing humidity levels indoors and outdoors ensures comfort and prevents condensation buildup. Thermal bridging—where heat bypasses insulation—can lead to energy inefficiencies and moisture problems, requiring continuous insulation to mitigate its effects. Decoupling wall assemblies from attic and parapet structures further reduces air leakage and moisture transfer, improving energy performance. Additional strategies like building envelope commissioning, balanced ventilation systems, climate-responsive design, and thermal imaging enhance building durability. Proper material selection, regular maintenance, and occupant awareness also play vital roles in minimizing air lea

This case study investigates the hygrothermal issues of a five-story apartment complex in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on moisture management challenges and their implications. Hygrothermal Challenges: The study identifies persistent water leaks around windows and wall penetrations as primary issues affecting the building's moisture management. 1 Methodology: Data logging of interior temperature and humidity, analysis of historical weather data, and pressure testing were employed to understand the environmental conditions impacting the buildings. 2 3 Findings: Key findings include inadequate sealing at window junctures, damaged exterior sheathing, and occupant moisture loading exceeding the wall assembly's drying capacity. 4 5 Discussion: The analysis reveals that the interplay between building design, occupant-generated moisture, and environmental factors contributed to the moisture issues, highlighting the need for effective humidity management. 6 Consequences: Prolonged moisture exposure

This article highlights the importance of the Building Envelope Reference Manual (BERM) in construction planning. The building envelope plays a crucial role in energy efficiency, structural integrity, and occupant comfort, making proper design and maintenance essential. BERM provides best practices for selecting materials, construction techniques, and climate adaptation strategies to ensure durability and resilience. It also aligns with sustainability standards, helping professionals create energy-efficient and eco-friendly buildings. By using BERM, architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners can collaborate effectively to meet high-performance standards while avoiding costly errors. As the construction industry evolves, BERM remains a vital resource for ensuring long-lasting, well-designed structures.