Building envelope investigations require a comprehensive understanding of how exterior wall systems perform over time. Moisture intrusion can originate from multiple sources, making it essential to evaluate both visible and concealed building components to determine how water enters a structure and where corrective measures should be focused. Through detailed inspections and engineering analysis, these assessments provide property owners, insurers, and stakeholders with the information needed to support informed repair decisions.
Challenge Overview
YA Group was retained to evaluate building envelope conditions at a 13-building condominium complex following an insurance claim involving moisture intrusion. The wood-framed residential buildings featured a combination of cedar shake siding, plywood siding, replacement fiber cement cladding, and aluminum and vinyl-framed windows, creating a variety of exterior wall assemblies that required evaluation.
Understanding the source of moisture intrusion required more than a visual inspection. The investigation involved assessing existing building conditions, evaluating the performance of multiple exterior wall systems, and examining concealed components to identify potential pathways for water intrusion. The assessment also required documenting conditions across multiple buildings to determine whether observed conditions represented isolated occurrences or recurring patterns throughout the property.
YA Group’s Area of Impact
YA Group performed a comprehensive building envelope investigation that combined visual condition assessments with intrusive testing to evaluate the property’s exterior wall assemblies. Engineers inspected facade materials, windows, balconies, entry features, weather-resistant barriers, sheathing, and structural framing to assess the condition and performance of the various building components.
The investigation included 27 strategically selected exterior facade openings, allowing the team to examine wall assemblies layer by layer and document existing conditions through photographs and field sketches. By evaluating construction details, identifying moisture and water intrusion pathways, and analyzing observed conditions across multiple buildings, YA Group developed a comprehensive understanding of the building envelope’s performance. The findings were documented in an engineering report that summarized observed conditions and provided a targeted scope of repair to support the client’s insurance claim and restoration planning.
