Forensic Investigation Projects
When a building envelope fails, identifying the true root cause requires more than visual inspection — it requires a systematic forensic investigation that combines field testing, destructive and non-destructive evaluation, material analysis, and construction document review. The difference between an accurate forensic investigation and a superficial one can mean millions of dollars in litigation outcomes, remediation costs, and building owner risk exposure.
ACE Building Envelope Design provides independent forensic building envelope investigation across the Western United States. Our investigations are conducted with the technical rigor, documentation standards, and evidentiary protocols that legal proceedings demand. We don't start with conclusions — we follow the physical evidence to identify root causes, quantify damage extent, and develop remediation strategies that address the actual problem rather than just treating symptoms.
Systematic Root Cause Analysis
ACE's forensic methodology combines non-destructive evaluation (infrared thermography, moisture meters, borescope inspection) with targeted destructive investigation (test cuts, material sampling) and FGIA/AAMA-accredited field testing to build a complete picture of failure causation. We document every finding with photographs, measurements, and test data that create an unassailable evidentiary record.
Litigation Support & Expert Documentation
ACE's forensic reports are designed to meet evidentiary standards for legal proceedings. Our documentation includes detailed photographic records, test data, failure mechanism analysis, code compliance evaluation, and remediation cost projections. Our team has extensive experience supporting construction defect claims in depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trial — communicating complex technical findings in clear, persuasive language for legal audiences.
Remediation Design
Forensic investigation without a path to resolution is incomplete. ACE develops remediation designs that address root causes — not just symptoms — and provides cost projections, phasing strategies, and construction administration to ensure repairs are executed correctly. Our remediation designs are informed by the same forensic knowledge that identified the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
A forensic investigation typically includes document review (construction drawings, specifications, testing reports), non-destructive evaluation (infrared thermography, moisture meters), targeted destructive investigation (test cuts at failure locations), FGIA/AAMA-accredited field testing, material sampling and analysis, and comprehensive documentation. ACE follows a systematic methodology designed to identify root causes and build a defensible evidentiary record.
Consider forensic investigation when you're experiencing recurring water intrusion that maintenance repairs haven't resolved, when you need to determine whether failures result from design deficiencies or construction defects (important for warranty and litigation decisions), or when you need documented evidence of building condition for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or property transactions.
Yes. ACE provides forensic investigation, expert reporting, and litigation support for construction defect matters throughout the Western United States. Our FGIA/AAMA-accredited testing produces legally defensible documentation, and our team has extensive experience communicating technical findings in depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trial testimony.
Standard building inspections identify symptoms — water stains, mold, damage. Forensic investigation identifies causes — which specific material failure, design deficiency, or construction defect created the pathway for water intrusion. ACE uses accredited testing, destructive evaluation, and systematic analysis to determine why the building is failing, not just where it's failing.
Yes. ACE develops comprehensive remediation designs that address root causes identified during investigation. Our repair designs include material specifications, detail drawings, phasing strategies, and cost projections. We can also provide construction administration during remediation to ensure repairs are executed correctly — closing the loop from investigation through resolution.
Timeline varies by project scope and complexity. A focused investigation of a specific failure area may take 1–2 weeks from site access to report delivery. Complex, multi-building investigations involving extensive testing and document review may span several months. ACE provides timeline estimates during the scoping phase and prioritizes urgent findings — like active water intrusion or structural safety concerns — for rapid communication.
Contact ACE at (866) 389-8883 or schedule a consultation online. For forensic investigations, we begin with a scoping discussion to understand the failure history, review available documentation, and develop an investigation plan with defined scope, timeline, and budget. For urgent situations involving active water intrusion or structural concerns, we can mobilize rapidly.