Civil/Structural

Water Intrusion Specialists in Forensic Engineering

12 February 2025

Water intrusion through the building envelope poses significant challenges to building structures, ranging from minor cosmetic issues to severe structural damage. This is where the expertise of building envelope and water intrusion specialists in forensic engineering becomes invaluable. 

Envista’s engineering and architecture professionals specialize in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving water intrusion issues, ensuring the longevity and safety of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. 

Their expertise extends beyond simple inspection, involving advanced techniques to trace damage origins, document findings, and recommend effective solutions.  

Additionally, our experts can determine if the water intrusion is the result of defective construction, ineffective maintenance, or the result of adverse storms.

By understanding the qualifications of the building envelope and water intrusion specialists, stakeholders such as property managers, insurance adjusters, and legal professionals can ensure they address water-related challenges efficiently and effectively.

Key Causes of Water Intrusion in Buildings

Water intrusion can result from various causes, including:

  1. Poor Construction Practices

Inadequate sealing, improper installation of windows and doors, improper material use, and shortcuts during construction often lead to vulnerabilities that allow moisture infiltration.

  1. Aging Building Materials

Over time, building materials degrade, losing their ability to resist water and humidity effectively.

  1. Weather-Related Damage

Heavy rain, flooding, snow, and ice accumulation can compromise even the most robust structures, leading to leaks and moisture ingress.

  1. Plumbing Failures or Roof Leaks

Burst pipes, defective plumbing systems, and damaged roofs are common culprits of internal water damage.

  1. Faulty Waterproofing Systems

Substandard waterproofing or poorly designed building envelope systems can exacerbate water exposure and infiltration.

Envista’s building envelope and water intrusion specialists are experienced and trained to pinpoint the exact origins of water damage, whether it starts in a foundation, basement, or roof. They also map the progression of moisture through structures, providing critical insights for effective remediation.

The Role of Water Intrusion Specialists in Insurance Claims and Litigation

When water intrusion leads to insurance claims or legal disputes, the expertise of building envelope and water intrusion specialists becomes crucial. These professionals play a pivotal role in assessing damage objectively, providing an impartial evaluation of the extent and source of the water intrusion through the building envelope. Through scientific methods and meticulous inspections, they determine causation and allocate responsibility, which is often essential in resolving claims disputes.

Specialists also provide comprehensive documentation, including detailed reports and photographic evidence, to support their findings. This ensures that claim evaluations are clear, precise, and well-substantiated. In legal cases, their role extends to offering expert testimony, presenting their analyses and findings in a way that aids in resolving disputes effectively.

The combination of objective assessments, causation analysis, and detailed reporting makes these specialists indispensable in diagnosing building envelope and water-related property claims. Their involvement ensures accurate evaluations and fair outcomes for all parties involved.

Why Hire a Forensic Engineering Company for Water Intrusion Analysis?

Collaborating with a forensic engineering company provides significant advantages. 

Forensic engineers and architects offer specialized expertise, combining a deep understanding of structural integrity, material properties, and the complex dynamics of water intrusion with the building envelope. 

Their ability to perform advanced testing and analyses ensures that findings are scientifically backed and reliable, providing a solid foundation for any necessary remediation or legal action. Furthermore, Envista’s experts produce reports that withstand challenges in legal settings and many have testified.

Forensic engineering firms also possess comprehensive resources, including specialized tools, skilled teams, and the capability for detailed inspections, laboratory testing, and legal support when needed. This level of thoroughness ensures that no aspect of the issue is overlooked. 

Furthermore, their accurate diagnostics and targeted recommendations address the root causes of water damage, saving property owners from repeated and costly repairs.

By engaging a forensic engineering company, property stakeholders can ensure a detailed investigation that protects both the long-term structural health of a building and their financial interests.

Envista Forensics | Experts in Water Intrusion Analysis

Envista Forensics offers unparalleled expertise in diagnosing water intrusion issues. 

Our team of specialists excels in providing thorough investigations to identify the origins and progression of water damage. We craft detailed reports tailored to support insurance claims and legal proceedings, ensuring accuracy and professionalism. 

Contact us today to learn more about how Envista can assist you.

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About The Author
Bruce Barnes
Bruce Barnes, MS, PE
Technical Director
Civil/​Structural

Mr. Bruce Barnes is a Technical Director for the Civil/Structural division with over 35 years of engineering experience. His extensive analysis and design experience combined with his educational background enables him to analyze a wide variety of structural problems and failures. He utilizes these analysis and testing skills to frequently formulate and issue construction documents for the repair of structures.

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