Building performance and health concerns are often linked to the integrity of the building envelope. This concern requires our scientists to identify and solve unique and obscure problems with buildings and their performance. NV5 specializes in the condition assessment and performance evaluation of the complete building envelope. We provide a full range of engineering, scientific testing and quality control services serving design professionals, building owners and managers, property developers, and contractors.
Our mission is to maintain the highest commitment to providing our clients with pragmatic solutions by applying the highest order of our experience, professionalism and efficiency, towards identifying and resolving all issues relating to the existing condition and performance of building envelope systems and components.
In addition to providing quality services, our building science team has established a research program that has produced more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and presented at dozens of reputable conferences. Publications and conferences our articles and presentations have been featured in include the IICRC, Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Forensic Engineering Congress. These publications and presentations have aided in our staff’s recognition as authorities and expert witness in the cause, origin and duration of water–related insurance losses.
Learn more about our research program and published articles here.
Expertise
Vertical envelope
Condition assessment of building façades (solid, brick, and stone masonry walls, cavity walls, EIFS, metal cladding, reinforced or pre-fabricated concrete, curtain wall systems, balconies and railings, caulking, fenestration)
Evaluation of the insulation and air-vapor barriers
In situ performance testing (ASTM – water penetration and air-leakage testing of the vertical building envelope)
Laboratory material testing (masonry, concrete, etc.)
Restoration & corrective design specifications
Infrared thermography
Computer simulation
Construction review & quality control
Maintenance programs
Project management
Litigation Support and expert testimony
Piping and plumbing failure evaluations
Supply plumbing evaluations for causation of failure
Cast iron plumbing evaluations to determine causation of failure and/or condition of the pipe
Recommend proper removal/ replacement of the drain plumbing
Determine damage resulting from claimed plumbing failures
Forensic investigations
Air quality monitoring and certification
Moisture and microbial evaluations
Cause and origin determinations
Odor evaluations
Interior air/biological sampling programs
Infrared thermography
Remediation protocol development
Remediation monitoring and post-remediation verifications
Abatement design and oversight
Preventative maintenance plans
Quality control and performance testing
Infrared thermography (ASTM E-779 airtightness and heat loss)
In situ performance testing (ASTM E-783 and E-1186 Aar leakage testing, and ASTM E-1105 resistance to water penetration)
Standardized water resistance testing (AAMA 501.2)
Blower door testing (air leakage testing)
Laboratory compliance testing (masonry, concrete, corrosion)
Computer simulation