Forensic Investigations of Moisture Infiltration of the Building Envelope Claims
Water Intrusion to a Concrete Masonry Building
This single-story concrete masonry building had recently been constructed and was occupied by a document storage and database company where water intrusion was not acceptable. They noticed water intrusion at several locations in the building. Mr. Bernhardt inspected the building and used ground penetration radar to determine if the masonry had been properly reinforced. The final report included the findings and recommendations that a synthetic stucco veneer be constructed to protect the concrete masonry from direct rainwater.
Ohio Mall Floor Slab Heaving due to Broken Water Main
Freezing temperatures caused a water main that ran under the mall to burst, eroding the soil below the slab, heaving the slab as much as 18” in some locations, and flooding the building. Mr. Bernhardt was called to investigate the extent of damage and repair alternatives. Using ground penetrating radar, voids were located under the remaining slab. Top of slab elevations were surveyed in order to delineate the slab deformations. Mr. Bernhardt provided recommendations for the removal and repair of the damaged floor slab.
Ohio Manufacturing Plant Floor Slab Heaving due to Broken Water Main
Freezing temperatures caused a water main that ran under the manufacturing plant to burst, eroding the soil below the slab, heaving the slab in some locations, and flooding the building. Voids were located under the remaining slab using ground penetration radar. Mr. Bernhardt inspected and evaluated the damage and reviewed the new slab design created by the owner’s structural engineer to ensure it met building code requirements.
Water Intrusion Through Windows of Townhomes
A contractor brought claims against a window supplier in the construction of a mixed-use building that included townhomes. Evaluation of the construction documents, construction photographs, and testing by other engineers showed conflicting details of the window flashing. Mr. Bernhardt opined that the drawings showing flashing details did not meet the requirements of the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance and that the contractor did not construct to those standards.
Structural Damage to Aluminum Statue on top of Structure
Mr. Bernhardt was retained to evaluate the cause and origin of damage to a large aluminum statue on top of a 150-foot-high structure. After inspection and evaluation, Mr. Bernhardt determined that moisture had gained access to the interior of the structure and upon freezing burst the aluminum hollow tube column. The repair involved replacing the damaged column and providing a weep hole for moisture to exit the column.
Water Intrusion through Shake Roof
Mr. Bernhardt was contacted to determine the cause of water intrusion through a wood shake roof. It was claimed that wind had caused damage to the roof that resulted in water intrusion. After evaluating the evidence as a result of his site visit, Mr. Bernhardt opined that wind had caused some damage to the wood shake roof. However, foundation settlement had also occurred at one end of the building which resulted in a separation of wood shakes and sheathing. Mr. Bernhardt opined that wind did not cause the damage associated with the building settlement.
Damage to Single-Story Residence from Fallen Tree
A tree fell near a house because of a train derailment. As a result, a renovation contractor made a list of damage claims. After a close inspection of the property and review of post-event photographs of the fallen tree, Mr. Bernhardt opined that there had been damage to the roof shingles, but very little other damage. The photographs of the fallen tree indicated that the tree had not damaged the other areas of claimed damage.
A Claim of Wind Damage to Roof
A ballasted modified bitumen roof was inspected by Mr. Bernhardt for evidence of wind damage causing water infiltration. Mr. Bernhardt found that water was puddling on the roof and roof penetrations had age-deteriorated flashing and seals. No evidence of wind damage was found by Mr. Bernhardt.
Damage to a Single-Story Commercial Building from the Demolition of the Adjacent Structure
Mr. Bernhardt inspected this single-story masonry building that had a low-sloped roof. The adjacent structure had been demolished, and debris from the demolition damaged the walls and roof of the subject building. Mr. Bernhardt opined that the walls were structurally stable, but needed to be tuckpointed due to cracking from debris. Additionally, the roof membrane needed to be replaced as a result of the fallen debris.
Inspection of Historic Cottage to Determine Repairs
Mr. Bernhardt inspected this single-story cottage built in 1934 on a property with historic significance to the community located on a scenic overlook. The building had masonry walls and a steep slate roof. With the aid of a drone operator, Mr. Bernhardt was able to inspect the condition of the roof. He also inspected the walls and interior of the building. It was observed that much of the masonry had deficient mortar and needed tuckpointing. Additionally, a rooftop finial was missing and this resulted in water intrusion. Many of the exterior wood columns and beams had rot and insect damage. Mr. Bernhardt provided a report which was used by an architect for repair drawings.
A Claim of Wind and Hail Damage to Low-Sloped Roof on a 6-story Hotel Building in Iowa
Mr. Bernhardt was engaged to inspect the condition of an EPDM roof. Mr. Bernhardt observed water intrusion upon inspection of the interior of the building. Some of the damage on the roof was from the wind blowing a vent hood across the roof. No evidence of hail damage was observed. The membrane was 20 years old and had age-deteriorated flashing at roof penetrations. Mr. Bernhardt’s report provided opinions on the cause of the damage and recommendations for repair.
A Claim of Water Damage from an Exterior Burst Water Pipe
Mr. Bernhardt was engaged to evaluate an old stone basement wall for a commercial building. It was claimed that a burst water pipe in the street had damaged the wall. The soil outside the wall was excavated. The soil was stiff clay soil with no signs of erosion from the burst pipe. The exterior wall surface had many voids and cracks due to the type of construction of stone masonry. Mr. Bernhardt opined that the water intruded not because of damage from the burst pipe, but because of the porous nature of the stone wall construction.
