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Construction Defect Investigations

Building Diagnostics Group, Inc. (BDG) offers forensic building defect investigations for residential, commercial, insurance, and legal clients–providing and compiling data and evidence for defendants and plaintiffs alike. We specialize in construction defect investigations, water intrusion (cause & origin), commercial roofing defects, hurricane/storm water impact documentation, and complete indoor environmental investigations. Our Certified Building Science Thermographers (CBST) are the best in the industry, using only the latest in high-resolution equipment from FLIR Systems.

Our specialty is water damage documentation and cause & origin investigations. Hidden water infiltration can cause degradation to building materials. If a large amount of water enters a structure, devastating mold growth can occur, which can cause severe health disorders if left uncorrected. By using high-resolution infrared camera equipment to detect areas of water infiltration, we can document the magnitude of the water damage and ensure proper remedial action. Best of all, we do this non-destructively and minimize disturbance of the building’s occupants. With BDG, destructive testing for hidden moisture is a thing of the past. More importantly, our report will include detailed visual evidence of the damage, something digital photographs do not always provide. It’s like bringing your building right into the courtroom. The images below are an excellent example of the powerful visual effect of our infrared thermography. Which image would you want to present to the jury in a water damage claim?

 

Large projects are no problem! Our name says it all! We work with many of the nation’s top experts in every aspect of construction defect investigation and litigation, from engineers, environmental experts, and disaster recovery experts to statisticians, contractors, and attorneys. We know the best practices and approach to handle most every project.

Insurances claims relative to water intrusion rely on establishing the cause of loss. Was damage to the property caused by a storm event in which wind-driven rains entered the building envelope? Using advanced DNA testing and thermal imaging techniques, we provide irrefutable evidence of water loss, sometimes even years after the event. Determining if damage was caused by water intrusion can be a daunting task if the areas in question have dried and little apparent evidence remains. Utilizing DNA sampling techniques, our tests provide accuracy up to 99.999% as compared to standard testing, which may only have a 60% accuracy rate. The US EPA considers DNA testing for mold and bacteria to be the Gold Standard–far more valuable than any other testing methods. BDG offers the services of our Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) for environmental-specific projects when employing DNA testing for individuals with health issues, insurance claims, or litigation in which absolute scientific proof is required.

We carry $1 million of General Liability and Professional Liability Insurance. Many companies are not completely insured. As a result, they may not provide you with proper detailed written protocols. Our protocols are fully insured and in compliance with industry standards, including the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Mold Remediation and S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration.

Below are more examples of building deficiencies found using high-resolution infrared thermal imaging. The left image is a hotel located in Miami with numerous areas of missing or inadequate structural grouting (cell fills) within the CMU walls. This can degrade the structural integrity of the entire wall system. The right image is a commercial roof system with substantial moisture within the membrane. This image was taken just after the building received significant storm damage. Our report provided ample documentation to support their insurance claim.

BDG provides litigation support and construction defect services nationwide. Give us a call to discuss your next project.