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Built Environments provides new
construction and forensic inspections of stucco and Exterior
Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). Our staff maintain
certifications for EIFS inspection by the Association of the Wall
and Ceiling Industries (AWCI),
the industry's leader in EIFS education and certification.
Forensic investigations
address EIFS and stucco structures affected by moisture intrusion,
system failures, and poor hygrothermal performance. Evaluations assess construction details, drainage
properties, window flashing, lath, underlayments, moisture content,
and structural deterioration. Advanced techniques include
petrographic analysis of physical properties such as types of
aggregates and binders, layer thickness, and layer composition.
Full petrographic testing includes assessments of physical
properties as well as volumetric analysis, bond strength testing,
permeability testing, and curing properties.
For new construction and
building envelope retrofits, we provide oversight and inspection
services involving a wide variety of systems by all major
manufactures. We recognize the benefits of EIFS while also
understanding that performance is highly dependent on assembly
design and installation quality. We advocate quality assurance
through plan reviews, specification reviews, and hygrothermal
modeling to ensure that proposed systems are consistent with the
performance intent. Quality control through field observations
further ensures that systems are installed according to the contract
documents and manufacture's requirements. Central to our oversight
services is the utilization of Field Condition Reports (FCRs), a
near-real-time means for communicating specific site observations with
building owners, architects, general contractors, and subtrades.
Field Conditions Reports provide concise accounts of conditions having
high potentials for affecting 1) scope of work, 2) work quality, or 3)
project schedule. To facilitate resolution, condition
recommendations are issued as part of each FCR. Our refined process
reduces risks, provides exceptional documentation, and prevents the need
for destructive testing or tear-offs.
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