Building Envelope Forensic Investigation

Finding the root cause of envelope failure

Who wanted to be a forensic scientist when they grew up?

While Entegrity’s building testing team may not be solving crimes, building envelope forensic investigation has a lot in common with the work of a detective. Both rely on evidence, testing, and careful analysis to determine what happened and why.

When buildings experience water intrusion, air leakage, material deterioration, or unexplained energy loss, the visible symptoms are often only part of the story. The goal of a building envelope forensic investigation is to identify the root cause of the issue, determine the extent of the damage, and develop a path toward effective repairs.

Like the forensic experts in your favorite crime show, our team follows the evidence. Through field testing, industry-standard investigative methods, and building science expertise, we help owners and project teams move beyond assumptions and uncover the real source of building performance problems.

What We Investigate

  • Water intrusion and moisture issues
  • Air leakage and thermal performance concerns
  • Window, roofing, and façade failures
  • Construction defects and material deterioration
  • Building performance and quality assurance issues

Our Approach

If you can’t catch these issues during the construction phase, that’s when forensic investigations can help you know now what you wish you knew then. Building envelope forensic investigations rely on a range of industry-standard testing methods. Entegrity’s toolbox includes non-destructive testing, infrared thermography, pressurization testing, and targeted destructive investigation methods, which we combine to deliver clear, actionable findings — not guesswork.

Every investigation is tailored to the client’s building, timeline, and concerns, which helps us:

  • Identify the true source of the problem, not just the symptoms
  • Deliver detailed findings and documentation
  • Recommend repairs that are targeted, effective, and lasting
  • Clearly explain and document liability and risk
  • Provide ongoing support to verify repairs are implemented correctly

Who We Work With

  • Building owners and property managers
  • Architects and engineers
  • Contractors and developers
  • Insurance and legal professionals

REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS

Water intrusion at this seven-year-old multifamily building was traced to a missing window installation detail that allowed water to enter at the window heads. What began as a hidden construction defect ultimately resulted in more than $30 million in repairs across the fully occupied facility.
A small cut in this TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roof membrane allowed water to enter the building envelope, causing significant structural damage. Through forensic testing and destructive investigation, the leak was traced back to this seemingly minor defect, confirming the source of costly repairs.
On this project, pressurization testing was performed after moisture accumulation began damaging the gymnasium floor. Non-destructive testing helped identify water intrusion pathways and guide corrective action.

Building envelope issues are rarely what they seem. Forensic investigation helps identify the root cause, reduce risk, and prevent costly repairs.

Want to learn more? Contact:


Jeremy Fregia – Building Envelope Consultant
479.879.5762

Corey Keen – VP, Energy Services
479.799.8160

John Matejka – Service Leader, Building Envelope Services
414.719.3919

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