Façade Forensics

Thornton Tomasetti’s expertise in façade and forensic engineering, investigative services, disaster response and site stabilization is second to none. Why? Because our investigative approach thrives on collaboration – among structural and façade engineers, architects and other professionals – to address the widest possible range of façade-related issues. 

Why choose Thornton Tomasetti? Because we combine façade design experience and in-depth investigative know-how. 

Façade investigations require specialized knowledge of materials and techniques specific to building enclosures. Thanks to our decades-long history of designing façade systems, our understanding of the materials used in modern façades – including glass, aluminum, sealants, EIFS, metal panels and engineered stone – is among the best in the business.

Our experience in designing repairs and restorations of older buildings has honed our understanding of historic materials like brick masonry, terra cotta and cast iron. And our architects and façade engineers are intimately familiar with the design and functioning of waterproofing systems, as well as with the conditions that can result in leaks. 

Our forensics experts are well-versed in all types of façade assessments, from investigations of construction defects, design errors and material flaws to emergency response in natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. We also excel in façade evaluations following human-caused failures, including crane collapses, construction accidents and more. 

We draw on our multidisciplinary expertise, applying advanced analytical tools and techniques such as finite element modeling, water testing, and material testing to analyze building enclosures, determine the root cause of failures and produce easily understandable findings and recommendations. Our drone and rope-access capabilities allow us to examine buildings of all types close-up. And because our engineers have decades of experience in designing and analyzing the same types of façades we’re most often called on to investigate, we know exactly what to look for to achieve the most accurate results. 

The Investigation Is Complete. Now What? 
Upon completion of our field investigation and document review, we record our findings in clear, detailed reports to support litigation and help insurers and adjusters determine coverage. Depending on our client’s needs, we can enhance our analysis results with graphics and animations to make complex technical issues more easily understandable to them, as well as to litigants and other stakeholders. When necessary, our experts can provide testimony during depositions or in court.

Our façade forensics team also routinely consults directly for owners, contractors and architects to help them resolve problems before litigation, in which case we may also design repairs or provide remediation recommendations.

How Can We Help You?
Our forensics team has an unrivaled depth of experience in all types of façade investigations, including: 

• Façade Damage Assessments
  • Natural Disaster Response
  • Construction Accident Emergency Response
• Curtain-Wall and Window-Wall Investigations
  • Insulated Glass Unit Failures (e.g. Fogging, PIB Migration)
  • Glass Breakage Evaluations
  • Operable Windows Failures
  • Installation Tolerances and Slab Deflection Evaluations
• Building Envelope Investigations
  • Leak Investigations and Water Testing
  • Energy Performance
• Façade Access
  • Evaluations by Drone
  • Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) Investigations
  • Rope Access
• Brick Veneer Issues
• Metal Panel Façade Issues
• Stone, Precast and Terra-Cotta Façade Issues
• Sealant Failure Investigations
• Finite Element Modeling
• Graphics and Animations