Non-Compliant Flashing at Window Head
Adhered Thin Brick Veneer Defect Results in Significant Water Damage
Fiebig Architecture was hired to determine the cause of water intrusion in a wood-framed commercial building suffering from widespread leaks.
EXPERT OPINION
The building code requires flashing not only to prevent water from getting into exterior wall systems, but also to provide a means of drainage for any moisture that does infiltrate behind the wall cladding. In this case, the window head flashings were sealed shut, preventing moisture that soaked through the moisture-permeable mortar and thin brick from getting out of the wall assembly. Over time, the buildup of moisture in the walls soaked through the wood-framed and -sheathed wall, resulting in leaks into the interior of the building.
Construction Defect
Alleged Unsafe Stair
Fiebig Architecture was hired to determine if a stair run upon which a person tripped and fell was constructed in a code-compliant manner.
Insufficient Brick Anchoring
Fiebig Architecture investigated the brick anchoring on a commercial building suffering from widespread brick veneer cracking.
Missing Void Forms
Expert Opinion Although the geotechnical report required 10-inch void forms under the concrete structural grade beams, no such voids were included in the architectural plan or actual construction. When non-compliant foundation drainage left the surrounding soils saturated, the resultant heaving pushed the grade beams from below. This pressure caused splitting of the concrete tilt-up walls…
Construction Defect at School Building
Fiebig Architecture was retained to perform a construction defect investigation when a school building suffered leaks and interior moisture damage.