Forensic Testing

Testing Services

Foresight provides thorough analysis of the building envelope to identify both the root cause and the appropriate solution for system failures. Our certified professionals use advanced diagnostic tools and proven forensic methods to uncover hidden issues and prevent costly damage.
  • Control indoor air quality: by eliminating infiltration points
  • Prevent moisture intrusion: to avoid mold, corrosion, and structural damage
  • Maintain structural integrity: for long-term building performance
  • Applicable to new construction and existing building conditions

Services

Building Systems Testing

Functional testing should prioritize how installed materials perform, especially at transition points, to ensure system integrity and long-term reliability. Foresight’s testing services validate performance under real-world conditions, helping prevent costly failures and delays.
  • Controlled investigations simulating weather conditions to identify potential system failures
  • Performance assurance that specified materials function as designed under maximum loads and environmental stresses
  • Verification of installation sequence, ensuring proper order and accuracy for construction schedules
  • Insight for designers and installers, highlighting potential issues and failure causes from traditional installation techniques

Foresight’s testing services provide confidence that your building envelope will perform as intended protecting your investment and reducing risk.

Roof Testing

Roofing and waterproofing systems represent some of the highest-risk areas for owners, architects, and contractors making proper design, installation, and maintenance critical to project success. Foresight provides advanced roof testing services to identify vulnerabilities, verify performance, and prevent costly failures.
  • Infrared Scans: High-resolution thermal imagery detects trapped moisture within flat roof systems and identifies areas where wet insulation may need replacement. Also reveals structural issues caused by improper construction that allow heat loss.
  • Concrete Deck Moisture Testing: Evaluates moisture content in concrete substrates to prevent adhesion failures and long-term deterioration.
  • Core Testing: Determines roof composition, adhesion to supporting structure, presence of asbestos, and detects hidden moisture.
  • Roof Uplift Testing: Measures resistance to wind uplift forces to ensure compliance with performance standards. ASTM E907, bonded uplift, field uplift, FM 1-52.
  • Bonded Pull Tests: Verifies adhesion strength of roofing materials to substrates for proper installation integrity.
  • Adhesion Testing – ASTM E4541
    Specialized testing to measure the pull-off strength of coatings and materials, ensuring proper adhesion and long-term durability.
  • Certified Expertise: IIBEC Registered Roof Observers (RRO) provide professional oversight and documentation for quality assurance.

Foresight’s roof testing services deliver actionable data to protect your building envelope and extend roof life.

Building Envelope Testing

While roof systems are often blamed for moisture intrusion, the true source is frequently found in exterior walls or fenestration openings. A thorough evaluation is essential to accurately identify and address the issue before it leads to costly repairs.

The building envelope must effectively manage water at all joints, directing it to drain properly without contributing to excessive air leakage. Failures often stem from poorly designed or improperly installed systems. To ensure both the initial product and final construction meet the owner’s expectations, building codes, and industry standards, proven testing methods are essential.

Field testing should be conducted as early as practical, ideally immediately after installation, to avoid costly and complex repairs down the line.

Fenestration Testing

Fenestration refers to the design and placement of openings in a building’s envelope. Specialized testing simulates wind-driven rain to evaluate the performance and resilience of these openings under real-world conditions.

Fenestration systems, such as windows, doors, and curtain walls, must be weather-tight and properly integrated with adjacent building components to maintain the integrity of the building envelope. These openings are often the most vulnerable points in a water-resistive barrier and are frequently the subject of forensic investigations due to their potential for failure.

To ensure performance and durability, fenestration testing should be conducted during the mock-up phase and throughout construction. This testing simulates real-world conditions, such as wind-driven rain, to verify that the system can resist water infiltration and maintain structural integrity under environmental stresses.

Water & Air Intrusion Testing

Testing can serve two essential purposes:

  • Diagnosis: Identifying and pinpointing sources of water or air intrusion within the building envelope.
  • Verification: Confirming the effectiveness of repairs and remediation efforts to ensure long-term performance.

Our testing methods evaluate the integrity of installed façade substrates and their connections. Failures in these systems can manifest as:

  • Leaks: Allowing water penetration into the building envelope.
  • Condensation Issues: Leading to moisture accumulation and potential mold growth.
  • Construction Defects: Compromising long-term performance and occupant comfort.

By simulating real-world conditions, these tests help ensure that the building envelope performs as intended, maintaining durability, energy efficiency, and indoor comfort.

  • EIFS Pull Test: Evaluates the adhesion strength of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) to ensure proper bonding and durability.
  • AMA Water Spray Testing: (501.2 and 502) for fenestration products
  • ASTM Testing: (E283, E330, E331, E547, E779, E783, E1105, E1186, E2128, E2112, D4541, and C1153)
  • Water Leakage of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems: Assesses the performance of drainage systems within masonry walls to prevent water accumulation and infiltration.
  • Humidity Data Monitoring: Tracks moisture levels over time to identify potential condensation issues and verify environmental control measures.

  • Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces: Tests the resistance of masonry surfaces to water intrusion under simulated weather conditions.

Air Barrier Testing

Airflow through the building envelope can transport moisture, which may compromise the long-term performance of materials and even impact the structural integrity of the building.

Air barriers play a critical role in controlling air leakage into and out of the building envelope. Beyond improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort, these systems are typically concealed beneath long-term façade materials, making access difficult and costly once installed.

This makes early testing and verification essential to ensure the air barrier meets design criteria for continuity and performance before it becomes inaccessible. Proper testing helps prevent future failures, reduces remediation costs, and ensures compliance with building codes and energy standards.

  • Trained ABAA Auditor
    Certified expertise in evaluating air barrier systems for compliance with ABAA standards and best practices.

  • Whole Building Air Leakage Test
    Measures how much air leaks through cracks, gaps, seams, and penetrations in the building envelope.
  • Continuity of air and water barriers
  • Dry film thickness
  • Wet film thickness
  • Continuous support
  • Correct temperature and dryness of substrates
  • Maximum UV exposure limits maintained
  • Surfaces properly primed
  • Proper laps and overlaps
  • Proper transition strips installed
  • No fishmouths at seams
  • Termination mastic applied where required
  • Materials properly adhered
  • Compatible materials used throughout
  • Transitions at changes in direction and structural support
  • Connections between other systems verified
  • Penetrations properly sealed

Forensics & Testing services tailored for you

We provide customized building envelope testing and forensic investigation solutions designed to meet your project’s unique requirements.
Have questions about our testing services?
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