Buric Finds Poorly Installed EIFS at Senior Community
Building diagnostic investigation determines EIFS caused extensive
structural damage
March 3, 2010
SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Buric experts recently uncovered extensive damage in the Bald Eagle Commons residential development in West Milford, N.J., caused by poorly installed exterior cladding and roofing details.
Professionals with expertise in forensic architecture and building diagnostics at Buric work with building owners, developers and community associations — like Bald Eagle Commons — to analyze problems caused by design and construction failures, code violations and material deficiencies.
They compare current conditions to the original design to establish responsibility, liability and damages, and also can provide expert witness testimony and demonstrative exhibits through Building Information Modeling (BIM) in a litigation or dispute–resolution process.
In the case at Bald Eagle Commons — a 463–unit senior residential development — water infiltration, interior damages and mold were believed to have been caused by façade materials. Buric was brought in to investigate and identify solutions to correct the damage.
The seven buildings in the residential development were clad in vinyl siding, brick veneer and an exterior insulation and finish system known as EIFS, sometimes called synthetic stucco, which has generated multiple lawsuits over the years. When EIFS is improperly installed, water and moisture can collect behind it, resulting in building deterioration, structural damage and mold. Buric has particular expertise in cases involving EIFS.
“Structural damage caused by water intrusion is a common problem on EIFS–clad buildings,” said Mark Harris Berman, AIA, PP, CID and principal at Buric. “It is important to ensure that water management systems in the building envelope are properly installed. If not, moisture can cause serious damage throughout the whole building, not just where the cladding is applied.”
After performing an initial site observation and construction document review, Buric investigators conducted an in–depth analysis of water testing, moisture surveys and large–scale destructive investigations. Buric’s building diagnostics teams reviewed roofs, flashings, gutters and weather barriers. Further test cuts were performed to document sheathing and structural damages from water intrusion.
Based on its investigation, Buric offered litigation support by developing BIM three–dimensional models and constructed wall sections for trial testimony. Buric’s Architecture, Engineering and Planning group also developed rehabilitation drawings, specifications and construction cost estimates for repairs needed to correct the problems.
Construction repairs are now underway at the Bald Eagle Commons residential development. And Buric’s Architecture, Engineering and Planning group is working with the community association and contractors to manage the process.
Established in 1968, Buric provides construction planning and critical path method scheduling; construction claims resolution, including forensic investigation, demonstrative graphics and expert witness capability; surety contract management; building diagnostics and rehabilitation; project management and control; and architectural and engineering design services.
Even more importantly, it is the manner in which Buric provides these services that sets the firm apart. Buric employees are knowledgeable and accomplished industry experts — the best in their fields — who take pride in providing accurate, thorough and responsive service while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. To learn more, visit www.buric.com.
