Forensic Case Studies
Cladding Failure
The exterior wall and subfloor sheathing deteriorated due to prolonged water infiltration from the green roof balcony. The two drainage scuppers located on the north side of the roof structure do not appear to be operating within an optimal design framework as evidenced by pooled water on the roof. The finished surface of the green roof was installed at a level higher than then interior finished floor. The roof balcony stone flooring was originally installed at door threshold height, thus allowing driving water to potentially roll under the door threshold. The OSB wall and subfloor sheathing performed as a capillary, which resulted in water intrusion into the wall cavity.
Membrane Failure
After an inspection of the exterior veneer, roof, and interior rooms, it is the opinion of the engineer that 88% of the visual damage was due to improper roof installation techniques; including deficient fastening materials along with inadequate fabrication of the scupper located at the north west drainage outlet with 12% of the overall damage being due to wind related cause and effects.
