Luxury Apartment Building Intrusive Investigation

Moisture Intrusion Investigation

Luxury Apartment Building

Upscale Community of Modern Apartments

Location

Denver, CO

Summary

Performed a comprehensive moisture intrusion investigation and building envelope assessment after multiple units showed signs of water infiltration.

Challenge

Initially, the client called for a scope of work focused solely on resealing the building. However, during the preliminary job walk, it became evident that the situation extended beyond a simple exterior sealant application. Multiple units were experiencing water intrusion, and the issue appeared to be systemic, stemming from the building’s original construction. The property management team needed a durable, long-term fix rather than a short-lived patch.

Solution

In lieu of proceeding with the limited scope, DCPS provided another option – an intrusive investigation to uncover the underlying concerns leading to the moisture intrusion. DCPS partnered with a forensic engineering firm, Marx | Okubo, to assist in the diagnosis of the underlying concerns and to provide repair options that focused on future proofing these conditions and providing quality and value. The joint effort of DCPS and Marx | Okubo forensic team began with visual observations and documentation, followed by water testing to track the moisture’s path into the building. Using a bottom-up testing method, we were able to pinpoint exactly when and where water penetrated the system.

Once sections of the siding were removed, the team discovered that an integral component of the building envelope system, the weather-resistant barrier (WRB), was damaged at a crucial intersection of components located at the corner of numerous balconies. This flaw was allowing water to enter the structure directly – while applying a new sealant component between dissimilar materials may have provided an additional layer of defense, by no means was this the correct approach for longevity. By enlisting the team of experts early in the process the team achieved an accurate diagnosis and a well-informed repair plan.

The moisture intrusion investigation began with a thorough visual assessment of the property to identify visible damage and signs of water infiltration. The team then performed water testing using a bottom-up method to trace the exact entry points of moisture into the building envelope. This was followed by intrusive investigation, which involved removing sections of the exterior cladding to inspect the structure and uncover critical failures in the building envelope system and weather-resistant barrier. By partnering with engineering experts early in the project and combining their technical analysis with DCPS’s hands-on construction experience, the team developed a precise diagnosis and a long-term building envelope repair plan. Transparent communication with the client throughout the process ensured that decisions prioritized lasting value over temporary fixes, ultimately protecting the property’s structural integrity and preventing future costly repairs.