The performance of the building envelope is critical for the structural integrity, durability and effective operation of any structure. Performance failure due to uncontrolled moisture intrusion, heat or air flow can compromise a building - bringing added legal, maintenance and remedial costs and devaluating a capital investment.

NOVA employs many of the industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable specialists to assist clients with their building envelope design, construction and testing needs. From pre-construction consulting, mock-up and jobsite testing, fabrication and jobsite quality control inspection, to post-construction investigations, assessments and surveys, NOVA’s proven professionals are known for their ability to recognize and troubleshoot problematic glass and glazing, roofing and waterproofing issues before they substantially impact budgets and schedules.

NOVA performs a variety of non-destructive tests to document compliance with specification and code requirements, as well as to assess the overall integrity of a building envelope. In addition to providing the necessary testing services to assess a number of building components, including decorative cementitious coatings (DCC), E.I.F.S., roofing, concrete, steel, brick materials, stone and wood, NOVA can analyze the integrity of curtain wall, air and vapor barriers and claddings.

  DESIGN/CONSULTING

• Develop concept & preliminary design          
• Review of design intent, shop drawings & specifications
• Conduct Code compliance review        
• Review wind tunnel testing & analysis of results      
• Develop preliminary roofing & waterproofing design
• Prepare performance specifications & details            
• Analyze alternate cladding, roofing & waterproofing systems
• Review of bid & contract documents
• Assist with bid analysis & subcontractor selection
• Perform Construction code compliance inspections    
• Develop or review of Operations and Maintenance Manuals

  ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIAL CONSULTING

• Perform due diligence/pre-purchase inspections, assessments & evaluations
• Conduct water intrusion investigations with remedial repair plan development
• Assess glass & glazing, roofing & waterproofing system failures & develop remedial repair plans
• Evaluate condition & failure of exterior wall cladding systems
• Provide concept & design development for window replacement & building re-cladding
• Prepare specifications & provide inspection services for remedial repair or replacement work
• Provide expert witness consultant services

  MOCKUP/LAB TESTING

• Review curtain wall, window & door mock-up shop drawings & test procedures
• Witness mock up specimen fabrication & erection
• Oversee & assist design/construction team with preliminary & formal mock-up tests & results
• Prepare comprehensive mock-up test report
• Review mock-up shop drawings as corrected to reflect “as-tested” conditions

  JOBSITE INSPECTION & TESTING

• Document structural integrity, weather resistance & code compliance of installed products & systems
• Prepare detailed reports indicating compliance or non-compliance with contract documents
• Document compliance with manufacturer instructions & recommendations
• Prepare reports identifying deviations from approved drawings, structural calculations & laboratory test reports
• Review & evaluate proposed remedial action and document that repairs are properly implemented
• Forensic investigations to determine the extent & nature of a system’s failure & the probable cause(s)

  ADDITIONAL TESTING SERVICES

• Perfom infra-red thermographic surveys for moisture intrusion, insulation & heat & cold transfer
• Conduct indoor air quality assessment
• Provide differential pressure monitoring
• Perform humidity & temperature monitoring
• Perform dry film paint thickness testing and
• Non-destructive DCC thickness testing