Forensic Building Investigation
Our Forensic Building Investigation service helps identify failures in building envelopes and façades and assesses damage when things go wrong.
When a building’s exterior fails, we examine the evidence, the sequence of events and the potential triggers that may have led to the failure.
Determining the cause and solution is crucial: whether it’s poor construction, material defects, extreme weather, or other factors
CANY delivers forensic assessments to establish the facts and find the best path forward.
To help prevent building exterior failure, CANY provides forensic investigations that uncover risks before they escalate. We use a range of technology including:
Infrared thermography for detecting hidden moisture
Structural sensors for monitoring movement over time
Industrial Rope Access for hands-on inspections
Non-destructive testing methods to minimize disruption
Regardless of the root cause, water infiltration is often the hidden outcome. This can lead to expensive repairs, structural damage, or even safety risks, and in a city like New York, these failures can have serious consequences.
Our Forensic Building Investigation Services are designed to help owners (current or prospective), developers, co-op owners, residents, contractors, insurers, and lawyers.
If you need help with an existing problem or want to identify a minor issue becoming a costly problem, reach out.
Why Forensic Building Investigation Matters
Our service protects buildings, budgets, and lives by identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate—and understanding why failures occurred when they do. We use advanced techniques to assess risks, determine causes of damage, and provide solutions that help to prevent costly repairs and safety hazards.
Identifying Potential Failure
Forensic investigation is at the core of our work, especially with New York’s older more idiosyncratic buildings. Using technology and non-invasive, non-destructive testing where possible, we minimize disruption while maximizing information gathering.
Why our service matters:
Early detection saves money – identifying problems before they worsen prevents costly repairs.
Protects historic and modern buildings – whether it's a century-old structure or a glass tower, our forensic building investigation service empowers building owners to make informed decisions that protect people, buildings, and budgets. For historic buildings, we focus on preservation while addressing vulnerabilities. For modern structures, we evaluate complex façade systems and high-performance materials to ensure long-term durability.
Reduces risk – structural failures pose safety hazards. Our investigations provide actionable insights to current and prospective building owners, helping to prevent or significantly reduce the risk of future failures on building enclosures or façades.
Property Damage Assessment
Our goal is always the same: to examine the evidence, the sequence of events and identify triggers that caused the failure.
Why this service is invaluable:
Pinpoints the potential cause of failure – understanding why damage occurred is essential for effective repairs. Failures often result from poor design, faulty construction, lack of rigor of contractors, inadequate inspections, material defects, or repeated exposure to extreme weather – sometimes a combination of these factors.
Helps avoid future issues – our assessments reveal underlying risks that might lead to repeat failures.
Provides clarity for legal and insurance matters – we offer evidence-based reports that support claims, liability assessments and expert testimony.
CANY’s Involvement
Having worked on New York City’s most modern building envelopes and treasured heritage facades for almost three decades, CANY has the architectural and engineering experience, technical knowledge, and hands-on-know-how to understand all the factors that can contribute to possible failure before or after it happens.
Here’s how we do it:
Step 1:
Initial Consultation & Inspection We assess visible signs of deterioration and risk factors.
On-Site Investigation We document visible damage and potential causes
Step 2:
Non-Invasive Testing We use technology to assess conditions without disrupting the building.
Structural & Material Analysis Testing identifies weaknesses and failure points.
Step 3:
Data-Driven Analysis Our team interprets findings and determines root causes.
Environmental & Weather Impact Review We assess if external conditions contributed.
Step 4:
Actionable Recommendations We outline clear steps for mitigation and long-term solutions.
Comprehensive Reporting We provide actionable solutions and recommendations.
Key Benefits
Identifying Failure:
Prevents costly emergency repairs
Preserves architectural integrity
Uses advanced technology for precise analysis
Minimizes disruption to occupants
Supports informed decision-making
Assessing Failure:
Identifies exact failure points
Protects owners from unnecessary repair costs
Supports legal and insurance claims
Ensures safety and compliance
Prevents repeat failures
FAQ
What is forensic building investigation?
It is the process of analyzing building envelopes and façades to identify potential or existing failures. At CANY, we use advanced techniques to assess risks, determine causes of damage, and provide solutions that prevent costly repairs and safety hazards.
How can forensic investigation help detect early signs of building failure?
We use non-invasive testing, structural monitoring, and material analysis to identify potential issues before they lead to failure. Catching these problems early prevents costly emergency repairs and extends the life of the building.
What are the most common causes of building envelope failure?
The most frequent issues we encounter include water infiltration (often unseen but highly damaging); poor construction practices; inadequate maintenance; material degradation over time; design flaws that lead to structural weaknesses.
How do forensic investigations determine the cause of structural failure?
We analyze the sequence of events leading to failure, using techniques like moisture mapping, stress testing, and material analysis to pinpoint the exact cause.
Can CANY help with legal disputes related to building failures?
Absolutely. Our forensic reports and expert analysis support legal cases by establishing the cause of failure, helping to resolve disputes between building owners, contractors, and insurers.
