Copeland Building Envelope Consulting
We solve building envelope problems.
Building envelope systems work, or don’t, because of physical real-world details. Air and water don’t care how it’s drawn—the only thing that matters is how it actually is.
When it comes to diagnosing what’s wrong with a building that’s not working right (if it’s leaking, for example) one of the best tools we have are exploratory openings. Sometimes called “probes”, this is essentially disassembling some parts of the building so we can see what’s under the surface.
Our industry is obsessed with reports.
We have field reports, expert reports, and investigation reports. Contractors report on materials used and manpower. There are reports from material manufacturers documenting test results.
“When can we expect to see your report?” is a common question.
What is a report, though? People call lots of things reports.
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As building envelope consultants, we get this question a lot: “Is ZIP sheathing bad?”
It’s a fair question, especially given how often we see ZIP-related failures in the field (and how frequently our case studies feature photos of ZIP panels that have turned to oatmeal after prolonged moisture exposure – scroll to the bottom of this article for our hall of shame pics). But like most building science questions, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
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Spring is a time of renewal: baby birds, tulips, and… building envelope condition assessments? After months of snow loads, wind-driven rain, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles, our buildings in northern climates need some TLC. The spring months offer a window of opportunity to inspect and address roof, wall, window, and foundation issues before they escalate. Early detection and repair can extend the lifespan of building components, enhance energy efficiency, and maintain occupant comfort and safety.
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Carmen Prantil (Staff Consultant), Chelsey Line (Chief of Staff), and Phoebe McCartan (Consultant) attended NWIR Days in San Antonio, Texas, this month!
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