BUILDING
ENVELOPE
PLAN. DESIGN. RENEW.
At Walker Consultants, our reputation as a leading design and restoration engineering firm is built upon our understanding of how the different systems of the building envelope interact with one another.
BUILDING ENVELOPE TESTING
ABOUT BUILDING ENVELOPE
Quality control measures related to the testing of exterior walls, fenestration systems, and roofing are commonplace in the design and construction industry today. Improving the efficiency of energy and indoor environmental conditions of a new or existing building requires an experienced specialist who will consider a wide variety of proven
Temperature, climate, and geomorphic events all impact a building’s
applications to meet your specific needs. Walker’s critical assessment
performance. Walker’s staff of licensed architects and engineers
will include:
will assist with the design of new and existing building components to minimize potential distress or failures related to the building
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Water intrusion testing
enclosure, structural integrity, HVAC systems, and seek to enhance
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Air leakage testing
the overall environmental quality and sustainability. Our specialized
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Infrared thermal imaging
services are highly valued by building owners, contractors, architects,
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Air barrier testing
and engineers, and include façade design, peer-review, testing,
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Roof uplift testing
construction reviewing, and commissioning.
DESIGN PEER REVIEW Walker’s peer review services provide an extra level of quality assurance for the exterior enclosure systems. Walker’s peer-review team will focus on the following facility components: ▪▪
Below-grade waterproofing
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Plaza and podium design
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Exterior walls and air barrier systems
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Fenestration assemblies
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Balcony waterproofing
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Roofing systems
FAÇADE ACCESS DAVIT AND ANCHOR TESTING Design, inspection, and load testing of façade access systems in buildings of all shapes and sizes can be performed including: davits, lifeline anchors, tie-back anchors, davit bases, and horizontal lifeline
CONSTRUCTION MONITORING
systems per ASTM requirements. In addition to on-site field visits and consulting during construction to observe contractor performance, we will review material data, shop
COMMISSIONING
drawing submittals and recommend changes as needed. Walker’s
As part of the owner’s building enhancing and commissioning
monitor the contractor’s quality control and resolve issues as they
program, Walker’s experts will peer-review building envelope
arise.
staff will actively address hidden conditions, provide resolutions, and
design drawings, details, and specifications to verify that design objectives are met. Our commissioning team will consult on building envelope components and system integration; and develop QA/QC
WATERPROOFING DESIGN
commissioning programs and observations during construction. Walker’s extensive background in parking structure restoration provides us with a unique understanding and approach to waterproofing design services for all building components, including below-grade foundations, plaza and podium configurations, balconies, walkways, wall systems, window flashing, and roofing assemblies. Beginning in the earliest phase of design, Walker’s experienced team members will develop technical drawings and details for each waterproofing system, assist with product selection, provide specifications—including performance criteria and warranty requirements—and recommend mock-up and testing provisions that are pertinent to the overall waterproofing design.
FAÇADE AND ROOFING RESTORATION Walker will apply condition surveys, evaluation, and non-destructive testing such as thermography to pinpoint locations and contributing causes to a broad spectrum of facade and roofing system types that include: ▪▪
Masonry, metal, concrete, glass, and wood
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As built-up roofs (hot and cold applied), modified bitumen systems, EPDM systems, and liquid applied systems
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Green roofs, recreational use roofs, and systems with high energy requirements
FENESTRATION CONSULTING Walker offers high-level assessments and performance testing on existing windows, doors, curtain walls, and storefronts to evaluate nonperformance issues and develop repair/replacement programs. As needed, we will prepare replacement design, conduct verification testing, and third-party inspection of installations.
Image generated by an infared thermal camera, used to help detect heat loss found at fenestration and exterior wall locations.
WALKERCONSULTANTS.COM