Building Enclosures

With the technical knowledge essential for proper evaluation and long-term repair of building enclosures and facades, SKA’s expertise includes in-house testing and computer analysis of wall and window systems. Combined with extensive experience in the investigation of failed envelopes, SKA develops practical, effective designs for repairs of building enclosures and facades. Whether it’s damage, deterioration, corrosion, leakage, or maintenance, our staff has the experience and capabilities to help address the problem.

  • Investigations
  • Condition assessments and evaluations
  • Design drawings and specifications for repair
  • Third-party design reviews
  • Expert witness testimonies
  • Thermal analyses
  • Vapor transmission analyses
  • Window and door, veneer water testing
  • Building envelope commissioning (BECx)
  • ABAA
  • American Concrete
  • AAMP
  • IBEC Building Enclosure
  • Building Enclosures
  • Building Enclosures

FEATURED PROJECTS

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a building enclosure consultant?

A building enclosure consultant is an engineer who specializes in evaluating, designing, and repairing the exterior envelope of a building — including walls, windows, roofing, and waterproofing systems. SKA Consulting Engineers provides building enclosure consulting services across North Carolina and the Southeast, with in-house capabilities for thermal analysis, vapor transmission studies, and field testing of wall and window assemblies.

When should you hire a waterproofing consultant?

You should hire a waterproofing consultant when a building shows signs of moisture intrusion, envelope leakage, or material deterioration — or before construction begins on a new project to ensure proper detailing. SKA's building enclosure team performs investigations, condition assessments, and designs long-term repair solutions for failed waterproofing systems on commercial, institutional, and multi-family buildings throughout Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, and beyond.

What is building envelope peer review?

Building envelope peer review is an independent third-party evaluation of the enclosure design documents — wall assemblies, flashing details, sealant joints, and vapor barriers — before construction begins. SKA Consulting Engineers provides building envelope peer review services to help owners, architects, and general contractors identify design gaps that could lead to moisture problems, air leakage, or premature material failure.

What does building envelope commissioning (BECx) involve?

Building envelope commissioning is a quality assurance process that verifies the enclosure is designed and constructed to meet the owner's performance requirements for air tightness, water resistance, and thermal performance. SKA's BECx services include design-phase document review, field observation during construction, and diagnostic testing such as window and door water testing and air barrier continuity checks.

What types of buildings need enclosure condition assessments?

Any building experiencing water infiltration, facade deterioration, or material corrosion benefits from an enclosure condition assessment. SKA performs assessments on healthcare facilities, higher education buildings, municipal structures, multi-family housing, and parking decks across North Carolina and nationwide. Our assessments include visual surveys, in-house testing, and computer analysis to develop practical, cost-effective repair specifications.

Can a building enclosure engineer serve as an expert witness?

Yes. SKA's building enclosure engineers provide expert witness testimony in construction defect cases, insurance claims, and litigation involving failed envelopes, water intrusion, and facade deterioration. Our team combines field investigation experience with in-house thermal and vapor transmission analysis to deliver technically grounded opinions backed by documented testing data.