Forensic Water Intrusion Investigations

We investigate the underlying problem, not just the visible damage.

Beyond the Surface. Find the Source.

Recurring leaks, unexplained water damage, and unsuccessful repair attempts can indicate problems that require a more systematic investigative approach.

Summit Building Group investigates water intrusion through roofing systems and exterior walls, using construction knowledge, specialized training, diagnostic technology and targeted testing to develop evidence-supported findings.

When to Call Us

When Conventional Inspections Don’t Provide the Answers

A visible ceiling stain or damaged interior wall does not necessarily identify the original point of water entry.

Our investigations examine relevant building assemblies, construction details, drainage conditions, flashing, penetrations, and other potential pathways to develop and evaluate possible causes. We combine field observations, available building history, appropriate diagnostic technology, and targeted testing to support our findings.

The leak keeps coming back after repairsStains or damage reappear after stormsWater shows up far from any obvious sourceLeaks only happen in wind-driven rainSeveral contractors disagree on the causeTenants or occupants report ongoing moisture
Symptom Is Not the Source

Interior damage often starts at the exterior.

Water can travel through concealed building assemblies before it becomes visible. Repairing only the visible damage rarely solves the problem.

Where damage appears

The symptom

  • Ceiling stains
  • Damaged interior walls
  • Wet insulation or flooring
  • Mold or odor complaints
→
How water travels

The pathway

  • Along framing and decking
  • Inside wall cavities
  • Behind cladding and sealants
  • Across insulation layers
→
Where water enters

The source

  • Roof-to-wall transitions
  • Flashing and penetrations
  • Window and door openings
  • Parapets, edges and drainage

We investigate interior water damage and moisture conditions when relevant to determining where water entered the building. This service does not include general interior remodeling or interior wall repair.

What We Investigate

Roofing systems and exterior walls.

Our investigative focus covers the building-envelope assemblies where hidden water intrusion most often begins.

01Commercial and residential roofing systems
02Roof-to-wall transitions
03Exterior wall assemblies
04Windows and door openings
05Flashing and waterproofing details
06Building penetrations
07Parapets and roof edges
08Drainage and water management
09Exterior sealants and transitions
10Concealed water intrusion pathways
Investigative Methods

Evidence from more than one method.

No single tool answers every question. We combine methods appropriate to the building and the agreed scope.

METHOD 01

Building History

Reported symptoms, timing, weather conditions, previous repairs and available building information.

METHOD 02

Field Investigation

Systematic inspection of roofing, walls, flashing, penetrations, drainage and transitions.

METHOD 03

Infrared & Moisture Verification

Thermal imaging to locate anomalies, followed by moisture measurement to verify conditions.

METHOD 04

Controlled Water Testing

Targeted testing of suspected entry points to confirm or rule out pathways.

When appropriate and authorized

METHOD 05

Selective Exploratory Openings

Limited openings to observe concealed conditions directly.

When authorized and within scope

METHOD 06

Documentation

Photographs, measurements, test results and observations recorded throughout.

Infrared imaging identifies temperature differences and does not, on its own, confirm moisture or identify the source of a leak.

Methodology

The Summit Diagnostic Process

Five steps from the first conversation to documented findings.

Review the History

Understand reported symptoms, previous repairs, weather conditions, and relevant building information.

Evaluate the Building

Inspect the relevant roofing systems, exterior walls, drainage, flashing, penetrations, and building-envelope transitions.

Develop and Test Hypotheses

Use appropriate investigative methods and diagnostic tools to evaluate suspected water entry pathways.

Document the Evidence

Record observations, photographs, measurements, test results, and relevant limitations.

Report Findings and Recommendations

Provide documented findings, identify likely contributing conditions, and recommend appropriate corrective measures or further investigation.

Your Deliverable

A written report, not a verbal opinion.

Depending on the investigation scope, your report may include the items shown here.

We aim to identify evidence-supported causes. When conditions cannot be fully determined, the report clearly identifies the limitations and the additional work needed, rather than guessing.

Scope & Fees

Professional Investigations. Defined Scope. Documented Findings.

Forensic water intrusion investigations are separately scoped, fee-based professional services. We agree on the scope and fee before work begins.

Included, depending on agreed scope

  • Field assessment of relevant assemblies
  • Diagnostic testing appropriate to the problem
  • Photographic documentation
  • Technical report with findings and limitations
  • Recommendations for further evaluation or corrective action

Not included

  • Work outside the agreed investigation scope
  • Licensed engineering services
  • A guaranteed definitive root cause in every case
  • Corrective construction (proposed separately)
Credentials

Specialized training, real construction experience.

Investigations led by verified credentials and decades of construction knowledge.

Founder & President

Angelo Pacheco

  • Haag Certified Inspector, Commercial Roofs (HCI-C)
  • IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)
  • Extensive residential, commercial and industrial construction experience
Company

Summit Building Group

  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • California Licensed General Building and Roofing Contractor
  • CSLB License #1122392

Summit Building Group does not provide licensed engineering services. The Haag HCI-C credential is a commercial roof inspection qualification.

Who We Help

For owners who need real answers.

Commercial property ownersProperty and facility managersBuilding owners with recurring leaksCommercial tenants and landlordsReal estate investorsBuyers conducting property due diligenceResidential owners with complex water intrusionOwners whose previous repairs have not resolved the issue
Request a Diagnostic Investigation

Describe the water intrusion problem.

Tell us where the damage appears, when it happens and what has been tried. We will discuss the issue and propose an investigation scope and fee before any work begins.

  • Scope and fee agreed in advance
  • Systematic, multi-method investigation
  • Written report with documented findings
  • Serving Sacramento and Northern California
Fee-based professional investigation

Advanced diagnostic investigations are separately scoped, fee-based professional services. After reviewing your request, we will discuss the problem with you and confirm the investigation scope and fee before any work begins. Any corrective repairs are proposed separately.

Questions

Forensic investigation FAQs.

Answers for property owners, managers and buyers.

What is a forensic water intrusion investigation?

It is a systematic investigation into why water is entering a building. We evaluate roofing systems, exterior walls, flashing, penetrations and drainage, test suspected pathways where authorized, and document evidence-supported findings in a written report.

How is this different from a regular roof inspection?

A regular inspection documents visible conditions. A forensic investigation develops and tests hypotheses about where water is entering, often across multiple building assemblies, and is designed for problems that standard inspections and repairs have not solved.

How much does an investigation cost?

Investigations are separately scoped, fee-based professional services. Cost depends on the building, the problem and the methods needed. We agree on the scope and fee before work begins.

Do you perform water testing?

Controlled water testing may be recommended when appropriate, authorized by the owner, and within the agreed scope of work.

Will you always find the source?

Our goal is evidence-supported findings, but some conditions cannot be fully determined without additional testing, access or exploratory openings. When that happens, the report explains the limitations and recommended next steps.

Can you repair the problem after the investigation?

When offered, corrective construction is proposed separately, based on the documented findings.

Built on Trust. Driven by Innovation.

Stop repairing symptoms. Find the source.

Request a forensic water intrusion investigation for recurring leaks and unexplained water damage.