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.
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.
Water can travel through concealed building assemblies before it becomes visible. Repairing only the visible damage rarely solves the problem.
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.
Our investigative focus covers the building-envelope assemblies where hidden water intrusion most often begins.
No single tool answers every question. We combine methods appropriate to the building and the agreed scope.
METHOD 01
Reported symptoms, timing, weather conditions, previous repairs and available building information.
METHOD 02
Systematic inspection of roofing, walls, flashing, penetrations, drainage and transitions.
METHOD 03
Thermal imaging to locate anomalies, followed by moisture measurement to verify conditions.
METHOD 04
Targeted testing of suspected entry points to confirm or rule out pathways.
METHOD 05
Limited openings to observe concealed conditions directly.
METHOD 06
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.
Five steps from the first conversation to documented findings.
Understand reported symptoms, previous repairs, weather conditions, and relevant building information.
Inspect the relevant roofing systems, exterior walls, drainage, flashing, penetrations, and building-envelope transitions.
Use appropriate investigative methods and diagnostic tools to evaluate suspected water entry pathways.
Record observations, photographs, measurements, test results, and relevant limitations.
Provide documented findings, identify likely contributing conditions, and recommend appropriate corrective measures or further investigation.
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.
Forensic water intrusion investigations are separately scoped, fee-based professional services. We agree on the scope and fee before work begins.
Investigations led by verified credentials and decades of construction knowledge.
Summit Building Group does not provide licensed engineering services. The Haag HCI-C credential is a commercial roof inspection qualification.
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.
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.
Diagnostics
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Answers for property owners, managers and buyers.
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.
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.
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.
Controlled water testing may be recommended when appropriate, authorized by the owner, and within the agreed scope of work.
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.
When offered, corrective construction is proposed separately, based on the documented findings.
Request a forensic water intrusion investigation for recurring leaks and unexplained water damage.