Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) is a systematic process that ensures a building’s shell is designed and constructed for longevity. BECx can be performed on all types of buildings. A variety of building integrity issues can arise before, during and after construction of a building if not properly commissioned:
Short list of possible issues:
- Water intrusion: Uncontrolled water intrusion leading to steel corrosion, facility damage, and building decay
- Poor indoor air quality:
- Mold and mildew growth
- Ventilation issues
- Health risks
- Improper material installation
- Material incompatibility
- Improper design
- Early material failure
- High energy consumption: Utility costs are rising and can often be reduced when controlled.
- Air barrier leakage due to poorly sealed building envelope
- Thermal bridging or poor thermal barriers
- Building failure or building integrity issues
- Building design flaws
- Inadequate scheduling
- Cracking stucco, efflorescence on bricks, warped materials
Each building system has the potential for issues to arise in the design or installation that may hinder the building’s performance over its lifespan. The building enclosure is a crucial part of the building and a unique building system that deserves its own detailed review.
BECx Services:
Pre-Design Phase
- Establish who will be part of the BECx team
- Create BECx plan with design team
- Guide team towards a building that meets the owners enclosure requirements
Design Phase
- Meetings with design team to ensure owners project requirements are met
- Detailed examination of building design for potential air, water, or thermal barrier issues
- Develop enclosure testing goals. Could include roof, windows, water, air, and many more.
- Evaluate materials for compatibility and use
Construction Phase
- Preinstall meetings to ensure BECx plan is adhered to
- Review product data or shop drawings for design compliance
- Dedicated onsite visits to ensure building enclosure systems are built to design and specifications
- Review mockup to ensure conveys critical building enclosure systems
- Examination of potential trouble areas and make recommendations
- Ensure water and air barriers are installed properly and per manufacturer
- Performance Testing or Monitoring
- Bulk water tests: Discover bulk water intrusion issues at window or slabs with spray rack or hurricane testing
- Infiltration testing: Review for air or thermal barrier issues with blower door and infrared
- Material Installation: Pull testing of air or water barriers, pitch of curb/sill
- Attending Owner, Architect, and Contractor (OAC) meetings
- Issue tracking. Detailed reporting and documentation of issues that have been come across or that may be encountered
Closeout Phase
- Final reporting of issues found and resolved, test results, and areas of concern
- Warranty period inspections (10 month review).
Whether you want to prevent potential building integrity issues or make your building more energy efficient, think of Accurate-Airtight Exteriors as your building enclosure experts!
