One step to achieving optimum building enclosure performance is to ensure the roof successfully sheds water. Fuller’s roofing professionals have reviewed systematic failures related to roofing systems such as slate, historic clay, single-ply, built-up, low and steep slope, and green roofs, equipping us with specific knowledge to provide the following services:

Visual inspections and condition surveys
Roofing failure investigations
Insurance claim assessments
Roof design for repair and replacement
Roof design reviews and construction field observation
Roof maintenance programs

Having a comprehensive, technical understanding of building design as a whole, we apply our experience designing roofing systems and repair design to evaluate roofing materials and roof interactions with building components, structural systems, and mechanical and plumbing systems. By selecting products and detailing building components appropriate for each project application, we protect one of the most vulnerable parts of a building from the destructive effects of water. Acting as part of a cooperative project team or as independent consultants, our commitment extends to full construction administration or installation observation services.

Multi-Family Roof Consulting Project

Spartanburg, SC

32 separate 2-story multifamily residential buildings
128 individual condominium units (4 units per building)
3-tab asphalt shingled roofs

In 2011, a hail event occurred at the complex, which resulted in a roofing insurance claim and subsequently, a “reroof” of all buildings in 2011 and 2012. The scope of the reroof included removal and replacement of the existing roof shingles and underlayment, as well as localized replacement of dryer vents. After installation of the new roof, residents reported problems with water intrusion and poor dryer vent performance at various locations. In 2014, Fuller Group was retained to determine if the reroofing of the complex was completed in accordance with the applicable building code requirements, accepted industry standards, manufacturers’ installation instructions, and to determine if the roofing contractor fulfilled the provisions of their contract.

Fuller’s architecture professionals completed a comprehensive visual survey and forensic analysis of the roofing assembly and interior conditions of attic spaces at multiple residences. We concluded that the reroofing applications throughout the complex were not properly installed, including inadequate layers of underlayment, reuse of improper/damaged flashing materials, and attic vents improperly installed for use as dryer exhausts. As part of a construction litigation claim against the reroofing contractor, we provided a comprehensive report, repair scope, and expert witness services, outlining the deficiencies observed at the complex and items included within the insurance claim estimate that were not installed.

Based on the existing conditions, Fuller determined that a new reroof would ultimately be required to correct the observed deficiencies. Our expert witness services assisted the owners of the complex in reaching a successful settlement with the defense parties responsible for the reroofing project.

Commercial Rooftop Consultation

Greenville, SC

International furniture retail store
Approximately 30,000 square feet
Commercial building with metal roof and aluminum storefront window systems

After occupying an existing commercial space in an upscale retail corridor, an internationally recognized furniture store experienced bulk water intrusion through the roof at multiple areas of the building, along with leakage around storefront windows. The water intrusion regularly caused damage to the store’s merchandise and negatively affected the consumers’ experience while visiting the store. Fuller Group was retained by the tenant to perform an investigation of the reported issues. Through a visual survey and water testing, we identified roof leaks at internal gutters, roof-to-wall intersections, and within the field of the roof, through fastener penetrations. Leaks around storefront windows also damaged interior and exterior gypsum sheathing and metal studs.

Fuller concluded that complete replacement of the metal roof and the removal/reinstallation of the storefront windows were necessary to fully correct the deficiencies observed at the property. However, at the request of the property owner, we provided recommendations for temporary repairs that could be quickly executed and extend the service life of the existing metal roof and window systems. The service life of the metal roof was extended with the application of a liquid-applied roof coating, and recommendations to extend the service life of the storefronts included the installation of awnings and applying a sealant cap-bead along the window gaskets.