Terra-Petra Building Waterproofing crew checking for leaks.

Water Testing Results: What Do Successful Projects Have in Common?

The Terra-Petra Waterproofing Division conducted water testing in Culver City that resulted in a first-time pass.

By Barry Taheri, Terra-Petra Forensic Waterproofing Consultant

Q: What does a first-time pass in water testing demonstrate?

A: It demonstrates the team can execute the detailing and workmanship of the materials required to build a watertight assembly without having to make alterations to the detailing means, methods, or materials.  Typically, we don’t see a first-time water test pass.

We congratulate our team on their success, particularly the meticulous detailing by the applicator/subcontractor. We conducted an audit of the past 30 water tests to identify the best practices that lead to a first-time pass water test versus otherwise. Our team was surprised to find the following commonality without exception.

All mockups that resulted in a first-time pass had one thing in common. The GC, subcontractor, manufacturer representative, and waterproofing consultant were present during the mockup layering and detailing. In all other cases that did not result in a first-time water test pass, the mock-ups were done in the dark without the critical parties present.

This example demonstrates clearly that the shortcut to water tightness is to follow the process of appropriate design and materials, mocked-up in place or stand-alone, with all parties present.

Waterproofing as it Applies to Assembly and Structural Integrity

As building envelope professionals, we can’t emphasize enough how critical the waterproofing discipline works alongside a structural team during and beyond construction.

The Champlain Towers South building collapse is a disaster beyond belief. First responders continue to dig out the rubble upon publication of this article.

David Santiago/ Miami Herald via Associated Press

We acknowledge their dedication and professionalism as they work to find those loved ones who are unaccounted for.

It is so important to be able to identify adverse moisture and water-related conditions early. Such specific conditions may end up affecting the building assemblies that may result in degradation of structural capacity.

Depending on the building assembly type, the degradation could be slow (masonry assemblies) or rapid (wood assemblies). However, in both cases, unless the source of the degradation is repaired and the intrusion is mitigated, the degradation can and will lead to an eventual structural compromise that can result in a catastrophic failure.

It is very critical for building professionals to survey their buildings and mitigate/repair any attributes that may be the cause or contributing factors of building assembly degradation.

Allowing the building components to “live” in an environment that is non-standard and lends itself to degradation can place the entire building in unchartered territory that lends itself to an unknown reduction of the building’s expected lifecycles and renders the structural experimental rather than predictable.

Terra-Petra provides all consulting services for sub-slab vapor barriers consulting services for sub-slab vapor barriers, below-grade waterproofing and drainage, podium and balcony waterproofing, planter waterproofing, and drainage, exterior wall cladding and weather-resistive barriers, and roofing assemblies.

For more information or to discuss your next or current project visit: https://terra-petra.com/wp/building-envelope-consulting-los-angeles or contact Barry Taheri.

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri, recently presented his 17th lunch and learn program for architecture, planning, and conservation firm, Architectural Resources Group, on June 16, 2021.

ARG’s projects encompass some of the West Coast’s most iconic buildings and sites, such as the rehabilitation of the Alcatraz Quartermaster Warehouse in San Francisco and renovation of the Trust Building in Downtown Los Angeles.

Barry presented the material remotely (we hope to be “in person – with lunch” the next go-around!), and it was well-received! During the Q&A, Barry was asked about his experience with historic buildings. He described a current consultation at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles (reopening 2022), and a completed consultation at the iconic Hotel Cecil in downtown Los Angeles. Barry spoke about the patience and creativity needed to deal with the limitations presented by these historical restorations. He was also asked to forward the seminar’s section on stucco tests, to an ARG conservator, as the material was evidently relevant to the work they perform.

Special thanks to Marcos Gonzalez-Bode for organizing the event.

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program for your organization.

About Terra-Petra Forensic Waterproofing Services

Due to the emerging demands of energy, sustainability, and functionality of both residential and commercial structures, coupled with a high rate of water infiltration litigation, building science, codes, and requirements are rapidly evolving requiring builders and architects to retain expert guidance. We use our knowledge and experience from years of legal and forensic cases to bring expertise to your project and introduce a balanced and systematic approach to the entire water management system and a proper integration of all components.

Terra-Petra Waterproofing Division

The Terra-Petra Waterproofing Division strives to provide a holistic approach to Building Envelope Consulting with a focus on “making our clients’ lives easier.” We achieve this goal by responding to our clients’ needs in a timely manner and serving as their single point of contact for any services they need. This approach has allowed the Terra-Petra Waterproofing Division a very steady and organic growth from the inception of the company in 2002.

Our clients have come back to Terra-Petra, again and again, with new needs asking if we can provide more and more services than for their previous project. Fortunately for us, our customer intimacy value discipline has allowed us to continually tailor and shape our service offerings to fit the increasingly defined definition of our customers’ needs. With offices in most major metropolitan areas across the country, Terra-Petra’s Waterproofing Division has successfully worked on a variety of building waterproofing projects around the United States in a variety of climates. We can respond in a moment’s notice to any client request.

Barry Taheri, Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert

Barry Taheri – Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri, presented his latest Lunch & Learn presentation for the global architecture, planning, and design firm, Cannon Design, on May 6, 2021.

Barry presented the material remotely, and by all accounts, it was well-received with regard to the virtual design.

In his presentation, “The Principles of Building Enclosure Systems,” Taheri provided info on the importance of building waterproofing and the benefits of investing in mock-ups.

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program for your organization.

Terra-Petra Forensic Waterproofing Expert Hosts 15th Lunch & Learn

Terra-Petra Forensic Waterproofing Team Hosts 15th Lunch & Learn… Virtually

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri, recently presented his 15th lunch and learn seminar for the global architecture, planning, and design firm, Gensler SF, on November 17, 2020.

This was Barry’s first time presenting the material remotely and by all accounts, it went well!

In his presentation, “The Principles of Building Enclosure Systems,” Taheri provided info on the importance of building waterproofing and the benefits of investing in mock-ups.

Special thanks to Leanne Vanderbyl for organizing this event on our behalf!

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program for your organization.

Terra-Petra Forensic Waterproofing Expert Hosts 14th Lunch & Learn

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri, recently presented his 14th lunch and learn seminar for the global architecture, planning, and design firm, Burgeoning Studio, at their LA Chinatown offices on Chung King Road on January 20, 2020.

In his presentation, “The Principles of Building Enclosure Systems,” Taheri provided info on the importance of building waterproofing and the benefits of investing in mock-ups, along with a live demonstration of dangerous wicking.

After covering his topic thoroughly, Barry discussed modular home projects and managing their roof systems with Mauricio, Celia, Wade, and Quentin in a lively Q&A.

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program for your organization.

Forensic Waterproofing Expert give 13th Lunch and Learn for OfficeUntitled

Forensic Waterproofing Expert Barry Taheri Holds Lunch & Learn Program

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri, recently presented his 13th lunch and learn program for OfficeUntitled, at their Los Angeles offices at 4200 Sepulveda Blvd on October 8, 2019.

In his presentation, “The Principles of Building Enclosure Systems,” Taheri provided info on the importance of building waterproofing and the benefits of investing in mock-ups, along with a few live demonstrations.

Lunch was catered once again by Mendocino Farms which was enjoyed and appreciated by the group. Terra-Petra offers special thanks to the OfficeUntitled operations staff for coordinating the event with our team.

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program for your organization.

Terra-Petra Waterproofing Division Lunch-and-Learn, Principles of Building Enclosure with ANR Development

Terra-Petra’s Barry Taheri Presents 12th “Principles of Building Enclosure Systems” Lunch & Learn for ANR Development

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert,  Barry Taheri, presented his 12th lunch and learn program for ANR Development, on September 13, 2019, at their Los Angeles offices at 10100 Venice Blvd.

In his presentation, The Principles of Building Enclosure Systems, Taheri provided information on the importance of building waterproofing and the benefits of investing in mock-ups, along with a few live demonstrations. Lunch was catered to 11 guests.*

The group, consisting of ANR architects and project managers, was intense and focused. The usual Q&A, which usually takes place after the presentation, was shelved as Barry took questions mid-way through his presentation. What began as a typical 1 hour “L & L” turned into a deep 2-hour seminar that ended too soon for all concerned.

Special thanks to Olivia Polger for organizing the event.

Lunch for the group was once again catered by Mendocino Farms.

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program* for your organization.

*Lunch and Learn Programs are available to all group sizes. 

 

Terra-Petra’s Taheri Presents 11th “Principles of Building Enclosure Systems” Lunch & Learn for KAA Design Group

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert,  Barry Taheri,  presented his eleventh lunch and learn seminar for global architecture, planning and design firm,  KAA Design Group,  at their Los Angeles office on Redwood Ave. on April 25, 2019.

In his “The Principles of Building Enclosure Systems” presentation, Taheri provided info on the importance of building waterproofing and the benefits of investing in mock-ups, along with live demonstrations.

KAA’s David Vazquez and Tim Reynolds stayed after to ask questions and pick Barry’s brain. Thanks to Jennifer Alvarez for welcoming us so warmly and Marc Dobbs for organizing our event.

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program* for your organization.

*Lunch and Learn Programs are available to all group sizes. 

Lunch for the group was once again catered by Mendocino Farms.

Highlights from the Lunch & Learn program…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Terra-Petra Presents “Principles of Building Enclosure Systems” Lunch & Learn for Johnson Fain

Terra-Petra’s Forensic Waterproofing Expert, Barry Taheri, presented his tenth lunch and learn seminar for global architecture, planning and design firm, Johnson Fain, at their Los Angeles Chinatown offices on Broadway on March 6, 2019.

In this small group* presentation, “The Principles of Building Enclosure Systems,” Taheri provided info on the importance of building waterproofing and the benefits of investing in mock-ups, along with a live demonstration of dangerous wicking.

Thanks to Greg Keating who asked many relevant questions and added to the lively discussion. And a special thanks to Nicole Villamin for organizing our event.

Contact Terra-Petra for more information on how to schedule a Lunch and Learn Program for your organization.

*Lunch and Learn Programs are available to all group sizes. 

Lunch for the group was once again catered by Mendocino Farms.

Highlights from the Lunch & Learn program…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

1 2 3