Why Hire Us
A building’s envelope — the walls, roof, windows, and foundation — plays a critical role in energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort. But designing, maintaining, or repairing a building envelope requires specialized expertise to prevent costly issues down the road.
Whether you’re planning a new construction, upgrading an existing building, or addressing moisture and air leakage problems, a building envelope consultant can provide valuable insight and solutions. Why hire a building envelope consultant? Below are key situations you when hiring an expert can help ensure your building performs at its best.
Renowned for delivering the most comprehensive construction documents in the industry, Hollon+Cannon ensures clear communication and detailed specifications, keeping projects on schedule and within budget. Our expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from design review to contract administration, empowering clients to make informed and cost-effective decisions.
Here are 8 key reasons why to hire a building envelope consultant:
During the Design Phase of a New Building
To optimize performance:
If you’re designing a new building, a consultant can help ensure the building envelope is energy-efficient, weather-resistant, and meets local codes.
To select materials and systems: They assist in choosing the right materials and systems (e.g., insulation, glazing, air barriers) that suit the building’s climate, use, and aesthetic goals.
For Energy Efficiency Upgrades or Sustainability Projects
To improve thermal performance:
If you want to reduce energy consumption, a consultant can help you design a building envelope that minimizes heat loss or gain.
For green building certifications:
If you’re pursuing certifications like LEED, Passive House, or similar, a building envelope consultant can ensure the design meets sustainability requirements.
When Renovating or Retrofitting an Existing Building
To upgrade an aging envelope:
Older buildings often have outdated or inefficient building envelopes that need upgrades for better energy efficiency and comfort.
For moisture and air leakage issues:
If your building suffers from drafts, water leaks, or poor insulation, a consultant can assess the problem and recommend solutions to address these issues.
If You Have Moisture or Air Leakage Problems
To prevent damage and health risks:
If you notice signs of water infiltration (mold, rust, or water stains) or air leaks (cold or hot spots), a consultant can pinpoint the source and recommend repairs.
For assessment and remediation:
They can assess the cause of the problem and develop a remediation plan, ensuring that future issues are prevented.
For Regular Maintenance or Inspections
To prevent costly repairs:
If your building is older or in an extreme climate, periodic assessments by a building envelope consultant can catch issues before they become expensive problems.
To extend the lifespan of the building envelope:
Regular evaluations ensure materials are functioning properly, reducing the need for costly future repairs or replacements.
For Compliance with Building Codes and Standards
To meet local codes:
Building codes can be complex, especially when it comes to energy efficiency, moisture control, and structural integrity. A consultant helps ensure the building envelope complies with all relevant regulations.
To pass inspections:
Their expertise can help you pass code compliance inspections, ensuring your building meets all legal requirements.
When Constructing Complex or High-Risk Buildings
For high-performance or complex structures:
For buildings with unusual or challenging design requirements (like skyscrapers, historic preservation projects, or buildings in extreme weather conditions), consultants provide specialized advice.
To avoid failure:
Complex envelopes require careful design and construction. Consultants ensure that systems like curtain walls or roofing assemblies are installed correctly to prevent long-term failures.
For Post-Construction Review or Warranty Claims
For verifying performance after construction:
After a building is constructed, consultants can evaluate how well the envelope performs, identifying any areas that may need attention.
To resolve warranty issues:
If issues arise under a warranty period, a consultant can help assess whether the building envelope meets the expected performance standards.
During the Design Phase of a New Building
To optimize performance:
If you’re designing a new building, a consultant can help ensure the building envelope is energy-efficient, weather-resistant, and meets local codes.
To select materials and systems: They assist in choosing the right materials and systems (e.g., insulation, glazing, air barriers) that suit the building’s climate, use, and aesthetic goals.
For Energy Efficiency Upgrades or Sustainability Projects
To improve thermal performance:
If you want to reduce energy consumption, a consultant can help you design a building envelope that minimizes heat loss or gain.
For green building certifications:
If you’re pursuing certifications like LEED, Passive House, or similar, a building envelope consultant can ensure the design meets sustainability requirements.
When Renovating or Retrofitting an Existing Building
To upgrade an aging envelope:
Older buildings often have outdated or inefficient building envelopes that need upgrades for better energy efficiency and comfort.
For moisture and air leakage issues:
If your building suffers from drafts, water leaks, or poor insulation, a consultant can assess the problem and recommend solutions to address these issues.
If You Have Moisture or Air Leakage Problems
To prevent damage and health risks:
If you notice signs of water infiltration (mold, rust, or water stains) or air leaks (cold or hot spots), a consultant can pinpoint the source and recommend repairs.
For assessment and remediation:
They can assess the cause of the problem and develop a remediation plan, ensuring that future issues are prevented.
For Regular Maintenance or Inspections
To prevent costly repairs:
If your building is older or in an extreme climate, periodic assessments by a building envelope consultant can catch issues before they become expensive problems.
To extend the lifespan of the building envelope:
Regular evaluations ensure materials are functioning properly, reducing the need for costly future repairs or replacements.
For Compliance with Building Codes and Standards
To meet local codes:
Building codes can be complex, especially when it comes to energy efficiency, moisture control, and structural integrity. A consultant helps ensure the building envelope complies with all relevant regulations.
To pass inspections:
Their expertise can help you pass code compliance inspections, ensuring your building meets all legal requirements.
When Constructing Complex or High-Risk Buildings
For high-performance or complex structures:
For buildings with unusual or challenging design requirements (like skyscrapers, historic preservation projects, or buildings in extreme weather conditions), consultants provide specialized advice.
To avoid failure:
Complex envelopes require careful design and construction. Consultants ensure that systems like curtain walls or roofing assemblies are installed correctly to prevent long-term failures.
For Post-Construction Review or Warranty Claims
For verifying performance after construction:
After a building is constructed, consultants can evaluate how well the envelope performs, identifying any areas that may need attention.
To resolve warranty issues:
If issues arise under a warranty period, a consultant can help assess whether the building envelope meets the expected performance standards.
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