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Meeting Your Build Envelope Needs...
Condition Surveys
 Condition Surveys are generally the beginning of a process that determines the overall performance of the roof, exterior wall or plaza deck area. Sometimes it's helpful to get a quick overview of the area. When an observational survey is not sufficient, the best course of action is often to examine the building materials using destructive evaluations such as core cuts. The most detailed examination of the envelope component is undertaken when a complete moisture scan is combined with evaluation of the assembly components.
Reports typically include recommendations, budget estimates, photographs and a construction layout drawing. Your special requirements can be discussed before a proposal for service is submitted. This assessment is a valuable tool during the initial stages of securing funds for system repair or replacement.
- Level I observational survey is suitable for assessing the overall condition of the area.
- Level II surveys include core cuts, hazardous material testing, localized moisture scans and the Level I services.
- Level III surveys are comprehensive moisture scans that includes the Level II assessment.
Design Development and Construction Documents
A Project Manual including the "Front End", General Conditions, Specifications and Constructions Drawings is prepared in CSI MasterFormat. 
This phase of work includes all activities up to the bid opening. A pre-bid meeting for interested Contractors is recommended.
Construction Administration
All services between the bid and completion of work are part of construction contract administration. A pre-construction meeting begins the process.
We review submittals, manage pay requests, issue Change Orders, hold progress meetings, make decisions regarding design compliance and provide services representing the Owner throughout the construction process. A final inspection with punch list is conducted and a second inspection of completed punch list items may be required.
The Construction Administrator serves as a vital link: maintaining the communication and involvement necessary to assure satisfactory contractor performance and owner acceptance.
Construction Observation
 Intermittent or full time observation during the installation phase of work can be included as part of the overall quality assurance scope of our work. The observer will prepare written daily reports that include photographs and a construction drawing showing the ongoing completion of work. CO is a vital part of documenting the overall progress of the work and Quality Assurance. It compiles a record of the project from start to completion.
Fenestration Commissioning
 Merik provides a third party independent testing service to verify design compliance and measure the performance of storefront, curtain wall, individual windows and doors. All work is done in according to AAMA and ASTM standards using calibrated equipment that is certified to be incompliance with the ASTM test requirements.
Testing will simulate wind driven rain events with a rated air pressure differential and/or static water pressure. It can identify failures and retest to validate repairs.
Quality assurance testing allows the installed systems to be tested and repaired before the project is closed-out and the crews have left the job site.
The goal in adopting building commissioning is:
- To safeguard the Client's interest, by implementing solutions that best represent and meet
the long term efficiency and functionality of a building and meet the expectations
of the Client
- To improve facility operations
- To optimize the value received for each construction dollar spent
- Lower utility bills through energy savings
- Increased occupant and owner satisfaction
- Enhanced occupant comfort
- Improved system
- Improved building operation and maintenance
Fenestration commissioning is critical to ensure that the building envelope
performs as intended and meets the established performance criteria by
providing the desired thermal properties and resisting air and water migration.
Due to the increased reliance by the mechanical systems on building envelope
performance, failure of the fenestration systems can result in reduced occupant
comfort, unrealized energy savings, and deterioration of some building
envelope components. These building envelope failures can also result in costly
repairs to re-establish the desired performance and may damage the reputation
of the sustainable building industry
Building Envelope Commissioning
Building Envelope Commissioning is a process for developing systems and criteria that meets defined objectives that are measurable and verifiable and interface with all aspects of a building's performance. This includes performance criteria, quality control and durability. The building envelope commissioning process can begin before the schematic design phase of a project, continuing throughout design and construction into the operational phase of a building.
Building Envelope Commissioning services for glazing, exterior walls, slab on grade, waterproofing and roofing are intended to be customizable based on the Client's needs and budget may include:
Pre Design Phase:
Identify desired performance metrics.
Assess site or existing building conditions as they relate to the building envelope.
Schematic Phase:
Project Meetings: Attend design team kick-off meetings and any required subsequent project meetings.
Building Code Review: Review local codes and site requirements as they relate to the exterior building envelope.
Design Criteria: Develop appropriate design criteria for wind, water, seismic and other environmental hazards.
Schematic Design Review: Provide preliminary review comments.
Cost Estimates: Provide square foot estimates for building envelope items.
Design Development Phase:
Design Development Sketches and Details: Consult to develop details, sections and drawings, as required.
Outline Specifications: Assist with the preparation of a set of Outline Specifications, identifying basic performance requirements and generic material types.
Project Meetings: Attend design team project meetings as required.
Peer Review of design development documents to verify compatibility with performance requirements.
Cost Estimates: Assist with the preparation of budget construction cost estimates for exterior building envelope components.
Construction Documents Phase:
Assist with Development of Working Drawings.
Assist with the Development of Specifications: Assist with the completion of specifications. Recommend appropriate materials, manufacturers and performance criteria.
Fifty Percent Review: Comprehensive review of plans and specifications at fifty percent of completion with written comments and suggestions, as required.
Ninety Percent Review: Comprehensive review of plans and specification at ninety percent of completion with written comments and suggestions, as required.
One Hundred Percent Review: Comprehensive review of plans and specifications at one hundred percent completion with written comments and suggestions, as required.
Project Meetings: Attend design team project meetings as required.
Cost Estimates: Assist with the preparation of final construction cost estimates for exterior building envelope components.
Bidding and Negotiation Phase:
Review Proposals: Review relevant building envelope subcontractor proposals to verify they are in compliance with the project documents and provide written comments as required.
Value Engineering Proposals: Review and analyze value engineering proposals for building envelope components and provide written comments and recommendations.
Review Subcontractor Qualifications: Research and qualify prospective subcontractors for major building envelope components, including verification of past performance on similar projects and checking references within the industry.
Project Meetings: Attend pre-bid and pre-award project meetings, as required.
Construction Phase (Administration):
Witness Mock-ups and Tests: We will observe the construction of laboratory mock-ups and test specimens and witness laboratory testing to verify constructability and compliance with the project requirements.
Review Submittals: We will review contractor submittals required by the project documents for building envelope components and provide written comments.
Respond to RFI's: We will review and respond to relevant RFI's to help provide the requested information.
Construction Phase (Quality Control):
These services are often provided directly to the Owner or Construction Manager.
Change Order Review: Provide review and comments for Change Order requests, as required.
Site Inspections: Conduct periodic site inspections to review the quality of work and check for conformance with the project requirements. We provide a written report upon completion of each inspection.
Moisture Surveys to verify building interiors are dry during the construction process and at completion.
Field Water and Air Infiltration Tests: Conduct field tests of representative glazing and wall system assemblies to verify acceptable performance. We use ASTM E 1105 test method for water infiltration tests and ASTM E 547 for air infiltration tests.
Project Meetings: We will attend and participate in project meetings at the site, as required.
Building Operations Phase:
Training of Building Operations Professionals to review warranty obligations, maintenance requirements and quality control checks.
Warranty Inspections (typically at 11 months) of building envelope systems and components including glazing, waterproofing, sealants and roofs to verify performance.
Moisture survey to confirm building interiors are still dry.
Continuing inspections and training to insure durability and performance of systems.
Forensics Field Testing
Determining the source of water entry can be a challenging task, sometimes relying on a process of elimination to identify the deficiency. Merik uses the most sophisticated equipment and techniques to find the leak entry point, whether it be in the roof or wall systems.
The process begins with a survey of the interior to plot the leak locations. A visual assessment of the building envelope components associate with each leak location is conducted.
Exterior envelope surfaces can be water tested or moisture scanned to determine the entry point of water. Water testing intended to duplicate the leak allows us to verify the deficient condition and propose a recommended plan for correcting the problem.
Roof Asset Management
Imagine how long a car would perform if it didn't get periodic oil changes and recommended maintenance. After a period of time, performance degrades until it breaks down. Over a longer period of time, roofing systems undergo the same diminishing service breakdown. There is simply no more effective way of getting the maximum service life from the roof components than establishing a formal asset management program.
Period inspection with recommended repairs can greatly extend the service life of the roof. Problems are corrected before they increase in size and expense. Budgets are established for maintenance, repair and replacement to allow the Client to plan for capital expenditures.
Expert Witness
The need for expert evaluation and testimony can be provided throughout the United States. Contact us for the specific information you require.
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