Your South Carolina Forensic Architect Expert
Your South Carolina Forensic Architect
Forensic Architecture is the detailed examination of building design, materials, and construction practices to uncover the primary reasons for construction flaws and failures. Its main goal is to address issues related to the Construction Documents and building elements while ensuring compliance with the building codes set by the Agencies of Jurisdiction.
In South Carolina, a state known for its historic buildings in places like Charleston and continuous urban expansion, this field faces distinct challenges. The state's vulnerability to severe weather and coastal conditions creates specific opportunities for forensic analysis.
South Carolina’s distinctive climate, characterized by high humidity, substantial rainfall, hurricanes, and ground subsidence, presents considerable hurdles for the durability and performance of buildings. Forensic architects are frequently called upon to evaluate damage resulting from moisture penetration, structural settling, and material degradation caused by harsh environmental conditions.
Coastal areas such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach face particular threats from saltwater intrusion, regular flooding, and hurricane storm surges. Meanwhile, inland regions must cope with intense rain and variable temperatures. By analyzing these factors, forensic architects are instrumental in enhancing the resilience of buildings and promoting more intelligent construction methods.
As a result, South Carolina’s continuous exposure to hurricanes and its extensive coastline have increased the threat of flooding and coastal erosion. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), "sea level continues to rise at a rate of about one-eighth of an inch per year."
South Carolina’s ongoing urban growth and development have significantly increased the need for expert forensic architecture services, particularly in construction defects. In growing cities, construction projects demand meticulous reviews of "design intent" contracts, plans, as-built conditions, and construction methods to ensure they meet building codes and withstand the state’s unique environmental challenges, like hurricanes and flooding.
Forensic Architects are valuable in resolving construction defect claims by identifying design flaws and as-built deviations, and they also help prevent future issues. By analyzing past failures, they provide insights that improve building practices and ensure projects align with the original "design-intent" while avoiding costly disputes down the line.
If you are seeking assistance with construction defects after a disaster, FORENSIC ARCHITECT - David Erik Chase, AIA, brings decades of experience to address your building's safety, performance, and preservation challenges. With locations in Palm Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, the firm combines regional expertise with a personalized approach. Reach out today for innovative, trustworthy solutions designed to meet your unique needs.
South Carolina - CHASE Forensic Architect Resources
What Is a Forensic Architecture Expert?
Forensic Architecture is where the worlds of design, investigation, and problem-solving collide. This unique field uses architectural knowledge to uncover the truth behind building-related incidents, whether they involve structural failure, construction mishaps, or safety concerns. But it doesn’t stop there. Forensic Architecture can also delve into unexpected areas, such as intellectual property disputes or environmental impact claims.
These specialists are like detectives of the built environment, examining blueprints, analyzing construction practices, and investigating code compliance. Their work often takes them from reviewing design flaws to analyzing material failures, and even providing expert testimony in courtrooms. By uncovering overlooked details and offering objective insights, forensic architects are key players in resolving disputes and ensuring integrity in the spaces we work, live, and play.
Common Forensic Architect Defects Found
Forensic architects frequently uncover a range of complex defects, each requiring meticulous investigation to determine causation and responsibility. These common issues include:
Water Intrusion Caused by Improper Waterproofing or Faulty Drainage Systems: This is a pervasive issue, often originating from deficient detailing in architectural design, poor installation practices, or reliance on unsuitable materials. Common culprits include inadequate flashing around windows, doors, and roof penetrations; improperly sloped surfaces that trap water; compromised building envelopes due to missing or incorrectly applied weather-resistive barriers; and clogged or undersized subsurface drainage systems. The consequences can be severe, ranging from visible staining and mold growth to hidden wood rot, structural steel corrosion, and degradation of interior finishes, all of which compromise occupant health and building integrity.
Structural Failures Due to Design Flaws or Poor Construction Techniques: These defects can have catastrophic implications. Design flaws might include miscalculations of load-bearing capacities, insufficient bracing for lateral forces (wind or seismic), or inadequate connections between structural elements. During construction, errors such as improper placement or quantity of reinforcing steel, incorrect concrete mix ratios, compromised welding, or deviations from engineered plans can severely weaken a structure. Such failures can manifest as excessive deflection, cracking, buckling, or, in extreme cases, partial or complete collapse.
Building Code Violations Resulting from Non-Compliance During Design or Construction: Adherence to building codes is paramount for safety and performance. Violations can stem from a lack of current code knowledge during the design phase, deliberate cost-cutting measures, or oversight during construction. Common violations include inadequate fire separation, non-compliant egress routes, improper ventilation, insufficient sizing of structural members, or failure to meet accessibility standards. These issues pose significant safety risks to occupants, can lead to legal penalties, and often require costly remediation.
Material Degradation or Incorrect Material Usage Leading to Premature Wear: Selecting and installing materials appropriate for a specific environment and intended use is critical. Defects often arise from using materials susceptible to local environmental stressors (e.g., highly corrosive atmospheres near coastal regions), installing materials incorrectly (e.g., applying incompatible sealants or coatings), or specifying materials that simply do not meet the performance requirements of the application. This can lead to accelerated corrosion, embrittlement, UV degradation, spalling, or delamination, significantly shortening the lifespan of building components and requiring early replacement.
Roofing Defects Such as Inadequate Flashing or Improper Installation: The roof is a building's primary line of defense against the elements. Common defects include improperly installed or missing flashing at eaves, valleys, penetrations (vents, chimneys), and parapet walls, which are critical for directing water away. Other issues involve poor membrane adhesion in flat roofs, incorrect shingle overlap, insufficient fasteners, or damaged underlayment. These defects inevitably lead to leaks, causing interior water damage, compromised insulation, and potential structural deterioration.
Foundation Problems Caused by Insufficient Soil Analysis or Poor Construction Practices: A building's foundation is its bedrock. Problems can arise from inadequate geotechnical investigations that fail to identify problematic soil conditions, such as expansive clays, liquefaction potential, or insufficient bearing capacity. Construction errors, such as improper site preparation, inadequate compaction of fill material, insufficient reinforcement within the footings or slabs, or improper concrete pouring and curing, can lead to differential settlement. This often manifests as noticeable cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, doors and windows that no longer operate correctly, and in severe cases, structural instability.
Mechanical and Electrical System Failures Stemming from Design or Installation Errors: These systems are the lifeblood of a modern building. Design errors might include undersizing HVAC systems for the building load, improper routing of ductwork, or inadequate electrical panel capacity. Installation errors often involve faulty wiring, improper connections, incorrect component sizing, or failure to comply with manufacturer specifications and safety codes. Such failures can lead to discomfort, energy inefficiency, equipment breakdowns, fire hazards, and disruptions to building operations.
Thermal Inefficiencies Due to Inadequate Insulation or Air Sealing: A well-insulated, well-air-sealed building is crucial for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Defects frequently involve missing or improperly installed insulation (e.g., batt insulation compressed or gapped), inadequate R-values for the climate zone, or significant air leakage pathways. Common air-sealing deficiencies include unsealed plumbing and electrical penetrations, gaps around window and door frames, and unsealed junctions between different building materials. These issues result in excessive energy consumption for heating and cooling, uncomfortable temperature fluctuations, and potential condensation that can lead to moisture damage and mold.
Seek Justice After a Tragedy
The strategic expert at FORENSIC ARCHITECT - David Erik Chase, AIA, is a dependable forensic architect with a strong commitment to professional excellence. With offices in Palm Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, he brings over 20 years of experience in forensic architecture, construction expert witness services, and arbitration, complemented by 55 years as a licensed architect across 21 states and the District of Columbia.
For South Carolina clients seeking help with building assessments, construction disputes, or expert witness testimony, Mr. Chase provides top-tier services. His proven ability to conquer complicated construction issues and provide precise technical guidance makes him an invaluable partner in resolving disputes and delivering results.
Disclaimer: David Erik Chase, AIA is a registered architect in 22 states and not an attorney. The content of this article is intended only as a general overview of process and not a representation for guidance or any legal professional opinions, as advice. (Nb. Legal consultation is always advisable in this entire process.)