The air, water, and thermal performance of a building envelope are critical factors for build quality, risk assessment, and predicting long-term maintenance. At Hightower Labs, we specialize in building envelope assessments - delivering expert analysis of these systems and performance metrics, providing clarity and confidence for property buyers, developers, and construction teams.
We provide independent, data-driven analysis to help clients make informed decisions at every stage—from new construction evaluations to forensic investigations of existing buildings.
Hightower Labs delivers scientifically rigorous evaluations to pinpoint vulnerabilities before they escalate into costly issues.
Water intrusion issues are often misdiagnosed—accurate leak investigations require deep experience and a technical understanding of complex migration paths. With decades of experience across a wide variety of materials, envelope designs, and failure conditions, our approach ensures reliable, conclusive results—our success rate is 100%.
We specialize in determining whether your building envelope leaks—including unseen failures hidden within wall cavities that others often miss. Using ASTM-standardized water testing, infrared thermography, and real-world forensic assessments, we pinpoint failures at windows, walls, roofs, and critical system transitions. Our work provides clear, actionable insights for owners, legal professionals, and insurers to make informed decisions.
Measuring air infiltration, insulation effectiveness, and energy loss using blower door testing, infrared imaging, and other established testing protocols.
Validating design intent and installation quality through on-site testing, BEAM03 analysis, and specification compliance reviews.
Providing risk assessments before property transactions to uncover hidden envelope deficiencies, increasing performance visibility and reducing potential for unexpected maintenance costs.
Our expertise integrates seamlessly with existing teams, providing specialized insights to optimize envelope design and performance.
Hightower Labs, Inc. thrives when integrated into collaborative efforts. Whether with a building assessment team, as a component of a commissioning program, or in support of building consultants, our expertise in air, water, and thermal performance site evaluation compliments these services, ensuring that even latent items of concern are identified.
Let's Work TogetherFully understanding the air, water, and thermal performance of your building envelope is a critical component of investment maintenance. Contact Hightower Labs, Inc. today to learn how our specialized expertise can support your building assessment or commissioning program. Contact Us TodayE-mail: service@hightower-labs.com Phone: 312.897.3742 |
Independent studies, industry papers, slideshows, video presentations, and other content benefiting those in the industry with the patience to read five pages, and diagrams for the developers.
Industry-wide, invalid and improperly executed ASTM E783 test data are not providing a reliably accurate accounting of the building's air-tightness on window wall and curtain wall systems comprising the majority of envelopes built this century and, consequently, building stakeholders are blind to their property's performance.
In this Notes From The Field article, HTL checks in on the U.S. construction industry's widespread use and mis-use of structural glazing systems.
The BEAM03 procedure introduces a novel approach to evaluating building envelope water resistivity, addressing critical gaps in traditional QAQC practices. BEAM03 delivers reliable, repeatable data for assessing large-scale envelope performance, including complex geometries and system transitions.
Consider raising your expectations and building structures that are not defective monstrosities by augmenting your project with Chicago's very own building envelope QAQC services company.