At Hightower Labs, we believe that informed decision-making leads to better buildings. Our Library is a curated resource of technical expertise, methodologies, and field-tested insights—covering everything from digestible summaries of testing procedures to investigative strategies for diagnosing performance failures.
Each page in this section provides a detailed breakdown of the procedures we use, explaining their purpose, methodology, and real-world applications. Whether you're an architect, contractor, developer, or building owner, these resources are designed to help you understand the critical aspects of building performance evaluation and forensic investigation, and how our work benefits your purview.
Each page provides a structured overview of the methodology, purpose, and practical considerations of the procedure or topic. This section serves as a resource for developers, architects, engineers, and consultants looking for specific technical guidance.
For further inquiries or discussion on any of the listed procedures, contact Hightower Labs.
This section provides clear, concise summaries of key air, water, and thermal performance test standards used in building envelope evaluation. From widely referenced procedures like ASTM E1105 to lesser-known but equally important methods, each summary is tailored to help professionals understand the purpose, process, and practical application of the test. Ideal for consultants, designers, and construction professionals needing to quickly get up to speed on envelope testing protocols.
The Building Envelope Assessment and Measurement (B.E.A.M.) procedures developed by Hightower Labs are practical, field-ready testing protocols designed for use on real-world buildings. These in-house methodologies build upon industry standards while introducing enhancements in accuracy, repeatability, and reporting clarity. This section documents our proprietary approaches, including the revolutionary BEAM03 method for post-occupancy water infiltration testing.
This collection outlines the full toolkit for evaluating the performance of existing building enclosures. From commissioning frameworks to investigative techniques and material-specific evaluations, each entry describes how to approach real-world problems in building science. These methods are especially valuable during property acquisition, major renovations, or due diligence reviews, where understanding in-place envelope performance is critical.
Each case study documents a real project where envelope testing or investigation was performed — highlighting the methods used, the findings uncovered, and the decisions that followed. These examples demonstrate how standard procedures are applied in real buildings, providing valuable lessons and reinforcing the importance of proper evaluation. Great for developers, consultants, and teams looking to learn from past challenges and solutions.
This section features original research, technical analysis, and commentary on envelope performance trends and forensic approaches. Topics include common failures, testing limitations, and ideas for improving long-term outcomes through smarter diagnostics and quality assurance. These papers are ideal for professionals seeking deeper insights into building envelope behavior and evolving industry practices.
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.