Building Enclosure Consultants

We help protect buildings from the elements through expert analysis, practical solutions, and clear, evidence-based reporting.

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Expert Building Enclosure Engineering Services

Protecting Your Building from the Elements

At Higgins & Associates, we  understand that a building’s envelope is its first line of defense against environmental factors. Our team specializes in evaluating and enhancing the performance of building enclosures to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

Worried about Building Enclosures?

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Quick Links

Building Envelope - Water Intrusion
Technical Peer Reviews
Construction Observations and Reporting
Roof Evaluation & Testing
Enclosure Testing
Why Us?
Get In Touch
FAQs
Latest News

Building Envelope – Water Intrusion

Identifying and addressing water infiltration issues to prevent structural damage and maintain indoor air quality

Water intrusion is one of the most common and costly threats to a building’s integrity. Our forensic engineers and architects conduct detailed water intrusion assessments to detect hidden moisture, trace pathways of infiltration, and recommend targeted fixes.

Our assessments typically include:

  • Moisture intrusion mapping and diagnostics
  • Review of waterproofing assemblies and details
  • Testing of flashing, sealants, and exterior cladding
  • Recommendations to resolve current issues and prevent recurrence
  • Expert documentation to support insurance or legal claims

Need clarity on a possible water intrusion issue?

Our experts are on hand to provide industry-leading support.

Book a Water Intrusion Consultation

Technical Peer Reviews of Drawings and Specifications

Ensuring your designs meet industry standards and stand up to scrutiny

At Higgins & Associates, our forensic engineers and architects provide independent peer reviews of construction documents to identify design risks, code issues, and buildability concerns before construction begins. Our insights help project teams reduce costly rework and avoid disputes.

Our peer reviews typically include:

  • Assessment of waterproofing and envelope detailing
  • Verification of compliance with applicable codes and standards
  • Identification of potential constructability or coordination issues
  • Recommendations to improve durability, performance, and cost-efficiency
  • Annotated feedback for design teams, owners, and insurers

Want a second set of expert eyes on your plans?

Avoid mistakes by working with a team in the know.

Request a Peer Review

Construction Observations and Reporting

Verifying envelope installation for lasting performance

Our forensic engineers and architects conduct on-site observations throughout construction to ensure building envelope components are installed as designed and meet quality expectations. We help identify errors early, provide practical guidance on corrections, and document compliance for future reference.

We typically support clients with:

  • Field verification of waterproofing, flashing, and cladding systems
  • Observation of envelope transitions and penetrations
  • Review of workmanship against approved drawings and specs
  • Construction progress documentation and photographic records
  • Coordination with contractors to resolve issues promptly

Need help staying on top of envelope quality during construction?

Our team can help provide invaluable insight.

Speak to a Site Consultant

Roof Evaluation and Testing

Ensuring Your Roof Performs Under Pressure

Roofs are one of the most critical components of a building enclosure. At Higgins & Associates, our forensic engineers and architects assess roofing systems for performance, durability, and signs of premature failure across both commercial and residential properties.

We evaluate:

  • Current roof condition and material integrity
  • Signs of moisture intrusion, pooling, or ventilation issues
  • Installation quality and compliance with project specifications
  • Lifespan estimation and recommendations for repair or replacement

Need expert insight into your roof system?

We help property owners and insurers prevent small problems from becoming costly claims.

Schedule a Roof Evaluation

Enclosure Testing

Verifying Performance Where It Matters Most

Our team conducts advanced enclosure testing to ensure your building envelope meets critical performance standards. Whether for new builds or existing structures, we evaluate how the envelope holds up to environmental stressors like air and water infiltration.

We offer:

  • Air infiltration and water penetration testing
  • Compliance verification with IECC, ASTM, AAMA, and other standards
  • Testing of windows, doors, curtain walls, and full envelope assemblies
  • Detailed reporting to support corrective action or regulatory sign-off

Concerned about your building’s enclosure performance?

We provide data you can trust – and solutions you can act on.

Book Enclosure Testing

Why Choose Higgins & Associates for Building Enclosure Engineering?

At Higgins & Associates, we bring decades of hands-on expertise to building enclosure challenges. From water intrusion and thermal inefficiencies to construction defects and envelope failure, our forensic engineers and architects deliver clear, actionable insights to help clients make confident decisions.

We’re proud to be a trusted partner to property owners, contractors, insurers, attorneys, and architects across the United States.

What sets our enclosure consulting team apart?

  • Cross-disciplinary expertise in architecture, engineering, and materials science
  • Clear, practical reporting designed for decision-making
  • Trusted by insurers, developers, and legal teams for unbiased evaluation
  • Responsive support and expert field coordination
  • Experience across commercial, multifamily, and institutional buildings

Still unsure? Here’s what some of our clients have to say about working with us:

Nickie Greco - General Manager, Park MayfairVerified Review
"My success during this water event would not have been possible without the support of my assistant and phenomenal partnering vendors like Higgins & Associates. Their know how and quick wit to get a team in place was appreciated beyond measure. I have the BEST vendors in Colorado and developing good working relationships with quality vendors is priceless."
Specialist Claims ManagerVerified Review
"I was very pleased with the quick and personal attention I received on the two cases I assigned to the firm. Everyone was very knowledgeable and made it easy to reach my goal of a fair and adequate claim settlement."
David H - AttorneyVerified Review
"Kevin went above and beyond for not only me, but the other parties involved in the project to be sure all of the information we were working through was accurate and quantifiable. His attention to detail ensured that the matter was resolved correctly."
Beth Ballaseux - General ManagerVerified Review
"As a General Manager, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Higgins & Associates and can confidently say that they are one of the most professional, reliable, and highly skilled engineering firms I have ever collaborated with. From the very beginning, their team has demonstrated exceptional expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. Their ability to tackle complex engineering challenges with efficiency and innovation has been truly impressive. Beyond their technical capabilities, what sets the Higgins Team apart is their dedication to customer service. They communicate clearly, meet deadlines consistently, and always go the extra mile to ensure project success. Their collaborative approach has made working with them seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend Higgins & Associates to anyone in need of top-tier engineering services. Their professionalism, knowledge, and integrity make them a standout firm in the industry."
Flanders, Elsberg - Herber & Dunn, LLCVerified Review
"Our law firm retained Higgins and Associates a few times to handle several of our clients complex cases. We worked with Kevin McAlister at Higgins and Associates and he has always been timely, providing excellent work product, and is extremely responsive. We highly recommend Higgins and Associates for any forensic engineering services and we look forward to working with them in the future."
Tim Crawford - Empire Works ConstructionVerified Review
"The Higgins and Associates team is top notch with supporting my structural, civil, building envelope and litigation reconstruction jobs. The attention to detail, strong commination and willingness to exceed project expectations is always a priority with the Higgins and Associates team!"
Leisa Klinge - Center Point ManagementVerified Review
"Higgins and Assoc was amazing to work with. They were flexible to schedule a time that worked for all parties involved, were professional on-site, and provided a detailed report back to our HOA Board of Directors that was clear and concise. I love working with them!"
Jonathan E. - AttorneyVerified Review
"I have worked with Kevin on many cases and the breadth and depth of his knowledge of construction means and methods is unsurpassed. He is responsive, writes a great report, and is an excellent trial expert witness."

Want to see how we’ve helped improve building performance and prevent costly enclosure failures?

Explore our case studies or learn more about the industries and properties we support across the United States.

View Case Studies
Who We Serve
Speak to an Expert

Need expert insight on your building’s envelope? Let’s talk.

From water intrusion to thermal performance, we help uncover and address enclosure issues before they become bigger problems. Our forensic engineers and architects provide clear, code-informed recommendations tailored to your project.

Just fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re known for providing robust, fact-based opinions — but we also believe in making things clear and approachable from the very beginning.

Here are a few questions we get asked often:

What are common signs of building envelope issues?

Indicators include water stains, mold growth, drafts, increased energy bills, and visible deterioration of exterior components.

Regular inspections are recommended, especially after severe weather events or as part of routine maintenance schedules.

Yes, we provide peer reviews and consulting services to ensure that designs meet applicable codes and standards.

We work with a variety of structures, including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.

Yes. Our forensic engineers and architects perform detailed investigations to trace the source of leaks and moisture infiltration, supporting accurate repairs and insurance claims.

We conduct air and water infiltration testing, thermal imaging, and other diagnostic services to assess envelope performance against code and design expectations.

Absolutely. Our team works across all property types, including single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, office towers, industrial facilities, and retail spaces.

If you’re seeing signs of wear, leaks, or planning renovations or a property sale, a roof evaluation can identify risks early and extend the service life of your system.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help – just get in touch and we’ll guide you through it.

Get Some Answers

Latest News

Here at Higgins & Associates, we’re always moving forward – whether it’s sharing industry insight, supporting our community, or celebrating our team’s achievements.

Explore the latest updates, announcements, and articles from across our firm.