Project Portfolio

RForensics assessed water pressure issues affecting multiple condo units in Hamilton, Ontario, where remediation costs were in dispute. Through a detailed evaluation of the damage and cost measures, we provided clarity to the owner regarding the required repairs.

​

Findings: Corroded copper supply pipes were identified. Lab tests confirmed the corrosion was caused by aggressive soil conditions linked to the site’s history as a former train yard. The matter was resolved with a mutually acceptable settlement.

​​

RForensics conducted an independent roof inspection of the Eric Martin Pavilion to evaluate ongoing water ingress issues following prior repairs. Our assessment reviewed historical reports and identified deficiencies in membrane adherence and drainage, offering expert insight into the continued leak concerns despite past remediation efforts.

​

Findings: I was concluded that the 6th floor roof had reached end-of-life and should have been fully replaced. The roof consultant’s repair recommendations failed to account for existing conditions, resulting in poor performance and persistent leaks. We identified serious installation deficiencies. A full replacement of the lower roof is recommended.

​

​

RForensics routinely performs building condition assessments for commercial and light industrial facilities. This example features a metal-clad, two-storey building with an attached single-storey warehouse space. Our assessment included a visual review of the exterior envelope, roof system, doors, windows, and site drainage, with attention to signs of wear, damage, or deferred maintenance.

​

Findings: The inspection revealed areas of metal cladding corrosion, sealant degradation around penetrations, and early-stage roof panel aging, particularly on the lower warehouse roof. While the structure appeared generally sound, targeted repairs and preventative maintenance were recommended to preserve performance and minimize risk of water ingress. Roof replacement planning may be considered over the mid-term, depending on ongoing exposure and usage intensity.

​

​

This crack in the basement wall of a cold room in Peterborough, Ontario, highlights the challenges posed by expansive soils and unconventional drainage. Over time, these factors have contributed to the structural failure of the wall, leading to potential moisture issues and compromising the integrity of the space. Addressing these concerns promptly can help prevent further damage and ensure a safe environment.

​

Findings: Our engineer performed an on-site assessment of the wall and discovered that the drainage around the home directs water toward the wall. The failure is attributed to hydrostatic pressure from expansive soils inadequate drainage solutions, and the absence of weeping tiles.​​

This project involved a fire and life safety assessment of a multi-residential building in Toronto, where deficiencies were identified in fire separations and service penetrations. These conditions compromise the building’s ability to properly contain fire and smoke, increasing risk to occupants.

​

Findings: Our on-site review identified missing or incomplete fire-rated assemblies at demising walls and ceilings, along with unsealed or improperly sealed mechanical and electrical penetrations. Discontinuities were also observed at bulkheads and concealed spaces, resulting in breaches in fire separation continuity. These deficiencies impact the overall fire protection strategy of the building and require coordinated remediation to restore compliance and ensure occupant safety.

​​

This project involved a structural investigation of the exterior masonry façade at the Barbara Frum Library in Toronto, where visible cracking and displacement raised concerns regarding stability and durability. The observed conditions were consistent with prolonged moisture exposure, inadequate detailing at the parapet, and freeze-thaw deterioration affecting the masonry system.

​

Findings: Our assessment identified significant vertical cracking extending from the parapet downward, accompanied by localized outward displacement of the façade. Evidence of moisture ingress and deteriorated flashing details was observed at the roof interface, contributing to ongoing degradation.

These conditions present a risk of continued deterioration and potential falling hazards, requiring targeted remediation to stabilize the façade and improve long-term performance.

​​

RForensics was retained to assess professional engineering conduct and quantify alleged construction damages on a 142-unit residential development in Newmarket, Ontario. Acting on behalf of legal counsel, we conducted a detailed review of standard of care obligations, contractual responsibilities, and costing analysis related to foundation remediation works caused by unsuitable fill.

​

Findings: Our investigation revealed multiple deviations from expected engineering practice by the project’s civil consultant, including shortcomings in geotechnical coordination, scope definition, field review, and record-keeping. We also provided a cost-based analysis comparing actual remediation with a feasible alternative solution, resulting in an expert-supported damages estimate significantly lower than the plaintiff’s claim.

​

Our work helped clarify the extent of liability and provided the technical foundation for strategic legal positioning. The file was settled after our report contribution to the file. 

​

​

RForensics conducted an inspection of a residential metal tile roof that sustained damage following a tree branch collapse. Using both physical examination and drone imagery, we assessed the full extent of the impact.

​

Findings: Several metal tiles were found to be visibly damaged. Given the extent of the impact and in alignment with the insurer’s conditions, we recommended a full roof replacement to restore the roof’s integrity and ensure long-term performance.

​

As part of our forensic service offerings, RForensics conducts fire origin and cause assessments across a variety of building types and industrial facilities. In one such example, our team investigated a fire event at a municipal facility, where the initial hypothesis attributed the cause to a standby generator.

​

Findings: Our engineer conducted an on-site examination of fire patterns and damage progression, followed by a detailed laboratory analysis of the generator unit. Based on physical evidence and burn characteristics, we concluded that the generator was not the point of origin. Our assessment helped clarify liability and supported informed decision-making for the insurer and building owner.

​

​

This project involved a structural review of an elevated parking garage slab and pedestrian walkway in Montreal, Quebec. The structure exhibited signs of deterioration due to prolonged exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and prior undocumented repairs. These factors contributed to cracking, concrete spalling, and ongoing water ingress, raising concerns about long-term durability and localized structural performance.

​

Findings: An on-site assessment identified cracking at a beam support with an atypical load path, significant spalling at slab edges, and active water infiltration at structural joints. These conditions indicate localized overstress and moisture-driven deterioration. While no immediate global failure risk was observed, timely repairs are required to prevent further degradation.​​

This project involved a Building Condition Assessment for a Toronto Public Library branch, focused on evaluating the overall condition of structural and building envelope components to support capital planning and maintenance strategies. The assessment identified typical age-related deterioration and maintenance needs across key building systems, requiring a coordinated approach to preserve performance and extend service life.

​

Findings:  Our review identified localized deterioration of building envelope elements, including concrete and masonry components, along with signs of water ingress at select areas. Interior and exterior observations indicated wear consistent with long-term use, as well as the need for targeted repairs and preventative maintenance. While no immediate structural concerns were identified, the findings support the need for planned rehabilitation measures to address deficiencies, improve durability, and maintain the building’s long-term functionality.

​​

This project involved a forensic structural investigation at a building in Ottawa, Ontario, following a localized roof collapse above a dining area during active construction. The failure occurred while materials and equipment were temporarily stored on the roof, prompting an assessment of the structural capacity of the roof framing and the adequacy of the original design.

​

Findings: Our investigation determined that the collapse was caused by localized overloading of the roof joists due to a concentrated point load from equipment placed near an HVAC unit. The roof system was not designed to accommodate such loading conditions, resulting in overstressing and failure of the affected members. The findings highlight the sensitivity of roof systems to unaccounted construction loads and emphasize the importance of load management and design verification when placing equipment on existing structures.

​​