Forensic & Structural Assessments

Top Rated Forensic Engineering Experts

Comprehensive Building Evaluation and Engineering Services

Medro Engineering provides detailed investigation and assessment services for a wide range of building-related concerns. Our engineers analyze the underlying causes of performance issues and help property owners, managers, buyers, and real-estate professionals make informed decisions regarding repair, maintenance, and long-term reliability.

We also support insurance carriers, adjusters, and insured clients by providing objective, engineering-based evaluations for damage assessments and claim investigations. Whether the concern involves water intrusion, structural movement, foundation issues, or potential construction defects, our approach focuses on identifying the true cause of the problem so further actions can be taken confidently and accurately.

Our Areas of Expertise

Cracks are among the most common concerns observed in both new and older buildings. They can appear in stucco, drywall, concrete, or other finishes and may result from a variety of factors including typical material movement and temperature variations to long-term structural de stability.

Cracked Building Finishes (Interior and Exterior Cracking)
Differential Foundation Settlement and Movement
Roof Condition and Leakage Assessments
Building Envelope and Waterproofing Systems
Balcony and Elevated Walkway Inspections
Siding and Exterior Finish Deterioration
Drainage and Site Grading Issues
Structural Assessment of Load-Bearing Components
Moisture Intrusion and Water-Damage Investigations
Pre-Purchase and Escrow Evaluations

Cracked Building Finishes (Interior and Exterior Cracking)

While not every crack indicates a serious issue, understanding the underlying cause requires a comprehensive evaluation. Identifying the root cause of interior and exterior finishes cracking involves more than examining the surface condition alone, it also requires consideration of how other building components such as foundation, framing and exterior finishes interact. By analyzing these factors together rather than in isolation, our engineers develop an accurate understanding of the problem and provide recommendations that address the cause, not just the symptom.

Differential Foundation Settlement and Movement

Uneven foundation movement is one of the most common structural concerns property owners encounter, often revealed through uneven floors, wall cracks, or misaligned doors and windows. These symptoms may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly after changes in soil and drainage conditionsor construction modifications. Assessing the root cause of differential foundation settlement requires a detailed and holistic evaluation. Our engineers analyze multiple factors including condition of interior finishes, alignment of roof truss members, soil conditions, moisture variation, site grading, and load distributionto determine whether the movement is active or historic.

In some cases, foundation movement is minor and can be monitored over time without any immediate repair. In others, the settlement may be progressive and could eventually compromise the stability of the structure. The key is determining where the condition falls along this spectrumfrom routine observation to corrective stabilization which can only be achieved through a proper engineering evaluation of the root cause and its impact on the building.

Through this comprehensive approach, we distinguish between natural building’s framing movement and structural deformation that requires corrective action.

Roof Condition and Leakage Assessments

Water intrusion within the interior of a building is often first noticed through interior staining, dampness, or deterioration of finishes. Identifying the source of water intrusion, however, requires a focused evaluation of how the roof and its related components shed and drain the water away from building. Our assessments aim to identify whether moisture observed inside the building is associated with the roof system, an adjoining transition, or other components of the building envelope.

Our engineers review the roof configuration, drainage pathways, flashing details, and critical interface points to understand how water may be entering the building. This approach emphasizes how the roof covering intersects with adjacent elements such as walls, parapets, or mechanical penetrationsrather than an isolated inspection of roofing materials.

Findings can range from localized maintenance issues to broader design or installation deficiencies. By identifying the origin and extent of water intrusion, we provide clear and objective recommendations, allowing property owners to pursue appropriate repairs, coordinate with contractors, or proceed with insurance or warranty claims when applicable.

Building Envelope and Waterproofing Systems

The building envelope includes all exterior components that protect a building from weather and waterintrusion such as walls, cladding, sealants, flashing, and waterproofing assemblies. When any part of this system is not functioning properly, water can travel through unintended pathways and lead to interior damage.

Evaluating these conditions requires understanding how different exterior components work together to keep water out of the building. Our assessments focus on identifying locations where waterproofing may be compromised, whether due to aging materials, construction details, sealant failure, or improper transitions between different exterior elements.

Because water can enter through a variety of pathways, we review the overall design, key interfaces, material transitions, and the condition of protective elements to determine how water is moving and where the system is no longer performing as intended. The findings help clarify whether the issue is localized or part of a broader assembly concern.

Based on our evaluation, we provide clear recommendations for addressing the source of the problem whether through targeted repairs, improved detailing, or coordination with waterproofing specialists. The goal is to help property owners understand the cause of the issue and implement corrective measures that restore the effectiveness of the building envelope.

Balcony and Elevated Walkway Inspections

Siding and Exterior Finish Deterioration

Exterior siding and wall finishes serve as the building’s protective layer against weather and moisture. Over time, these materials may develop cracking, separation, warping, staining, or localized deterioration due to aging, prolonged rainwater and sunlight exposure, or other environmental conditions.

Identifying the cause of exterior finish issues requires more than examining the visible surface. In many cases, deterioration is linked to design-related issues, such as inadequate detailing at transitions, insufficient waterproofing provisions, or missing drainage pathways. In other situations, installation practices may not align with the design intent, leading to openings where water can enter behind the siding or exterior cladding. There are also cases where the contributing factors are not immediately apparent, and determining the true source of the problem requires a careful, systematic evaluation.

Our assessments consider how exterior finishes interact with the protective barriers, flashings, sealants, framing interfaces, and site drainage conditions. By understanding how these components work together, we can determine whether the issue is isolated, part of a recurring pattern, or related to deeper waterproofing or structural concerns.

Accurately identifying the cause of deterioration is especially important when owners need to plan repairs, coordinate with contractors, or pursue insurance or warranty claims. Our evaluations provide clear findings and recommendations that help property owners address the source of the problem and prevent further damage.

Drainage and Site Grading Issues

Proper site drainage and grading are essential for directing water away from the building and reducing the risk of water intrusion, foundation movement, and deterioration of exterior finishes. When the groundslopes toward the building, when drainage pathways are blocked, or when surface runoff is not properly managed, water can accumulate near the foundation and cause a variety of building performance issues.

Evaluating drainage concerns requires looking at the property as a whole rather than viewing any single condition in isolation. Our assessments consider how the site is sloped, how water travels across the property, and whether the building’s exterior elements, hardscape surfaces, and landscape features are contributing to water accumulation near the building.

Some drainage issues may lead only to minor maintenance needs, while others can contribute to foundation settlement, water intrusion, or deterioration of exterior components. In certain cases, problems originate from design-related deficiencies; in others, changes made over time such as landscaping modifications, new hardscape installations, or adjacent construction may alter how water flows across the site.

Identifying the true cause of drainage and grading problems is important for selecting appropriate corrective measures and, when necessary, supporting claims or coordinating repairs with contractors. Our evaluations provide clear findings and practical recommendations to help owners address existing issues and prevent future moisture-related damage.

Structural Assessment of Load-Bearing Components

The structural integrity of a building relies on the proper performance of its load-bearing components, including framing members, beams, posts, and connections. When any of these elements begin to weaken, deform, or deteriorate, the building exhibits signs such as uneven floors, cracking, or localized movement. Understanding whether these symptoms represent long term wear and tear or a developing structural condition requires a focused engineering evaluation.

Our assessments includes a comprehensive approach by analyzing how framing components interact with the foundation, exterior finishes, and overall building configuration. Our investigation includes looking for indicators such as overstressed members, improper load transfer, moisture-related deterioration, or alterations made during previous renovations that may affect structural behavior.

Because structural concerns can range from minor issues to conditions requiring corrective action, identifying the true cause is essential. In some cases, the condition may be stable and require only monitoring; in others, further investigation or repair may be recommended. Our evaluations help clarify the nature and severity of the issue so property owners can make informed decisions, especially when coordinating repairs, addressing long-term performance, or supporting insurance or warranty claims.

Moisture Intrusion and Water-Damage Investigations

Moisture intrusion can originate from a wide range of sources, including the roof, exterior walls, windows, plumbing, or adjacent construction. While the visible signs often appear inside the building — such as staining, dampness, deterioration of finishes, or microbial growth — the actual entry point and pathway of water are not always obvious. Determining the source of water intrusion requires a comprehensive approach.

Our evaluations focus on understanding how moisture is entering, how it is traveling through the building components, and how it is affecting the interior finishes and structural elements. We investigate potential pathways at roof sections, wall assemblies, window and door interfaces, balconies, and areas where different materials or assemblies intersects. Visual observations are paired with moisture readings or targeted diagnostic methods to help confirm suspected sources.

The causes of water intrusion can range from minor maintenance issues and sealant failures to more complex conditions involving design deficiencies, improper installation, or long term wear and tear of waterproofing systems.

By evaluating how all components interact rather than looking at the damaged area alone, we provide clear findings and recommendations that address both the source of moisture and the resulting impact. This helps owners implement effective repairs, prevent recurring damage, and better understand the nature and severity of the condition.

Pre-Purchase and Escrow Evaluations

When purchasing a property, especially an older home or a building with visible concerns, buyers often want a more detailed understanding of potential structural or foundation-related issues before closing escrow. A standard home inspection provides general observations, but it does not evaluate structural behavior or foundation performance from an engineering perspective. That is where our focused assessments can play an important role.

Our evaluations are tailored to the specific concerns identified by the buyer or observed during the initial inspection. These may include cracking in finishes, uneven floors, foundation settlement indicators, moisture intrusion, exterior deterioration, or other conditions that raise questions about long-term performance. We investigate how different components are interacting, and whether the condition is stable, progressing, or requires corrective action.

This helps buyers understand the nature and significance of the potential issues so they can make decisions with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Building Envelope Condition Assessments
Geotechnical & Site-Related Forensics
Specialized Methods & Tools

We provide geotechnical investigation services to evaluate soil conditions and develop design recommendations for foundations, grading, and site stability. These studies form the basis for safe, code-compliant structural design and help identify subsurface conditions that may impact construction.

Our investigations may include borings, CPT testing, test pits, soil classification, and groundwater evaluation. We analyze the collected data to determine allowable bearing capacities, settlement potential, and lateral earth pressures. The final report includes foundation recommendations, grading guidelines, and site preparation requirements that meet municipal standards and support structural engineering design. This service is suitable for new construction, additions, and projects requiring city-approved geotechnical documentation.

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