Thompson & Lichtner Services

Thompson & Lichtner provides a wide spectrum of consulting services, such as reviewing architectural drawings and specifications for weatherproofing and air barrier code compliance, and assisting in the preparation of typical weatherproofing details. T & L also provides peer review of design documents for the building enclosures and building envelope commissioning services.

• Commissioning
• Building Envelope Design
• Building Condition Evaluation
• Peer Review

Consulting Assignment Examples

• Examination and recommendations on the exterior condition of the west front of the United States Capital, Washington, DC.
• Consultation on weatherproofing design of building envelope, including premanufactured panels, curtain wall, and inspection of installation, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
• Review and comment on weatherproofing details of design and inspection of installation, Great Valley Conference Center, Malvern, PA.
• Condition survey and investigation of façade of 50 year old office tower and consultation on restoration repairs, Batterymarch Building, Boston, MA.
• Investigation of water leakage through exterior precast concrete wall and window system and preparation of repair specifications and inspection of repairs, Wachovia Center Bank and Office Tower, Charlotte, NC.

Thompson & Lichtner’s Forensic Services include determining the causes of moisture condensation inside building foundations, exterior facades, insulated glass windows, and roof eaves and attics as well as investigating water leakage conditions, field testing of all components of building facades and roofs, and evaluations and special tests of windows and curtain wall systems, roofing membranes, building sealants and weatherproofing coatings.

• Building Component Evaluation
• Historical/Existing Building Evaluation
• Water Leakage
• Material Failures

Forensic Assignment Examples

• Investigation of window glass failures, examination of site conditions before and during window replacement program.
• Investigation of failures of window glass in high-rise building and inspection of window replacement.
• Investigation of water leakage through exterior masonry walls and windows and consultation on repairs.
• Investigation of condition of existing roof, preparation of specifications for removal and replacement of exiting roof and insulation and inspection of construction.
• Investigation of water leakage through precast concrete walls and windows, and inspection of panel cutting and caulking repair program.

Thompson & Lichtner offers a broad range of building inspection services, including continuous or occasional observation and inspection during installation of building enclosures. We certify in writing that work observed has been performed in conformance with contract documents. In addition, we provide waterproofing services for exterior walls, curtain walls, masonry walls, and metal walls, including below-grade. T & L also conducts inspections of mock-ups.

• Continuous or occasional observation and inspection during installation of building enclosures
• Certification in writing that work observed has been performed in conformance with contract documents.
• Waterproofing services for exterior walls, curtain walls, masonry walls, and metal walls, including below-grade.
• Inspections of mock-ups
• Window Test
• Roof Uplift Testing
• Crack Monitor installation and readings
• Inspection of Building Envelope
• Bubble Gun Test

Building Inspection Assignment Examples

• Inspection of installation of replacement glass for the John Hancock Building and One Beacon Street office tower in Boston, MA.
• Inspection and testing of concrete, structural steel, and fireproofing, and weatherproofing inspection of installation of curtain walls, roofing, and sealants, Ray and Maria Strata Center, MIT, Cambridge, MA.
• Review and comments on weatherproofing details of design, inspection and testing of soils, concrete, structural steel, sprayed fireproofing; inspection of weatherproofing of brick and granite façade, windows, caulking, and roofing (metal and EPDM), Gateway Center, Providence, RI.
• Inspection and ultrasonic testing of structural steel, inspection of fabrication and installation of structurally glazed window systems, and static pressure tests of windows and spandrel panels, for Exeter Construction Company, New York, NY.
• Inspection of building restoration and installation of new façade, 255 Congress St., Boston, MA.

Thompson & Lichtner conducts tests for both air and water leakage of windows, curtain walls, and doors, both in the field and in the lab, in accordance with AAMA and ASTM standards.

Window, Curtain Wall, Door Testing Assignment Examples

• Investigation of failures of window glass and inspection of installation of replacement glass for the John Hancock Building, Boston, MA.
• Static pressure chamber testing during manufacturer’s design of new exterior curtain wall panel system, Manufacturing Plant EMC2 Corporation, Franklin, MA.
• Inspection of installation of precast concrete and aluminum-framed curtain walls, windows, sealants, and roofing, plus conducting water tests to evaluate resistance to water penetration, Tang Center, MIT Building E-51, Cambridge, MA.
• Field erection of precast concrete wall panels, inspection of windows, curtain walls, and caulking, and laboratory static pressure testing of doors, Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.
• Inspection and consultation on window replacement program and pressure test of installed replacement windows, Watertown High School, Watertown, MA

Thompson & Lichtner’s roof testing services include inspection of roof installation, evaluation of existing roofs, and infrared survey. We can test flat and sloped roofs and membranes, as well as PVC, TPO, liquid applied, and green roofs. T & L employs these state-of-the-art roof tests:

• Vector Mapping/Electronic Roof Testing
• Flood Testing
• Inspection of Roof Installation
• Evaluation of existing roofs
• Infrared Survey
• FM Global Testing

Roof Testing Assignment Examples

• Electronic Roof Testing, Crossroads on the Charles, Boston, MA.
• Vector Mapping, UMASS Boston Science Center.
• Laboratory analysis of built-up roofing membrane, Lesley College, Cambridge, MA.
• Electronic Roof Testing, Natick High School, Natick, MA.
• Preparation of specifications for repair of roofing membrane, South Kingston Junior and Senior High Schools, South Kingston, RI.
• Flood testing of roof, plaza, and planters, New England Telephone Building, Boston.
• Investigation of failure of inverted built-up roofing system, Raytheon Company Submarine Signal Division, Portsmouth, RI.

Blower Door Tests
In accordance with ASTM E 1827 Standard Test Methods, T & L conducts this test (maximum tested space size 30′ x 34′ x 10′ or equivalent) to determine the rate of air leakage. Helps minimize energy consumption, improves building health, and assists in bringing your building up to meet the state building energy code and to achieve LEED certification.

Air Barrier Tests
T & L performs inspection services of air barriers for compliance with project specifications and conducts tests for air and water infiltration.

Adhesion Testing of Wall Membranes
This testing is performed in accordance with ASTM D 4541 on air barrier and sealant components to verify proper adhesion to the substrate.

Smoke Testing
T & L’s smoke test is a diagnostic test that is used to measure the air tightness of the below structure membrane. It also can determine paths and sources of air leakage in a building, without causing damage.

Contaminant Testing
This testing determines the presence and/or levels of mold, asbestos, and other contaminants.

Commission Agent Services
We provide Commission Agency services on construction projects: witnessing, recording observations, written reports.