Identify the Source. Resolve the Issue. Protect Your Property.
Water intrusion is one of the most common and costly types of property damage. Even small leaks, if left undetected, can lead to structural compromise, mold growth, and long-term deterioration of building materials.
At Garrett Forensics, we understand that the key to minimizing damage is identifying the source of water quickly and accurately. Our experts specialize in thorough water intrusion investigations, providing actionable insights that allow property owners, insurers, and legal teams to respond efficiently.
By combining field expertise, advanced technology, and forensic analysis, we deliver clear, defensible findings that ensure proper remediation and support insurance claims or subrogation efforts.
How We Investigate Water Intrusions
Water intrusion is rarely straightforward. Multiple factors often contribute, and pinpointing the true origin is critical to effective resolution. Our experts assess all potential causes to ensure nothing is overlooked:
Plumbing Failures:
Plumbing systems are one of the most frequent sources of water intrusion. Leaks from hidden pipes, fixture connections, appliances, or water heaters can go undetected for weeks or months, causing gradual structural deterioration or localized mold growth. Our team uses moisture meters, pressure testing, and thermal imaging to locate even concealed leaks accurately.
Improper Drainage:
Water pooling near the foundation or flowing into unintended areas often results from poor drainage, blocked gutters, or incorrect site grading. Over time, improperly managed surface water can saturate soil, cause foundation settling, or infiltrate basements and crawl spaces. We evaluate site conditions and drainage systems to determine whether water entry was preventable or unavoidable.
Irrigation System Issues:
Automated irrigation systems, while essential for landscaping, can inadvertently cause water intrusion. Broken or misaligned lines, overspray, or overwatering can create excessive moisture near the foundation or under slabs, leading to persistent leaks or structural compromise. Our experts examine irrigation patterns and identify areas where irrigation contributed to water damage.
Weather Events:
Storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding present unique challenges. Even well-built structures can be vulnerable to extreme weather if the building envelope, roofing, or windows are compromised. Our team evaluates how environmental factors may have contributed to water intrusion and distinguishes them from construction or maintenance issues.
By assessing all potential contributors, we deliver a complete picture of the water intrusion, ensuring proper remediation and helping determine liability when necessary.
Why Prompt Investigation Matters
Time is a critical factor when addressing water intrusion. Acting quickly not only limits damage but also preserves evidence needed to support claims and corrective actions.
Prevent Further Damage:
Water spreads quickly through walls, ceilings, and floors. Immediate investigation helps identify ongoing leaks, reducing the risk of structural damage, mold growth, and secondary damage to finishes, furniture, and personal property.
Preserve Evidence:
Water intrusion can obscure its own cause over time. Early investigation ensures that key signs, such as moisture patterns, stains, or structural deformations, are captured before remediation begins. This is critical for insurance documentation and legal purposes.
Enable Efficient Remediation:
By determining the root cause of water entry, our experts help property owners and contractors address the source of the problem, rather than simply treating symptoms. This approach reduces repair costs and prevents recurring issues.
Prompt evaluation allows for an organized, evidence-based approach, reducing guesswork and accelerating recovery.
Our Approach
At Garrett Forensics, we combine advanced technology, proven forensic methodologies, and years of experience to provide thorough water intrusion investigations. Our process includes:
Comprehensive On-Site Inspection:
Our experts conduct detailed surveys using visual inspection, moisture mapping, infrared thermography, and other diagnostic tools. These techniques identify both visible and hidden signs of water penetration and structural compromise.
Root Cause Analysis:
We determine whether the intrusion stems from plumbing, drainage, irrigation, or environmental factors. By understanding how and why water entered the building, we can provide actionable recommendations for repair and prevention.
Documentation & Reporting:
Detailed reports, including photographs, schematics, and test results, provide a clear record of findings. These documents are crucial for insurance claims, subrogation cases, or legal proceedings, offering objective evidence that withstands scrutiny.
Expert Recommendations:
Our team not only identifies the source of water intrusion but also advises on corrective measures, repair priorities, and long-term mitigation strategies. This guidance ensures that remediation addresses the underlying problem and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
Partner with Garrett Forensics
When a water intrusion occurs, working with experts early can make the difference between a minor repair and extensive property damage. Garrett Forensics offers:
– Objective, evidence-based evaluations
– Experienced forensic engineers and water intrusion specialists
– Thorough documentation for insurance, legal, and remediation purposes
– Clear guidance on corrective action to protect property and reduce risk
Our goal is to help you identify the source of water quickly, resolve the problem efficiently, and prevent further damage.
Don’t wait — contact Garrett Forensics immediately after a water intrusion to ensure a professional, timely investigation.