Forensic Investigations.
Documented Outcomes.

Travertine tiles on a luxury hotel pool deck began lifting, cracking, and separating from the mortar bed shortly after project completion. The failure was widespread across the deck field and accelerating. Initial contractor response attributed the failure to inadequate maintenance — a claim that required forensic investigation to evaluate.

After thorough review of project specifications and related industry standards, an on-site investigation included selective tile removal, physical examination of the mortar bed, and collection of mortar specimens for laboratory analysis. The mortar composition was compared against project specifications and ANSI A108 installation requirements for exterior wet-area applications.

Cracking appeared across the lobby floor tile field of a newly completed luxury hotel. The pattern was progressive, affecting both tiles and grout joints across the primary guest circulation area. The cracking represented both a safety concern and a significant reputational risk to the property.

Systematic documentation of crack locations, widths, and patterns using digital calipers and forensic evidence markers. Substrate conditions were evaluated. Installation records, specifications, and shop drawings were reviewed to identify design and workmanship deficiencies.

A hotel property began experiencing recurring water intrusion from guest bathroom showers into adjacent areas and below-floor assemblies. The problem affected multiple units across the property, suggesting a systemic installation defect rather than isolated incidents. Standard plumbing inspections had not identified the source.

Unit-by-unit forensic inspection was conducted across the affected floor. Each shower was systematically evaluated for waterproofing membrane integrity, liner installation, drain assembly, and tile bond conditions. Selective demolition was performed to expose the liner and sub-pan assembly at representative locations.

Concrete tiles on a hotel pool deck began cracking, lifting, and separating across the installation field. The failures were progressive and concentrated in areas with the greatest sun exposure and thermal cycling — conditions that place maximum stress on a tile system without adequate accommodation for movement.

Field investigation included mapping of failure locations, selective tile removal to inspect mortar bed conditions, physical examination of substrate, and review of installation documentation against applicable TCNA installation methods for exterior pool deck applications.

Efflorescence and isolated tile discoloration appeared on the exterior wall of a hotel property. The visible symptoms were inconsistent and did not suggest an immediate structural risk — but the pattern raised concerns about the integrity of the underlying tile bond across the full façade. The property owner requested an investigation before a larger failure occurred.

FLIR thermal imaging, a non-destructive assessment tool, was deployed across the exterior wall surface to detect temperature anomaly patterns indicative of voids and spot bonding behind the tile face. Targeted tile removal was subsequently performed at targeted locations to verify findings and quantify mortar coverage.

Stone tile flooring in a high-end residential property began cracking across multiple rooms. The property owner had invested significantly in premium natural stone material, and the failure was causing both financial loss and dispute with the installing contractor — who denied responsibility and attributed cracking to the stone itself.

Forensic investigation focused on joint width measurement across the installation, documentation of movement joint presence and placement, and evaluation of tile bond conditions. Grout joint widths were measured and compared against Natural Stone Institute guidelines for the specific stone type installed.