At HIVE Consulting, we provide **Building Science and Building Enclosure Consulting** to ensure that your building is energy-efficient, durable, and resilient. Our team of experts specializes in understanding and applying the principles of building science to optimize the performance of building enclosures, with a focus on sustainability, occupant comfort, and long-term value. Whether designing new structures or retrofitting existing ones, we work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners to create enclosures that balance aesthetics, function, and performance.
Thermal Performance & Insulation Design: We analyze and design insulation strategies to minimize heat loss/gain, enhance energy efficiency, and improve occupant comfort. We assess wall, roof, and floor assemblies to meet or exceed energy codes.
Air Barrier Systems: Our team designs effective air barrier systems to prevent uncontrolled air leakage, reduce energy costs, and improve indoor air quality.
Moisture Control & Water Management: We design solutions to manage water infiltration, vapor movement, and condensation, which are key to preventing structural damage, mold growth, and energy inefficiency. This includes detailed strategies for rainwater control, flashing, and drainage.
Sustainable Design: We integrate sustainable materials and green building practices, such as high-performance glazing, breathable membranes, and renewable resources, to reduce the building’s environmental footprint.
Building Envelope Durability: We ensure that the exterior components—roof, walls, windows, and foundation—are durable enough to withstand environmental conditions, from extreme temperatures to severe weather events.
We conduct detailed inspections of existing building enclosures to evaluate their performance, identify weaknesses, and propose remedies to enhance efficiency, safety, and comfort. Our team uses advanced tools such as infrared thermography, moisture meters, and drones to assess the condition of the building envelope and pinpoint areas that require attention.
Exterior Envelope Inspections: Assessing walls, windows, doors, roofs, and foundations to ensure they are properly sealed and functioning as intended.
Moisture and Leak Detection: Using infrared cameras, moisture meters, and visual inspections to detect leaks, trapped moisture, or areas of poor insulation.
Air Tightness Testing (Blower Door Testing): Measuring air infiltration and identifying gaps in the air barrier system that could lead to energy inefficiency, drafts, or poor indoor air quality.
Structural Integrity Assessments: Evaluating the condition of structural components of the building envelope, such as masonry, cladding, and waterproofing systems, to ensure long-term durability.
When a building enclosure is experiencing issues such as leaks, moisture damage, or energy inefficiency, we provide forensic consulting services to diagnose the root causes and recommend effective solutions. Our team conducts thorough analyses to identify why the enclosure is failing and works with clients to devise strategies for repair or restoration.
For older buildings, we provide retrofit and restoration consulting to upgrade the building envelope to meet modern performance standards. This includes improving insulation, air sealing, and waterproofing, as well as addressing any deficiencies in the existing envelope to extend the lifespan of the building and enhance its energy efficiency.
Energy Retrofits: Improving the thermal performance of existing building enclosures by upgrading insulation, windows, and doors, or adding new air barrier systems.
Moisture & Water Management Upgrades: Enhancing or replacing waterproofing systems, flashings, and drainage systems to prevent water damage and improve the lifespan of the building.
Exterior Cladding Replacement: Replacing or upgrading exterior cladding systems to improve aesthetic appeal, energy performance, and weather resistance.
