For new construction projects, many building owners and developers, general contractors, as well as prominent and nationally-known architectural firms, rely on French Engineering to perform an objective, third party Design Peer Review of the project construction documents prepared by others. These documents are reviewed for proper material selection and specification, conflicts between the specifications and drawings, adherence to applicable building codes, constructability and anticipated performance of proposed details, evaluation of thermal and vapor flow (dewpoint) characteristics of the building envelope, assessment of thermal expansion and contraction of cladding materials, specification of expansion joint locations and sizes, etc.

This peer review service typically results in recommendations for design modifications or construction techniques that provide superior performance after construction, as well as extended service life, often at the same or reduced costs. Our experience in performing forensic investigations of failed cladding systems allows us to apply the "lessons learned" to these new construction projects. The avoidance of problems during construction generally pays for itself in regard to the minimal fees expended.