News & Insights
VIDEO: Materials testing
Why this matters now
Owners, designers, and contractors are facing more scrutiny on materials performance than they did a decade ago. Failures of assemblies, moisture issues, and questions about durability are pushing more projects toward rigorous materials testing rather than assumption-based decisions. Insurance carriers and litigators are asking sharper questions too. Reliable testing data has become a key input into design, construction, and forensic work.
What leaders are weighing
Project teams are weighing the cost and schedule impact of testing against the value of data they can stand behind. They are deciding which materials and assemblies warrant testing, when to test, and how to integrate findings into design and construction decisions. There are tradeoffs around scope, lab versus field testing, and how much investigation is enough. Owners want defensible decisions. Designers want clarity. Contractors want predictable scope. The right testing strategy answers the questions that actually drive risk.
How Salas O’Brien is helping clients respond
Our materials testing team helps clients get reliable answers about how materials and assemblies will perform. We bring laboratory capability, field experience, and forensic depth together so testing results translate into useful guidance for designers, contractors, and owners. We help clients design appropriate testing programs and interpret results in context. Hear Don Williams, Sharif Jones, and Steve Smith talk through where materials testing makes the biggest difference.
Steve Smith PE
Steve Smith, PE has more than 27 years of experience in forensic engineering, research, and testing, with expertise in mechanical systems, accident reconstruction, and code and standards compliance. He applies his extensive field and laboratory experience to support complex investigations and technically demanding projects, with a focus on accuracy, safety, and performance. Steve serves as Director of Research & Testing, Forensic Engineer at Salas O’Brien.
Don Williams
Don Williams has worked in the building envelope and fenestration industry since 2005. He leads teams providing field testing, certifications, building commissioning, and forensic services, helping project teams identify risks and resolve performance challenges. Don is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with architects, developers, and contractors from design through construction to deliver durable, high-performing building envelope solutions. Don serves as a Managing Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Sharif Jones
Sharif Jones has more than eight years of experience in laboratory operations, building investigations, and fenestration field testing. He brings deep expertise in equipment testing, laboratory management, quality control procedures, and the operation of specialized testing equipment, while training and mentoring team members to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Sharif is a Certified Master Thermographer, FGIA Installation Master, and FAPC professional. Sharif serves as Laboratory Manager at Salas O’Brien.