Services
Forensic & Materials Testing
Our IAS accredited testing labs in Dallas and Daytona Beach serve clients in North America and beyond
Salas O’Brien provides turnkey studies to develop data for in-house projects—even long-term studies using data compiled over a period of years. Our engineers and technicians combine their extensive education and field and laboratory experience to develop tests that duplicate real-world operating environments or incident conditions.
We are one of only a few consulting firms with an AAMA accredited lab to conduct field testing.
Forensic & Materials Testing Projects
What we can offer
We offer a complete array of forensic consulting services, including the development of advanced and often groundbreaking solutions when conventional approaches can’t deliver quality results.
Contact our forensics teamDesaturation analysis
Laboratory technicians examine built-up roofing, modified butumen roofing, or asphalt shingles for hail-caused damage, then asphalt is chemically removed, and individual reinforcements are examined for hail-caused fractures or strained. (ASTM D3746)
Single-ply roofing analysis
We analyze single-ply roofing samples (PVC, TPO, EPDM, and others) with a microscope and using high intensity light to find fractures, if present.
Ice ball tests
Our IBL-7 impacts roofing and other materials with simulated hailstones (FM 4473). Impacts can be made with simulated hailstones in the range of 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter.
R-value insulation testing
Our heat flow meter can measure R-values (or resistance to conductive heat flow) of insulation (ASTM C518).
Solar panel testing
Our lab is accredited by IAS to test solar panels for impact resistance to simulated hailstones (IEC 61215-2 MQT 17- Hail Test and FM 4478).
Wind simulator tests
Our wind simulator can generate wind speeds of up to 160 mph to test the response and resistance of materials to wind forces (ASTM D3161).
Water column leak testing
We provide water column testing to determine the response and resistance of roofing materials to water intrusion (ASTM D7281).
Vacuum uplift test
We test the resistance of roofing materials to wind pressure using vacuum uplift testing (FM Datasheet 1-52).
Steel ball impact testing
AccuDrop impacts materials with steel balls in accordance with UL 2218.
Large & small missile testing
We launch large and small missiles into building materials to simulate airborne debris impacts.
Field testing services for moisture intrusion
Salas O’Brien follows AAMA – ASTM testing methods as established standards used to test the capability of windows, curtain wall windows, storefront windows, sliding glass doors, skylights, and more to resist water and air intrusion over a specified time period. As one of only a few consulting firms with an AAMA accredited lab, we are AAMA accredited to conduct field testing. This is critical to ensure your testing is conducted properly and with calibrated equipment.