What's in a building envelope consultant's field kit?

By Copeland Building Envelope Consulting, Inc.

Revealing the essential tools for a building envelope consultant. 

The core tools

Our scuffed and weathered tool bag might look like it’s been dragged across every roof and construction site in the city – because it has. The well-loved companion holds our investigation MVPs. Our standard lineup includes a measuring tape, a membrane seam probe, a bubble level, a hammer, a set of screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, needle-nose pliers, locking pliers, adjustable pliers, snips, a flashlight and the trio of tapes — duct, hi-vis and red stucco. Add in a utility knife, pry bar and various sized bag-and-tag materials and we’re ready for almost anything the field throws at us. Simple tools, precise answers.

The consultant's personal protection pocket

While dangling from buildings might look cool in movies, we prefer staying safe and OSHA-compliant. That means carrying a safety vest, cut-resistant gloves, eye and ear protection, a first aid kit and a CopelandBEC hard hat at all times. Our field kit also comes equipped with a poncho – not because we love the fashionable trash bag look, but because water leakage tends not to show in perfect weather. You’ll also find hand and foot warmers tucked in our bags year-round; sometimes the difference between a thorough investigation and a rushed job comes down to being able to feel your fingers and toes.

The documentation crew

In a world of smartphones and tablets, our field investigations have adapted to the digital age – as long as we keep our tech powered up. Since rooftops are rarely equipped with convenient outlets, our bags include a robust power bank and charger for every device we carry. And sometimes things just work better old school. We always have a stock of construction pencils, pens, permanent markers and engineering paper for field sketches and notes.

The diagnostic division

Some tools make us feel like forensic scientists, and for good reason – they transform us from observers into investigators and help us pinpoint issues that the naked eye can’t easily catch. Our water testing paper turns magenta on contact with moisture to give photo-ready proof of leaks that may otherwise be hard to see. Chloride test cloths act as our early warning system, changing color to reveal damp or wet conditions that could spell trouble. And while magic erasers might seem out of place in a toolbag, they’re crucial for surface testing and cleaning.

The “Trust me, you’ll need these” collection

Some tools seem weird until you need them; then they’re worth their weight in gold. The crack gauge? It proves that “just a hairline crack” might actually be something more serious. Our telescoping mirror helps us see around corners and into tight spots without requiring contortionist training. That strange-looking faucet key has saved more water testing investigations than we can count. And don’t forget the clamps – sometimes you really need that third (or fourth) hand when securing test equipment or holding materials in place.

Pack it up

While our field kit might look like an overachiever’s backpack to some, every tool has earned its spot through countless site visits and “wish we had brought that” moments. Hauling this arsenal up and down buildings isn’t exactly a picnic, but we’ve learned that an extra pound of prevention beats the dreaded ‘we’ll have to come back’ moment and a thorough investigation is always worth that weight!