Paul M Vanni

Construction Defects Expert Witness

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Paul Vanni is a building-envelope and waterproofing consultant with over 40 years of experience in the investigation, evaluation, and remediation of water intrusion, waterproofing failures, and building-envelope defects in multi-family, commercial, and institutional buildings. Mr. Vanni specializes in forensic investigation of moisture intrusion, including destructive and non-destructive testing, ASTM water testing, review of construction documents and detailing, and evaluation of waterproofing systems such as podium decks, balconies, elevated walkways, plaza decks, roofing assemblies, and below-grade and between-slab waterproofing. His work frequently involves identifying installation deficiencies, detailing errors, material incompatibilities, and long-term performance issues affecting building-envelope systems. He routinely assists attorneys, owners, homeowners associations, property managers, and insurers with causation analysis, evaluation of compliance with industry standards and manufacturer requirements, development of repair scopes, and review and critique of contractor and consultant work. His experience includes projects involving stucco and EIFS assemblies, expansion joints, sealants, waterproofing membranes, and exterior wall systems. Mr. Vanni prepares clear, well-documented, and defensible written reports and provides objective opinions based on observed conditions, testing results, applicable standards, and generally accepted construction practices. He regularly coordinates with structural engineers, testing laboratories, manufacturers, and other consultants as part of his evaluations. Mr. Vanni holds an active California contractor’s license; however, his professional practice is limited exclusively to consulting, forensic evaluation, and expert witness services, and he does not perform or contract construction work. He understands the importance of professional neutrality, clarity, and credibility when retained in litigation and dispute-resolution matters, including case evaluation, expert designation, deposition support, and trial preparation.