Ana Gutierrez, P.Eng.
District Manager, British Columbia
Get to know the expert
Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
In your work on roofing systems, what’s the issue you see most often that building owners don’t realize is developing until it becomes expensive?
In B.C., the biggest issue I see is hidden moisture. Our wet climate means that small deficiencies, such as failed flashings, aging sealants, clogged drains, or minor membrane damage, can allow water to enter the roof assembly long before leaks become visible inside the building. By the time owners notice a problem, moisture has often damaged the insulation, reduced energy performance, and shortened the roof’s service life.
When waterproofing and structural performance overlap, what clues help you determine whether a problem is design-related, construction-related, or maintenance-related?
It starts with understanding how the building was intended to perform. We review the original design, construction details, and maintenance history, then compare that information with what we observe on site. If the issue appears consistently across multiple locations or details, it is often related to the design. If it is isolated or does not match the drawings or specifications, it is more likely related to construction.
Concrete deterioration in parking structures and buildings is a common but often underestimated problem — what are the early indicators that tell you structural intervention is needed soon?
The earliest warning signs are often subtle. Cracking, rust staining, spalled concrete, water leakage, and exposed reinforcing steel all indicate that deterioration is progressing beneath the surface.
Background
Ms. Ana Gutierrez has performed an extensive amount of building enclosure design, structural design, construction, renovation, and contract management of existing and new buildings. She has been involved with the design, specifications, and project and contract management of building envelope projects within British Columbia and Alberta and has performed in the capacity of Structural Designer / Engineer, Building Enclosure Engineer, Estimating Manager, and Project Manager roles.
Ms. Gutierrez also has significant experience in structural design and investigation of existing commercial and public-owned buildings outside Canada. She has also completed specifications writing for concrete, steel, building enclosure remediation, waterproofing, and roofing projects.
Education and Certifications
- Master of Business Administration: Ateneo de Manila University, 2004
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering: Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 1995
- Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC): Registered Professional Engineer
- The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA): Registered Professional Engineer
- American Society of Civil Engineers: Member
- Structural Engineers Association of British Columbia: Member
- British Columbia Building Envelope Council: Member