Forensic engineering
Damage assessments for residential and commercial structures

This book focuses on the assessment of environmental damage to commercial and residential buildings. It outlines inspection practices and methods and explains how scientific conclusions are reached during assessments of damage or structural failure. The book also contains information on building design, code, construction, and durability. It defines and outlines various roofing systems and weighed against one another. The various materials used in commercial and residential construction are examined with regard to their durability in the face of environmental forces.

Introduction. Hail Fundamentals and General Hail-Strike Damage Inspection Methodology. Hail Damage Assessments for Residential and Light Commercial Exterior Finished Surfaces and Steep-Slope Roof Systems. Hail Damage Assessments to Low-Slope Roof Systems. Synthetic Storm Damage (Fraud) to Roof Surfaces. Wind Damage Assessments For Residential and Light Commercial Roofing Systems and Finished Surfaces. Wind Damage Assessments for Low-Sloped Roof Systems. Water Infiltration – Cause and Origin Assesments Steep- and Low-Sloped Roof Systems. Water Infiltration – Cause and Origin Assesments Exterior Residential and Light Commercial Building Envelope. Water Infiltration into Basements. Indoor Environmental Quality. Attic and Crawlspace Ventilation. Mold and Bacteria. Forensic Inspection Assessments of Residential Wood Framing Systems. Forensic Inspection Assessments of Foundation Walls. Forensic Inspection Assessments of Brick Masonry Chimneys, Veneer Walls, and Porches/Decks. Fire Damage Structural Property Assessments. Vehicle Impact Structural Property Assessments. Tornado-Related Structural Property Damage Assessments. Blast and Explosion Damage Property Assessments. Lightning Structural Damage Property Assessments. Insurance Appraisal Process. Serving as an Expert Witness.