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ABOUT THE CLAIM
In the weeks following a major weather event, a commercial property owner filed a claim for damages with his insurance company. His property included a single-story main building, an additional small building of only 1,500 square feet, and a one-story detached garage. The policyholder claimed wind and hail damage to the roofs and water intrusion and damage to the interior finishes. The main building’s structure is metal frame, and it was built upon a concrete slab-on-grade foundation. Its exterior cladding combines stucco, metal panel and brick veneer. The other two buildings are wood-framed, constructed atop concrete, both with wood lap exteriors and steep slope roofs with asphalt shingles.
ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION
A review of local weather data revealed a maximum wind gust at this location of 35 mph and no incidences of hail corresponding to the loss date. At the property site, Guardian’s forensic engineer completed thorough internal and external inspections of all three structures. Documenting his findings both verbally and photographically, the expert captured both visible irregularities and areas where one would expect to find damage in a consequential hailstorm. For example, there were no broken windows, missing or displaced building materials, damaged vegetation, etc. Some of the observations at the roofs: corrosion, sealant over panel fasteners*, additional sealant applied to valleys and other flashings, poor shingle condition, corroded gutter, wavy roof line, etc. Some of the observations at the exteriors: corrosion staining at soffit, missing downspout, weathered and flaking paint, etc. Some of the findings within the interior spaces: stained ceiling tiles, cracks in gypsum wallboards, etc. *While the fasteners’ washers themselves weren’t visible for inspection, the condition of the sealant provided ample evidence of prolonged neglect.
ABOUT THE CAUSE & ORIGIN REPORT
Guardian’s cause & origin report cited the manufacture’s specifications on the metal roof; it is rated to withstand winds in excess of 90 mph. Throughout the report, the expert traced each point of water damage back to its point of entry and provided the reason for the moisture intrusion. Evidence of prior repairs (the sealings and coatings) were widespread as were indications of lack of maintenance. While two of the roofs did exhibit five instances consistent with hail impacts on the asphalt shingles, none of these breeched the roofing system’s waterproof barriers. Moreover, these marks, larger in size than those recorded for this location, occurred either prior to or after the Date of Loss.
ABOUT GUARDIAN & YA GROUP
Guardian’s forensic experts excel in the investigation of high-risk and complex property claims. Now operating as a division of YA Group, this unparalleled team of building experts at Guardian & YA Group helps insurance carriers and TPAs rapidly resolve their complex claims quickly, fairly, and confidently. When you want rapid dispatch, clear communications, and pragmatic, reliable forensic counsel, call on experience. Call on the 600+ experts at YA Group today.