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ABOUT THE CLAIM
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After a hurricane brushed the Gulf Coast, a homeowner noticed new cracks in two south-facing windows and proceeded to file a wind-damage claim. The carrier asked YA Group to determine whether the storm was to blame or if age, installation, or maintenance played a role. The home, a single-story brick residence built in the early 2000s, showed normal weathering and no prior reported glazing issues.
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ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION
A YA Group engineer inspected the property with the insured present, documenting exterior and interior conditions and verifying local weather data for the date of loss. NOAA records showed peak gusts of 81 mph, within the tested design rating of the installed window assemblies. Fracture patterns were later compared against ASTM standards and manufacturer specifications, which supported a cause related to long-term frame deterioration and thermal movement rather than sudden wind or impact.
- Exterior: The roof, cladding, and nearby openings showed no signs of storm pressure or impact. Shutters were still in place. The affected window frames showed peeling paint, softened wood, and light corrosion at shutter hardware.
- Interior: Adjoining rooms were clean and dry, with no cracking, staining, or distortion. Each glass fracture began where the glass met the frame, an indicator of compression from swollen wood rather than wind load or debris.
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ABOUT THE CAUSE & ORIGIN REPORT
YA Group determined the cracks stemmed from years of frame deterioration and deferred maintenance. Seasonal humidity caused the wood frames to swell against the glass, creating stress points that eventually fractured. Failed sealant, rusted fasteners, and aged paint all confirmed a slow, progressive failure rather than a single weather event. The report concluded that proper frame repairs, resealing, and hardware replacement would prevent future issues.
ABOUT YA GROUP
YA Group delivers rapid, factual, and defensible property and casualty investigations for carriers, TPAs, and legal teams nationwide. Our 700+ engineers and building consultants pair documented field evidence with verified data and recognized standards to determine true causation and support confident decision-making. When your decisions require clear facts, YA Group provides them. For immediate attention and deployment, kindly get in touch with YA today.