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ABOUT THE CLAIM
A homeowner reported that strong winds had damaged his roof, allowing water into the kitchen and causing problems with the vinyl tile flooring that included lifting and tenting there and in adjacent rooms. The small suburban home’s claim seemed straightforward: a storm rolls through, shingles lift, water follows. But as with many investigations, the easy answer didn’t hold up under closer scrutiny.
ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION
A weather history review preceded the visual inspection. Comparing site observations to local, time-stamped data helps determine or negate theories of causation. YA’s property and casualty forensic engineering consultant then inspected the single‑story, wood‑framed residence. The insured was present for the inspection, pointing out his concerns along the way. Access to the roof was arranged, and the evaluation moved from the outside in:
- At the exterior: no torn cladding, no cracked windows, no roof shingles showing wind creases or hail impacts. One thing stood out: at the roof‑to‑wall joint on two facets, the only waterproofing present was sealant. The paint on the trim had faded unevenly, hinting at years of sun exposure.
- At the interior: peel‑and‑stick vinyl tile ran throughout, lifting in several rooms. Above the kitchen sink, white painted trim had obviously been reworked before, and the window opening there had been sealed with a sheet of plywood.
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ABOUT THE CAUSE & ORIGIN REPORT
The weather data told a clear story: wind gusts in the area that day were far below the threshold required to damage properly installed asphalt shingles. No hail was reported or observed. The inspection confirmed it. The shingles weren’t storm‑damaged. The water intrusion above the sink lined up exactly with the deficient flashing area, where sealant had been doing the job of metal flashing for years. That’s a shortcut that doesn’t last, and in this case, it failed. As for the tented flooring, the culprit was age and adhesive breakdown, not moisture from above. No weather event drove this damage.
ABOUT YA GROUP
YA delivers fast, factual, and unbiased property and casualty claim investigations for carriers, TPAs, and legal teams nationwide. Every conclusion is supported by expert site inspections and verifiable data, enabling clients to resolve claims with confidence. By conducting thorough cause & origin investigations, YA’s Surety Team reduces losses while helping ensure policyholders understand exactly what happened and why. When the details matter and the cause isn’t obvious, our reputation is for helping you get to the truth faster, with greater certainty as well as greater efficiency. Kindly call on YA today.