Forensic Engineering

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Explore By Topic

Adjuster Tips

Adjuster Tips

Learn more tools of the trade to manage claims and detect misrepresentation indicators through adjuster tips, customer service best practices, and the basics of handling specific types of complex claims.

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Appliances

Appliances

Find out more about the different types of appliances policyholders include in claims, including how they work, common causes of loss, and methods to return them to pre-loss condition.

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Auto Claims

Auto Claims

Check out auto claim-related materials to help assignments you may be working on. They reference vehicle fire investigations, crash reconstruction, CDR services, or even questionable claim details.

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Cause of Loss

Cause of Loss

Discover resources that will help you accurately determine cause of loss. The materials cover uncommon causes of loss, perils misreported as something else, and specialty assessments.

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Claim Investigations

Claim Investigations

Discover our articles, guides, and more that will help you improve your claim investigation techniques, spot potential misrepresentation, and resolve claims with confidence.

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Codes & Regulations

Codes & Regulations

Stay up to date on the codes and regulations that may impact claims or property investigations, including efficiency rules, building codes, or fire inspection standards.

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Commercial Equipment

Commercial Equipment

Explore content that covers how to address potential losses related to commercial structures and equipment. They include HVAC systems, walk-in freezers, economizers, business-critical equipment, and more.

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Component Failures

Component Failures

Learn more about evidence management and the specialized testing that can help answer product failure questions.

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Consumer Electronics

Consumer Electronics

Review guides, articles, and other resources about consumer electronics included in claims, how they work, common perils, and repair or replacement recommendations.

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Electrical Equipment

Electrical Equipment

Discover how a variety of frequently claimed electrically powered equipment works, common causes of loss, and methods to return it to pre-loss condition.

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Fire Claims

Fire Claims

Learn more about origin and cause investigations, what fire inspectors frequently see during inspections, and how this peril impacts specific types of equipment and property.

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Forensic Engineering

Forensic Engineering

Review resources about structural and mechanical damage and what licensed engineers look for at commercial and residential properties.

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Foundations/Ground

Foundations/Ground

Find out more about how soil, land changes, and basements and foundations impact structures and what investigators look for.

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Hail and Wind Claims

Hail and Wind Claims

Discover how hail and wind impact HVAC systems, electronics, and structures on residential and commercial properties – and why policyholders confuse them with other losses.

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Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Other Disasters

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Other Disasters

Find out more about catastrophic disasters and the losses they leave in their wake, including how they impact equipment, structures, and other property items.

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HVAC Equipment

HVAC Equipment

Better understand both common and rare, complex HVAC equipment types and the losses they sustain with articles, guides, and other adjuster-focused resources.

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Industry Data

Industry Data

Take note of trends related to equipment, insurance, and assessment results through annual reports and resources related to claims data.

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Lightning and Surge Claims

Lightning and Surge Claims

Explore commonly reported perils and how they impact – or don’t affect – HVAC systems, electrically powered items, structures, and other property frequently included in claims.

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Man-Made Damages

Man-Made Damages

Learn what evidence distinguishes man-made damage, including roofing impacts and missing HVAC equipment, from other causes of loss.

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Pools & Hot Tubs

Pools & Hot Tubs

Review articles, guides, and other resources about frequently claimed pool equipment, causes of failures, and their significance in claims.

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Roofs

Roofs

Learn more about roof and shingle types, common causes of loss, and what investigators look for during assessments through guides, articles, and other resources.

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Solar Power Equipment

Solar Power Equipment

Explore why solar power equipment winds up in claims, including how components work, frequent causes of loss, and repair and replacement recommendations.

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Subrogation

Subrogation

Understand the subrogation process and what information you need in order to make a confident decision about whether to pursue.

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Tree and Outdoor Claims

Tree and Outdoor Claims

Find insurance-focused resources about tree removal and claims that include outdoor assets such as landscaping, lights, and golf courses.

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Water Claims

Water Claims

Flood, rain, or plumbing-related losses can impact a variety of structures and equipment. Learn more through helpful guides, articles, and other resources.

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Water Heaters

Water Heaters

Review eBooks, articles, guides, and other resources about the different types of water heaters, their causes of loss, and their significance in claims.

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Well and Sump Pumps

Well and Sump Pumps

Understand different types of well and sump pumps, how they work, and what it may take to return them to pre-loss condition through a variety of resources.

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Windows

Windows

Find materials about the strengths and limitations of different types of windows, common causes of loss, and how assessments are completed.

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Winter Losses

Winter Losses

Identify what types of losses are more common in winter months through resources about winter-related perils or equipment most often claimed during colder months.

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Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation

Explore these resources to learn tips for handling workers’ compensation claims, indicators of misrepresentation, how to validate claim details, and how litigation may be involved.

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Search Results

Tornadoes occur throughout the United States, so it’s important to know why they form and how tornado-related property damage is assessed.
There are more perils at play than just hail, and it’s important to be able to spot evidence of other causes of damage.
Learn about the two primary types of asphalt shingles, places on the roof of a home that are prone to damage, shingle life expectancy, asphalt shingle characteristics, and perils that impact asphalt shingles.
Adjusters should know about the different types of residential roof coverings, roof construction and components, and the perils that might diminish their functionality.
Severe winters in some parts of the country lead to ice and snow accumulating on rooftops. Excessive or unevenly distributed weight from these loads can cause roofs to sag, leak, or even collapse.
There are many materials that can make up a wall, from traditional brick to more modern wood paneling, and they each face threats from different perils.
A tree fell through the roof and wall of a policyholder’s bedroom during a storm. The carrier reached out to Donan for a scope of damage and to get repair recommendations.
Learn about structural damage from hurricane season and how an engineering partner can help determine if damage found after a hurricane was caused by the storm.
Residential water intrusion is a common peril that many homeowners contend with, and if it’s not addressed early, it can lead to serious structural losses.
Storm surge is a common cause of hurricane damage to coastal properties. Not all damages caused by storm surge are the same, and some may be unexpected.
Understanding what makes these shingles so prevalent and their vulnerabilities to wind damage can help you address wind and roofing claims from policyholders.
While structural fires as a direct result of lightning are rare, they do occur, and it’s important to get all the facts from the scene before you make a claim decision.
The scientific method is a tried and true method of examining evidence to arrive at a conclusion that’s unbiased and supported by facts.
Moisture exposure can damage a home’s drywall, causing stains, cracking, and mold growth. Each of these conditions has something to tell us about where the water came from, and how long the moisture has been present.
Cracked tiles are often symptoms of more extensive issues, and ignoring them can be a serious mistake.
Reputable resources such as materials testing standards, building codes, weather data, and subject matter organizations help experts bring you conclusions that support a fair and defensible claim decision.
Windows are often some of the most appreciated features of homes, and a damaged window can feel like a chink in a house’s armor.
Following a window failure, knowing what happened and how is crucial to restoration and prevention of future losses.
Review the three questions in this article to more confidently reach an accurate claim resolution when water-related structural damage is involved.
Double-paned windows are the most popular types of residential windows in the United States. They’re particularly susceptible to fogging, which compromises the functionality and aesthetics of the affected windows.
Exposure to water and flooding may impact specific building materials in various ways. Some may have swelling or warping after long-term inundation, while others may not have discernable impacts.
An adjuster turned to Donan’s experts after a church’s ceiling fractured and fell in. Our engineer verified the cause of loss and identified the safety risks.
Stay up to date with regulations, better understand complex equipment and structural concerns frequently included in claims, and learn more about topics that impact you and your policyholders.
Use this infographic to pinpoint where water can enter homes and potentially cause damage. Also learn other contributing factors to localized and global water damage.
Wind speeds help us determine the intensity of tornadoes and how much damage they can cause. Here are 10 degrees of tornado damage to residential homes.
Use our interactive hail size comparison guide to drop hailstones on different roofing materials and learn more about the kind of damage hail can cause.
A study suggested there’s been an increase in tornado frequency in the United States. We address your questions here.
A carrier hired Donan to verify the extent of flood damage to a multi-story, multi-unit condo building following a hurricane. There were concerns about the structural integrity of the building due to the presence of broken concrete, soil displacement, and cracked walls.
The insurance adjuster handling this claim needed Donan’s help to determine the cause of loss to a damaged wooden fence and retaining wall after lightning struck a nearby tree on the property.
The guide outlines how Donan’s process is focused on your needs from start to finish. You’ll also learn which options for submission and reports may work best for your claims.
Learn what types of insulation may be present in a home and where you may find each of them when your policyholder files a claim.
Some materials tolerate the cold better than others, and your policyholders may be at risk for catastrophic losses if their pipes can’t withstand freezing temperatures.
Some piping materials withstand freezing conditions better than others, though multiple kinds of tubing may be found in the same home, depending on the age and water usage of the structure.
Using a real-life hail-related roof claim, you’ll find out how our licensed engineers determine an accurate conclusion through interviews, property inspections, research, and testing.
For this claim, the carrier and their policyholder sought answers related to potential structural damages to an ocean-front property in the path of a major hurricane.
Bad habits can contribute to basement water damage and other structural losses. Here are the most common mistakes homeowners fall into and how to correct them.
Soil conditions can damage foundations, leading to further structural failures. Gain insights from this guide.
Most homeowners don’t follow a maintenance plan, which may lead to property claims from losses due to wear and tear.
Foundation damage is a frequent reason for claims. Here’s what you should know about various types and common causes of loss.
Spray foam insulation is an effective air and moisture barrier, but it can hide or worsen long-term damages from water intrusion.
Freeze damage to pipes can lead to extensive water losses in claims. Getting the cause of loss for an accurate settlement includes determining whether the heat in a house was properly maintained.
Ever wonder how fires impact structures? For adjusters, diving into fire dynamics could unlock more accurate claims. Learn more!
Foundation footings on a steep slope showed signs of damage. Donan’s inspection considered terrain, building material, weather data, and more.
Soil type and slope play a huge part in foundation health. Here’s how inadequate drainage can lead to foundation claims.
Watch Alpine Intel’s Technical Education Trainer in the webinar recording to gain insight into the construction and common damages that affect foundations.
Learn more about where carriers are seeing tornado claims and how wind speed and strength factor into damages from our article published in PropertyCasualty360.
Be prepared for winter water-related losses by reading our article on house areas at risk for damage.
Different soil conditions don’t respond to loads in the same way, and soil’s response can have a profound impact on the structure above it.
Explore this interactive guide to learn characteristics about pipes and insulation types and where they may be located in a home.
Here’s how window seals can fail, common signs of failure, and why they’re important to consider in a window claim assessment.
An adjuster needed to know whether solar panel installation caused a residential roof to sag. Donan engineers inspected the roof and its framing to determine if appropriate modifications were made.
How does the International Building Code affect your claims? Find out in this article and read about three changes to the 2024 edition.
We discuss the big questions surrounding wind damage to asphalt shingle roofs, including evidence of wind damage, variables influencing shingle lifespan, and other common causes of loss.
In this mini episode, Chris follows up with Kevin Huelsman and Gary Ellis about collateral indicators, weather data, and other evidence the experts look at to verify claimed wind damage.
Learn which roofing materials are better suited for certain climates or applications, as well as frequently seen damages for each variety.
Keep this breakdown of the components of a roof structure on hand to easily understand assessment reports and other claims documents.
This guide gives you a rundown to the pros and cons of various popular roof types you can expect to see in claims.
Check out seven common truss types that may show up in roofing claims, and learn how to identify key truss components with this guide.
Test your roofing genius with this game! Group related terms, then expand your knowledge about each common bond with additional resources.
This graphic case study illustrates how an engineering assessment identified evidence and causes of infestation and water intrusion into wall framing.
Learn the elements of built-up roofs, where you’re likely to encounter them, their pros and cons, and what evidence helps experts confirm damage.
Find out how Donan’s engineer determined a house was damaged by river waters rising – and which damages were unrelated to the flood – in this case study.
Dive into how different forces may impact properties during flood events, common damages, and how experts differentiate between flood damage and other causes of loss.
Tornado-related claims can feel overwhelming for adjusters who lack extensive knowledge of structural damages. Discover 4 ways engineers can help.
Tornadoes can cause an array of structural damages. Get familiar with these losses and learn which indicators may point toward another cause of loss.
Save this guide to better prepare for CAT-related claims and know what to expect and consider for each type of event.
Read how Donan forensic engineers determined the cause and how to fix and prevent foundation damage in this case study about a foundation failure at an agricultural facility.
Find out how Donan’s forensic engineer determined the source, scope, and frequency of water damage to a basement to help the adjuster take confident next steps.
Learn how a Donan forensic engineer’s assessment revealed the actual cause and extent of damage to a home and basketball court with reported tornado damage.
Learn how a tornado’s strength can help you anticipate structural damages, and hear examples of results for tornado-related expert assessments in this webinar.
Learn how one adjuster used a Donan roof assessment to determine if hail damaged a commercial built-up roof and resulted in a leak.
Get statistics about Donan flood investigations and engineer training, as well as an example of a hurricane damage investigation.
Because attics and crawlspaces are not considered conditioned spaces and contend with outside environmental elements, it’s important that they are adequately ventilated.
Learn what brick and concrete spalling is, what causes it, and why insurance and legal professionals shouldn’t dismiss it in structural claims.
Explore this comprehensive glossary to master structural engineering terminology, enhance your understanding of forensic reports, and confidently interpret expert assessments.
Learn the leading causes of winter flooding and what evidence experts use to distinguish between flooding and other water damage.
Teams with three Alpine Intel service lines applied their expertise to answer the adjuster’s questions about electronics, HVAC systems, and structural chimney elements reportedly damaged by lightning.
Learn why an engineer’s assessment is vital for claims involving stucco water damage and cracks, and how these damages can snowball into larger issues over time.
Learn how a roof damage assessment can help adjusters make fair settlements, identify reliable contractors, and spot signs of severe roof damage.
Discover how Donan’s forensic engineer blended expertise, reliable weather data, and onsite evidence to determine an accurate cause of loss on a weather-related roofing claim.
Learn about the various structural concerns to be aware of in wildfire property damage claims.
Learn how Donan Engineering’s forensic expertise and comprehensive assessments provided clarity about a wildfire’s impact to roofing and structural components.
Become more confident in your ability to handle roof-related claims by building or refreshing your knowledge of this topic.
Discover how our mechanical engineer’s assessment found the source of basement water damage using onsite evidence, weather data, and more in our latest case study.
Learn about the anatomy of residential roofs and prepare for roofing claims by exploring this interactive guide. Plus, download a labeled roof diagram for reference.
Learn what roofing, plumbing, and structural damages can hide in improperly renovated houses and what signs experts look for during assessments.
Help your policyholders protect their homes from spring storms with our comprehensive guide of practical preparation steps to minimize damage from hail, wind, water, and lightning.
This article explores the risks faced by vacant commercial properties; the challenges in determining damage cause, scope, and age; and key factors to consider to mitigate these risks effectively. 
Check out this interactive guide to explore the consequences of installation errors, from sagging floors to cracked tiles, and what steps to take to accurately resolve claims that include them.
This quick-reference guide to various siding materials includes key characteristics, expected lifespans, and potential damages.
Discover the essential tools and expertise that enhance the accuracy of forensic engineering assessments, supporting informed decisions in structural property claims.  
Learn how Donan’s assessment helped resolve a ponding water concern, preventing potential structural damage and ensuring compliance with state building codes.
This comic-style case study describes how Donan created a timeline of events for a house uprooted by flooding, providing critical insights to help ensure a fair insurance settlement.
Find out how Alpine Intel’s National Fire Experts and Donan Engineering performed onsite investigations to answer an adjuster’s questions about the cause and scope of damage from a country club fire.
Winter CAT claims preparation can start at any time of year. Take our quiz to see if you’re ready.
Learn about non-weather-related perils and why they might initially appear in a claim related to a weather event.
Discover how Donan licensed engineers determined if wind damaged a porch roof, providing the adjuster with necessary information to settle the claim.
Discover the indicators experts look for as they evaluate residential properties and equipment for hidden water damage that could present as long-term leaks.
Watch our informative video to master critical questions for resolving water-related structural claims.
Read this eBook to learn the basics of low-slope commercial roofs, common deficiencies to be aware of, and when to partner with a forensic engineer.
Learn how three data points can help resolve freeze-related claims when evaluated alongside on-site inspection results.
Discover how Donan’s licensed forensic engineers determined the cause of a water leak that damaged walls and ceilings in a recently vacated property.
Learn how to differentiate wind damage to roofs, windows, and structural components from other causes of loss to ensure accurate settlements.
Learn why policyholders report losses from hail, wind, and moisture in property claims with metal roofs and buildings and how experts assess this damage.
Learn how Matterport 3D Scans can give adjusters a more precise look at the property cited in water damage claims.
Donan’s forensic engineers provided an adjuster with assessments related to two claims on the same property that cited snow load damage. Find out the results.