• Home
  • About Us
  • Forensic Services
  • Our Experts
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Awards
  • Careers
  • Featured Projects
  • Continuing Education
  • News & Events

U.S. Forensic

  • Home
  • Client Resources
  • Submit an Assignment
Featured Projects
  • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Qualifications
    • Professional Organizations
  • Forensic Services
  • Our Experts
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
    • Submit an Assignment
    • Client Resources
    • Sign Up for Emails
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • Awards
  • Careers
  • Education
  • Featured Projects
  • News & Events

Hurricane Damage Assessment

July 6, 2022 in Featured Projects, News & Events

Hurricane Damage Assessment

It was reported that a building was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Zeta on October 28, 2020. The building manager stated that wind pressures displaced some of the metal roof eave covering panels around the building. U.S. Forensic was retained to conduct the hurricane damage assessment.  Bill Janowsky, P.E., was assigned to this case.

Mr. Janowsky obtained his Masters degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University after his Bachelors degree from the University of New Orleans.  He is a registered professional engineer in civil engineering in several states. Mr. Janowsky’s forensic engineering experience includes in-depth condition surveys and damage inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, docks and marine structures, bridges, and facility components.

Site Inspection

In late October of 2020, Hurricane Zeta made landfall on the Louisiana coast near Cocodrie, LA as a category 2 storm.  As part of the hurricane damage assessment, Mr. Janowsky reviewed weather data and confirmed that heavy rainfall and maximum winds of up to approximately 65 mph affected the Kenner, LA area where the subject building was located during the passage of the storm.   The building manager indicated that after the storm, they noticed some of the metal roof eave covering panels were displaced.

During the site visit, Mr. Janowsky observed that the building was a 3-story, steel-framed, commercial structure supported on a concrete slab foundation system. The exterior walls of the building were covered with glass and concrete panels. Also, on the exterior of the building, the undersides of the roof overhangs were covered with metal ceiling panels. The ceiling panels were measured to be 24 inches by 24 inches and were to be secured to the metal building framing with metal T-bars. Textured flanges around the perimeter edges of the metal ceiling panels fit closely into the interior openings of the T-bars. The shape of the angle of the flanges and T-bar provided friction and spring forces to hold the panels in place. Wire security clips provided additional attachment between the metal ceiling panels and the T-bars.

Mr. Janowsky also observed several missing or displaced metal roof eave covering panels on the lower portion of the east and north side of the building.  When assessing the exterior of the upper ceiling level of the building, Mr. Janowsky observed that all the metal roof eave covering panels on the north side of the building were displaced or removed prior to our inspection. There were also several other missing or removed panels on both the east and the west side of the upper level.  Inspection revealed no discernible displacement or damage to the metal T-bar supports around any of the missing ceiling panels, but it was noted that there were no wire security clips present between the ceiling panels and T-bars in several locations.

Examples of Missing or Displaced Panels Observed During the Hurricane Damage Assessment


Hurricane Damage Assessment Findings

It was determined that the displaced metal roof eave covering panels were consistent with conditions caused by wind pressures and were attributed to the passage of Hurricane Zeta on October 28, 2020.  Review of the available weather information indicated that maximum winds of approximately 65 mph affected the area during the storm, however, the wind speeds were well below those defined in the International Building Code for the location of the structure and would not be expected to cause damage or displacement of properly designed and installed building framing and cladding components.

Available details of the metal roof eave covering panels system at the property indicated that wire security clips were to be installed between the metal ceiling panels and the T-bar supports to provide additional positive restraint for the snap-in panel system during unusual service conditions. Our inspection revealed missing wire security clips in multiple locations in the areas of missing and displaced ceiling panels, but no discernible damage or displacement of the T-bars was noted.

View of missing and removed metal ceiling panels on the west side of the upper level ceiling overhang. Note the absence of damage to the supporting T-bars.
View of a drawing of the support system for the metal ceiling panels.

The absence of wire security clips between the ceiling panels and the T-bars reduced the strength of the ceiling covering system and contributed to the displacement of the ceiling panels during the passage of the storm in October of 2020. The physical evidence observed and measured at the property indicated an incorrect installation of the displaced metal roof eave covering panels which reduced the strength of the ceiling covering system and contributed to the displacement of the panels during the storm.

For more information on similar services, please visit our storm damage assessments page.   If you have a question for one of our experts, please contact us.

 

Announcing the 2023 CE Seminar Series

March 16, 2023 in News & Events

Visit us at PLRB & CLM Conferences

March 15, 2023 in News & Events

Welcoming NC, SC, & VA Client Services Manager

January 26, 2023 in News & Events

Solidifying a Case: Forensic Engineering’s Role in Subrogation

January 5, 2023 in News & Events

Honoring Our Veterans

November 11, 2022 in News & Events

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Great communications, and the work performed was done in a timely manner. It covered all the areas we were looking for and the finished report was very detailed and easy to understand. Great that the investigator follows up with a phone call to cover any questions that one may have about the information in the report."

"I would say that my experience has always been exceptional. I love working with Michelle Hughes as she is very prompt and attentive to your needs. She gets the assignments to where it needs to be very timely and the engineer's report is always on point and easy to comprehend. If I run into any issues with ascertaining any clarity, the engineers have always in the past been easy to reach and willing to provide any necessary additional information needed."

"Assignment accepted and acknowledged very promptly. Engineer made prompt contact and communicated throughout the process. Report completed and returned very promptly. The whole process was done in a very professional manner. All individuals involved from Michelle Hughes to Brian Darr are to be commended."

"I have used U.S. Forensic for several years in my capacity as a General Adjuster and always receive excellent and on-time service. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing assistance with an insurance claim."

"Great engineer assigned. We had some difficulty contacting policyholder on several occasions and Dennis hung in there with us. Providing timely and excellent service."

"I love working with U.S. Forensic as I have had a great working relationship with Michelle Hughes for multiple years at several other insurance companies. She makes it very easy and stress free for assignments and just a great overall individual that represents the company to the fullest. The work product is great as well."

"US Forensic is always willing to go the extra mile when asked and even when not asked. I appreciate their timely responses, reports and contact with our insureds. In addition their invoices are fair! We love US Forensic! Thanks for all that you do for us!"

"Very easy to submit claim to US Forensics for them to start a case. Very quick response time with acceptance of case and updates on the case. Very detailed report that is easy to read and understand. Very pleased with experience."

"Always a pleasure to work with your knowledgeable staff and engineers."

"Very thorough, efficient and timely. Great communication throughout process."

"From submitting the claim through receiving results, I'm 100% satisfied, and will definitely be keeping US Forensic on speed-dial for any new claims in LA. Thank you so much!"

"I recently called Michelle Hughes for some help...Because of system issues US Forensic is unable to provide the engineers contact info with their [automated] email however, Michelle, quickly figured out a solution. I love working with Michelle, she really is the best rep I've personally ever dealt with! Thank you Michelle and to US Forensic staff! You guys really do make our jobs easier!"

"Mike Deharde was extremely knowledgeable and very thorough, his report was very detailed and helpful to overall resolution of the claim. I would love to work with him again."

"Friendly, knowledgeable and thorough staff. I always appreciate your assistance no matter the type of claim."

"Very satisfied with the services provided by US Forensic. Quick turnaround time, knowledgeable engineers, professional reports and easy to understand conclusions. Highly recommend them for any insurance related investigations!"

“I used them many times around the country for mechanical failure and fire O&C claims. They are very detailed and professional with their inspections and write a very solid easy to follow report.”

“Professional engineers that provide great, quality services. Michelle Hughes has done continuing education for our company... I’d definitely recommend US Forensic.”

“Great company to work with, the engineers are very well trained and knowledgeable in their prospective fields…I am always pleased with the service I receive on the assignments given to your organization.”

“USF is an absolute fantastic place to work with a great environment and culture!”

“The response is always very prompt with initial results reported promptly so we can take appropriate action.”

“This company is great. I would highly recommend them. I dealt with Rob and his customer service and attention to detail is superb.”

Employment Opportunities

U.S. Forensic: Family-Like Culture & High Quality Results

On October 23rd, The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate published an article highlighting the U.S. Forensic organization and why it was … Read More

Engineering Opportunities in Chicago

Hiring Civil & Structural Engineers U.S. Forensic is hiring civil and structural engineers in the Chicago area to perform forensic evaluations.  … Read More

Civil Engineering Opportunities in Louisiana

Engineering Career Opportunities in Louisiana U.S. Forensic, a forensic engineering firm providing services throughout the U.S., has full-time and … Read More

See All Employment Opportunities

Contact Us

U.S. Forensic Main Office
3201 Ridgelake Drive
Metairie, LA 70002
Map

(504) 831-7001 Office
(888) 873-0012 Toll Free
(888) 436-3092 Fax

Email Us

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

General Conditions
of Service Contract

SiteLock
Anchorage, AK · Atlanta, GA · Austin, TX · Birmingham, AL · Buffalo, NY · Charlotte, NC · Cheyenne, WY · Chicago, IL · Cleveland, OH · Columbia, SC · Dallas, TX · Denver, CO · Des Moines, IA · Destin, FL · Detroit, MI · Flint, MI · Ft. Myers, FL · Grand Junction, CO · Greensboro, NC · Greenville, SC · Hattiesburg, MS · Houston, TX · Indianapolis, IN · Jackson, MS · Jacksonville, FL · Kansas City, MO · Lafayette, LA · Lansing, MI · Las Vegas, NV · Lexington, KY · Los Angeles, CA · Macon, GA · Memphis, TN · Miami, FL · Milwaukee, WI · Minneapolis, MN · Mobile, AL · Nashville, TN · New Orleans, LA · New York City, NY · Newark, NJ · Oklahoma City, OK · Omaha, NE · Orlando, FL · Pharr, TX · Philadelphia, PA · Phoenix, AZ · Picayune, MS · Pittsburgh, PA · Portland, ME · Pueblo, CO · Raleigh, NC · Richmond, VA · Salt Lake City, UT · San Antonio, TX · San Francisco, CA · Santa Fe, NM · Seattle, WA · St. Louis, MO · Stratford, CT · Syracuse, NY · Tallahassee, FL · Tampa, FL · Toledo, OH · Tuscaloosa, AL · Washington D.C. · West Palm Beach, FL

© 2023 U.S. Forensic · Privacy Policy · web design

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL cookies.
Cookie Settings   Accept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT