Donan one of two forensic investigation firms to receive FAA exemption

Media Contact: Rebecca Hall, DONAN Marketing Specialist, rhall@donan.com or 800-482-5611 ext. 2084.

 Louisville, KY (May 19, 2015) –  Donan – an innovative leader in forensic investigations—has received FAA authorization to utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones) for aerial data collection applications that will assist the property insurance industry with claim inspections.  Donan is one of only two forensic investigation firms that received the first such exemptions on May 5, 2015. They join a handful of top carriers who have also received FAA authorization to fly drones.

“Innovation has always been a hallmark of our company and we’re ready to lead the way in applying the powerful benefits of drone technology to claims handling.  We’ve been researching and testing drones for years now and the FAA’s authorization positions us to utilize the expertise we’ve gained to serve our clients and the industry in some very impactful ways,” said Lyle Donan, President & CEO of Donan.

Donan’s exemption is for the fixed-wing Sensefly eBee UAV, which is equipped with an integrated 12.1 mega pixel camera and a superior software package that includes orthomosaic generation and fully autonomous operation.  The eBee was chosen because of its capabilities in commercial, agricultural, and catastrophe claims that Donan determined would be the most impactful for its clients.

Donan has been researching and testing drones since 2011 and has committed dedicated resources to developing pilot programs, headed by professional engineer and licensed private pilot, Matthew Kenney, Manager of Donan’s Technical Programs. “We have logged hundreds of flights and tested UAVs in various applications, so we feel really good about the implications this technology will have in improving processes and outcomes in the industry.  We also look forward to collaboration through our pilot programs which can assist carriers in better understanding how they can utilize the data and put UAV capabilities to work for them,” said Matthew Kenney, P.E.

A second drone exemption request is pending with the FAA that will allow Donan to operate its fleet of quadcopters in a scalable service.

Donan commented, “The FAA exemption is a new beginning in Donan’s commitment to leadership and expertise in UAV innovation. We’re building on what we started years ago and dedicating permanent resources to UAV hardware, pilot training, flight safety and operations, and data management.  It’s one of the most exciting opportunities our industry has seen in a very long time.”

Donan provides nationwide coverage from 59 offices and employs 266 professionals nationwide including experts in forensic engineering and component testing, fire investigation, and HVAC forensics.  Donan is also the first and only firm in the industry to utilize an unmanned ground vehicle in forensic investigations.

For more information on Donan’s UAV program, please visit http://www.donan.com/innovation/uav/ or contact Duane Battcher, Managing Director, at dbattcher@donan.com.

About DONAN

Donan is a full-service, world class, forensic investigation firm with offices throughout the United States.  Their services include forensic engineering, fire investigation, component testing and HVAC investigation.

Since 1947, Donan’s expert investigators have utilized a rewind approach to research incidents, reconstruct events and reveal causes.  Their mission is to provide conclusive, unbiased and accurate forensic investigation services with the fastest turnaround time and best customer service in the industry.

Website: www.donan.com

A powerful storm system swept across the country between February 23 and February 25, 2016. Strong storms and tornadoes caused significant damage to homes and businesses, and turned deadly in some states. At least 60 tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service spanning over 10 states from East Texas to Pennsylvania. Strong wind gusts also caused damage from New England to the Southeast.

As communities begin to recover from last week’s outbreak, a new storm system is predicted to develop the week of March 1, which could bring a return of severe thunderstorms to parts of the South and could cover the Midwest, Great Lakes, and interior Northeast with ice and snow.

Donan’s experienced forensic engineers are located throughout the country and prepared to deploy nationwide to support our customers in their response efforts. Insurance clients can rely on our team of experts to assess damage on the ground and respond quickly and efficiently in the aftermath of severe weather.

To find out more about our services, call us at 800-482-5611 or email donan@donan.com. You can submit projects through our new and improved customer portal at www.donan.com/portal. Our award-winning customer service team is standing by to help!

About Donan: We are a full-service, world class, forensic investigation firm with offices throughout the United States.  Our services include forensic engineering, fire investigation, component testing and HVAC investigation.  Since 1947 Donan has provided first-rate expertise, conclusive answers, and superior insights through innovation.

Donan’s Mission: Our mission is to consistently provide conclusive, unbiased and accurate forensic investigation services with the fastest turnaround time and best customer service in the industry.

Donan’s Lightning Investigation is now HVAC Forensics, a name which better encompasses the full range of services our Forensic Technicians provide. Beyond inspecting units for lightning or power surge damage, Donan’s forensic technicians also commonly investigate other causes of loss including:

• hail
• freezing
• wear and tear
• mechanical failure
• improper maintenance or installation
• windborne objects
• flooding
• vandalism

Customers who submit HVAC claims to Donan will notice that our Project Reporting Tool still lists Lightning Investigation as the service line. Please submit your project as you always have and look for the name to change soon. HVAC Forensics will continue offering services in 17 states for a low fixed price. For more information and our coverage area map, visit us here.

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Donan one of two forensic investigation firms to receive FAA exemption

Media Contact: Rebecca Hall, DONAN Marketing Specialist, rhall@donan.com or 800-482-5611 ext. 2084.

 Louisville, KY (May 19, 2015) –  Donan – an innovative leader in forensic investigations—has received FAA authorization to utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones) for aerial data collection applications that will assist the property insurance industry with claim inspections.  Donan is one of only two forensic investigation firms that received the first such exemptions on May 5, 2015. They join a handful of top carriers who have also received FAA authorization to fly drones.

“Innovation has always been a hallmark of our company and we’re ready to lead the way in applying the powerful benefits of drone technology to claims handling.  We’ve been researching and testing drones for years now and the FAA’s authorization positions us to utilize the expertise we’ve gained to serve our clients and the industry in some very impactful ways,” said Lyle Donan, President & CEO of Donan.

Donan’s exemption is for the fixed-wing Sensefly eBee UAV, which is equipped with an integrated 12.1 mega pixel camera and a superior software package that includes orthomosaic generation and fully autonomous operation.  The eBee was chosen because of its capabilities in commercial, agricultural, and catastrophe claims that Donan determined would be the most impactful for its clients.

Donan has been researching and testing drones since 2011 and has committed dedicated resources to developing pilot programs, headed by professional engineer and licensed private pilot, Matthew Kenney, Manager of Donan’s Technical Programs. “We have logged hundreds of flights and tested UAVs in various applications, so we feel really good about the implications this technology will have in improving processes and outcomes in the industry.  We also look forward to collaboration through our pilot programs which can assist carriers in better understanding how they can utilize the data and put UAV capabilities to work for them,” said Matthew Kenney, P.E.

A second drone exemption request is pending with the FAA that will allow Donan to operate its fleet of quadcopters in a scalable service.

Donan commented, “The FAA exemption is a new beginning in Donan’s commitment to leadership and expertise in UAV innovation. We’re building on what we started years ago and dedicating permanent resources to UAV hardware, pilot training, flight safety and operations, and data management.  It’s one of the most exciting opportunities our industry has seen in a very long time.”

Donan provides nationwide coverage from 59 offices and employs 266 professionals nationwide including experts in forensic engineering and component testing, fire investigation, and HVAC forensics.  Donan is also the first and only firm in the industry to utilize an unmanned ground vehicle in forensic investigations.

For more information on Donan’s UAV program, please visit http://www.donan.com/innovation/uav/ or contact Duane Battcher, Managing Director, at dbattcher@donan.com.

About DONAN

Donan is a full-service, world class, forensic investigation firm with offices throughout the United States.  Their services include forensic engineering, fire investigation, component testing and HVAC investigation.

Since 1947, Donan’s expert investigators have utilized a rewind approach to research incidents, reconstruct events and reveal causes.  Their mission is to provide conclusive, unbiased and accurate forensic investigation services with the fastest turnaround time and best customer service in the industry.

Website: www.donan.com

Download as a PDF

Due to the number of those affected by this month’s severe weather events in Texas and surrounding areas, Donan’s three Texas offices, which include Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston, will be operating under Engineering CAT Protocol as of Monday, May 2. We are leveraging our national resources to bring additional engineers to Texas to increase our capacity and meet the dramatically increased needs of our clients as swiftly and effectively as possible. As a result of the additional CAT deployment, our weekly project capacity for Texas will increase by 30 -50%.

The additional experts we’re providing are Donan employees, not subcontractors or 1099 workers – that means professional engineers who are licensed, qualified and have extensive experience. While deployed resources are in place, engineering projects originating from the Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth/ and Houston offices* will be billed at the CAT rate of $195 per hour, this only applies to civil and structural engineering projects and will not impact mechanical or electrical assignments.

For more information about Donan’s CAT Protocol, visit www.donan.com/catprotocol.

For response planning assistance or other Texas-specific inquiries, contact Regional Sales Manager Brandon Whisonant via email at bwhisonant@donan.com or via phone at 800-482-5611, ext. 2058.

*Donan projects are automatically billed from the enabled office that is closest to the loss location. When that office is operating under Donan CAT Protocol, all Forensic Engineering and Roofing projects will be billed at CAT rates of $195 per hour. Fixed-Price Roofing projects are still available, but note that any additional travel time will be billed at the $195 CAT rate. CAT rates will only be in effect for the length of time that deployed resources are in place to meet increased client demand.  

By Christopher M. Scallion, P.E.
Forensic Engineer, DONAN

Commonly called “flat roofs,” most commercial buildings are actually clad with roof systems that provide about 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot of positive drainage.  These roof systems are constructed differently than most steep-slope roof coverings and are typically watertight rather than water-shedding assemblies.

The most common commercial roof coverings are single-ply membranes, multi-ply asphalt systems, and metal panels.  Common single-ply membranes include TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer).  TPO and PVC are both thermoplastic membranes, typically white in color, while EPDM is a more traditional black rubber material.  The most common asphalt-based roof systems include modified bitumen and built-up asphalt roofing.

Wind Damage

Severe winds affect all of the above low-slope roof systems in a similar manner.  Wind uplift pressures are a function of wind speed and the roof height above ground.  The resultant uplift pressures are highest at the corners and along the perimeter of a building.[1]  As a result, wind damage is typically seen first at the edges of the roof.  Once the roof system is compromised, a cascading failure can occur, and wind damage is often characterized by roof coverings that have been lifted and peeled back from the edges.

Single-ply roof systems damaged by wind may appear loose and wrinkled while metal panels are commonly kinked and folded sharply.  When severe winds damage a roof system, collateral indicators of high winds are commonly observed.  Items such as satellite dishes, antennas, and other roof-top equipment can be blown from the roof or displaced before wind speeds reach a velocity that will damage a sound roof covering.

Hail Damage

While wind damage usually appears similar regardless of the roof covering, hail damage to commercial roof coverings is more variable depending on the membrane in place.  In fact, the size of hailstones necessary to cause damage to various roof coverings can vary from as little as ½ inch in diameter to over 2 ½ inches in diameter.

Metal roof panels subjected to hail impact commonly sustain dents.  While unsightly, indentations from hail impact do not affect the watertightness of the roof panel.  If the metal panel finish is cracked or chipped, the panel can rust over time, shortening its lifespan.  Unless the panel becomes split or fractured, the indentations are considered cosmetic.

Thermoplastic membranes like PVC and TPO can withstand impact from hailstones up to 1 ¾ inches in diameter depending on the condition of the roof system.[2]  As these membranes age, plasticizers in the material can leach out of the membrane, leaving it more susceptible to damage.  In severe cases, hail as small as ½ inch in diameter can cause fractures in a deteriorated thermoplastic roof membrane.  When hail damages a thermoplastic membrane, cracks in crow’s feet or concentric semicircle patterns form.  Rigid cover boards can be installed below the membrane to improve resistance to hail impact.

EPDM membranes are inherently more flexible than most thermoplastic materials.  A sound EPDM roof covering can withstand impact by hailstones up to 2 ½ inches in diameter. ^[3]  When EPDM roof coverings do sustain damage, surface cracks can occur similar to thermoplastic membranes.  In extreme instances, hail may puncture the EPDM if the underlying substrate is soft or malleable.  Most single-ply membranes are firmly supported in the field of the roof, but may be stretched above the surface along the perimeter or at rooftop equipment.  These areas are easily fractured by incoming hailstones and typically sustain damage before the central roof areas.

Modified bitumen and built-up asphalt roof (BUR) systems are resilient to hail impact based on their installed configurations.  Built-up asphalt roof systems are commonly gravel surfaced.  The gravel provides protection to the underlying roof membrane from both foot traffic, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, as well as hailstones.  BURs can also be installed in a smooth-surfaced configuration, but these coverings are more vulnerable and can sustain damage from 1 ½-inch-diameter hailstones.[4]

Modified bitumen roof assemblies are typically constructed in two plies, with a base sheet and cap sheet.  The material itself is manufactured from asphalt blended with rubber or plastics to provide a more flexible and long-lasting roof covering.  The most durable modified bitumen membranes are granule surfaced, similar to a common asphalt shingle.  Modified bitumen roof coverings in good condition can easily withstand impact from hailstones 1 ½ inches in diameter or larger.[5]  Hail can displace the granules or fracture the underlying reinforcement of the modified bitumen.  When blisters or ridges occur in BUR or modified bitumen membranes, the unsupported area will be more susceptible to damage from incoming hailstones.

Summary

As with most building materials, the age and condition of commercial roof coverings has a great impact on their resiliency to wind and hail.  Properly secured roof membranes can withstand significant wind forces, but an improperly attached membrane c
an be blown from the roof during moderate gusts.  Similarly, most commercial roof coverings are resilient to hail impact.  As these materials age and deteriorate they quickly become more susceptible to damage.

[1]Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (Reston, VA: American Society of Civil Engineers).
[2] Simulated Hail Damage and Impact Resistance Test Procedures for Roof Coverings and Membranes,” Crenshaw and Koontz, RICOWI Meeting, Dallas, Texas, October 27, 2000.
[3] Sidney H. Greenfeld, Hail Resistance of Roofing Products, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, August 1969, page 6.
[4] “Hail Damage to Built-Up Roofing,” Timothy Marshall and Scott Morrison.
[5] Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues, Hailstorm Investigation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, April 2004.

Submit a commercial roofing project.

View the author’s professional profile.

Ask An Expert is a question-and-answer column designed to address common questions related to forensic investigation and property damage. Each month we’ll feature one or two questions submitted by you – our readers and customers – and provide detailed, easy-to-understand answers. Email your questions to news@donan.com or submit your questions here.

How does wind damage a building? What is wind suction and how does it work?

Shane Conklin, P.E.: As wind passes over and around a building, two things happen.  First, positive wind pressure applies to building components on the side(s) of the building that face the incoming wind (the “windward” direction).  The windward wind load is essentially the force of the blowing wind pressing on the building.  Second, negative wind pressure applies to building components on the side(s) of the building that face away from the incoming wind (the “leeward” direction).  The negative wind pressure is also known as “suction.”  The suction force will be applied to vertical surfaces such as walls, and also horizontal or sloped surfaces such as roofs.  The suction force can be thought of as acting like a vacuum that pulls on a building and its components.

During an event with moderately strong winds, building materials such as asphalt shingles or vinyl siding may displace away from the building.  Sometimes, windows break and the broken shards end up outside of the building.  In such cases, a common misconception held by many people in the construction industry is that wind must have gotten under or behind the surface of the material to “blow” it out.  However, acknowledging and understanding the concept of wind suction can explain how those materials were damaged.  Wind does not only apply a direct blowing force on buildings, but it also induces a suction force.  Depending on various factors, the suction force can be significant enough to cause damage to individual building components or the structure of the building itself.

About the Expert
Shane Conklin joined Donan in 2013 as a forensic engineer based out of the firm’s Chicago, Illinois office. Mr. Conklin has 10 years of engineering experience, and has completed over 1000 forensic investigations. He has experience in the following industries: structural design with light-gauge materials. Mr. Conklin’s area of expertise is light-gauge steel, among others, and his representative project capabilities include roof inspections, foundation issues, impact assessments, water intrusion, structural failures, and more. View Shane Conklin’s full professional profile here.

Submit your question to Ask an Expert.

Ask An Expert is a question-and-answer column designed to address common questions related to forensic investigation and property damage. Each month we’ll feature one or two questions submitted by you – our readers and customers – and provide detailed, easy-to-understand answers. Email your questions to news@donan.com or submit your questions here.

Does hail typically damage EPDM roofing? I have an older EPDM roof with tears along the north edge. The contractor claims it is from hail, but I believe it is from shrinking and subsequent tearing or splitting of the membrane at the edge of the roof.  How do you differentiate hail damage and shrinkage?

Chris Scallion, P.E.: Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roof membranes are typically installed in two basic configurations, both of which are resilient to hail impact.  Ballasted membranes are loose-laid in place and covered with rounded river rock to prevent wind uplift.  The rock is commonly about 1 ½ inches in diameter and provides a means of protecting the underlying membrane from debris impact, inadvertent man-made damage, and falling hailstones.  Controlled laboratory testing, and field experience, has found that hail smaller than 2 ½ inches in diameter lacks sufficient mass to damage a sound, ballasted roof covering.[1]

EPDM membranes are also installed as mechanically attached or fully adhered systems, in which the membrane forms the top surface of the roof system.  EPDM is a resilient material with good flexibility properties.  Adhered and mechanically attached EPDM membranes can sustain impact from hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter.[2]

As EPDM ages, oils within the membrane degrade and volatize due to heat and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.  This is part of the normal weathering process.  A loss of mass and volume occurs as these oils leave the membrane, resulting in shrinkage.  Shrinkage is typically evident along the edges of the membrane, at the perimeter or along the backside of parapet walls.  If the membrane shrinks substantially, it will pull away and can tear or “tent” along parapet walls.

When hail damages an EPDM membrane, it results in localized, often semi-circular tears or circular marks of “spider web” cracking.  Excessive shrinkage results in extended linear cracking, and is easily differentiated from hail damage.  The service life of an EPDM membrane can vary depending on the membrane thickness and manufacturer.  One of the leading manufacturers of EPDM, Firestone, sells EPDM membranes with 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year warranties.  Older membranes are more susceptible to shrinkage failure.  Excessive membrane shrinkage can also leave EPDM more susceptible to hail impact.  Tenting membranes that are unsupported and no longer bear on a firm, underlying surface can be susceptible to damage from hailstones smaller than a sound membrane in contact with a firm substrate.

[1] Sidney H. Greenfeld, Hail Resistance of Roofing Products, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, August 1969, page 6.

[2] Ibid.

Learn more by attending our upcoming webinar on commercial roofs – register here.

About the Expert
Chris Scallion joined Donan in 2012 as a forensic engineer based out of the firm’s Raleigh, North Carolina office. He has over 10 years of engineering experience, and has completed over 1,000 forensic investigations. Mr. Scallion has worked in structural design, building envelope science and roofing. His areas of expertise include but are not limited to flood damage, construction defects and steep and low slope roof systems. Mr. Scallion’s other project capabilities include commercial and residential roofing, flood and hurricane damage, wind and tornado damage, water intrusion, crawlspace moisture, construction defects, structural and foundation failures. View Chris’s full professional profile here.

Submit your question to Ask an Expert.

Ask An Expert is a question-and-answer column designed to address common questions related to forensic investigation and property damage. Each month we’ll feature one or two questions submitted by you – our readers and customers – and provide detailed, easy-to-understand answers. Email your questions to news@donan.com or submit your questions here.

Can you give a brief overview of hail damage to residential roofs? What other resources are available?

John Miller, P.E.: Hail damage to roofing materials is defined as an identifiable mark caused by hail that has measurably reduced the integrity or functionality of the overall material, where the material was sound prior to the hail impact.  Residential roofs are covered by a variety of materials, including asphalt shingles, metal, concrete and clay tiles, and fiber-cement tiles; however, four out of five houses in the United States are covered with asphalt shingles.  Over 12.5 billion square feet of asphalt shingle products are manufactured annually.  Hail damage to asphalt shingles is most often found as a bruise (deflection) that extends through the entire thickness of the shingle.  Hailstones can cause a complete fracture (penetration) in a shingle.

Hail damage to asphalt shingles is visible to the naked eye.  The bruises or fractures are typically circular and close to the same size as the hailstones.  Therefore, if it takes 1-inch-diameter hail or larger to damage an asphalt shingle, then the bruise or fracture should be close to 1 inch wide or larger.  A classic hail bruise removes granules around the outer edge of the bruise while leaving granules in place in the center.  Hail impacts that have damaged the fiberglass mat will typically leave an indentation on the backside of the shingle.

Before determining whether the roof covering is hail damaged, a search for collateral indicators of hail impact should be made on the property.  Collateral indicators are very important in determining the size and density of hail that fell at the property.  Collateral indicators include exterior wood and metal surfaces, window cladding and screens, and air conditioner condenser fins.  Hail large enough to damage shingles will typically leave clean spots, dents, and tears in these materials.

When examining the shingles, the most susceptible shingles should be studied first.  Inherently susceptible shingles are those that would have faced the incoming hailstones, and those that are less firmly supported from underneath by a rigid roof deck.  Shingles that cover ridges, valleys, shingle edges overhanging eaves and rakes, and the edges of shingles themselves are inherently more susceptible to hail damage due to the absence of firm backing.  If hail damage is found on the field shingles, you should find hail damage on these more vulnerable shingles.  The field shingles should then be examined, looking for circular bruises or fractures with associated granule loss that is consistent with hail impact in size and shape.  When possible, examine the backside of the shingles for indentations.

Resources for information on hail damage to roofing materials can be obtained from Donan’s website, in the search bar at the top-right corner of the page; the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues, Inc. (RICOWI), http://www.ricowi.com/; Jim D. Koontz & Associates, Inc., http://www.jdkoontz.com/index.htm; and other online sources.

You can also learn more by attending an upcoming webinar or viewing other resources at donanuniversity.com.

About the Expert
John Miller joined Donan in 2009 and currently serves as a forensic engineer and principal consultant based out of the firm’s Louisville, Kentucky office. His area of expertise is structural engineering with an emphasis on structural damage from impact, wind and flood. Mr. Miller’s project capabilities also include a wide range of civil and structural investigations including hail damage, foundation damage and water intrusion.  View John Miller’s full professional profile here.

Submit your question to Ask an Expert.

Ask An Expert is a question-and-answer column designed to address common questions related to forensic investigation and property damage. Each month we’ll feature one or two questions submitted by you – our readers and customers – and provide detailed, easy-to-understand answers. Email your questions to news@donan.com or submit your questions here.

Q: Can lack of maintenance contribute to a power surge?

Curtis VanNess: With poor maintenance practices an HVAC system is far more susceptible to a failure.  In the event of a power surge or lightning event, failures can occur with different levels of dirt on the coils or filter.  A lightning-induced power surge does not pick and choose based on how often you perform maintenance.

Q: Will exposure to hot smoke destroy an interior air handler?

Curtis: The heavy soot or smoke can cake to all surfaces including hard to clean insulation and blower motor windings.  Yes an intense fire can destroy an indoor unit, especially if it was running during the event.

Q: Can the new “micro channels” on rooftop units be repaired?

Curtis: Hail dents to these coils cannot be repaired.  Some manufacturers sell repair kits for these.  But again this repair is not commonly taught or practiced in the field.

You can discover more about Donan’s HVAC Forensic services at donan.com/hvac-forensics.
Learn more by attending an upcoming webinar or viewing other resources at donanuniversity.com. 

About the Expert

Curtis VanNess is General Manager of Donan’s HVAC Forensics. He has 10 years of HVAC experience, with four of those years dedicated to forensic investigations. He played an integral role in refining Donan’s forensic investigation process for determining the cause of loss to HVAC systems. He has experience in all HVAC equipment, as well as a diverse background in construction and communications. Mr. VanNess has an HVAC Master license in the state of Kentucky, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana. He commonly instructs small groups in both live events and webinars. View Curtis VanNess’s full professional profile here.

Submit your question to Ask an Expert.

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Ask An Expert is a question-and-answer column designed to address common questions related to forensic investigation and property damage. Each month we’ll feature one or two questions submitted by you – our readers and customers – and provide detailed, easy-to-understand answers. Email your questions to news@donan.com or submit your questions here.

Q: Is it legal to fly drones in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey?

Matthew Kenney, P.E.: In the days and weeks following this type of catastrophic weather event, it’s common for the FAA to publish temporary flight restrictions for various areas in order to clear the airspace for evacuations and emergency response. We are constantly monitoring the situation and are committed to following all FAA flight restrictions and regulations. If we do receive a flight request in a zone where restrictions are in place, we’ll do everything we can to work with the FAA to obtain authorization for the flight, but we will not fly until that authorization is obtained.

To learn more about how drone flights can assist in your response to cat claims following Hurricane Harvey, visit  donan.com/uav/applications/, or submit a flight request now.

Q: Is there a way to determine whether water intrusion was salt or fresh water, in the case where the homeowner does
not know?

Rich Grimshaw, P.E.: If salt water or brackish water are not nearby, then they can be ruled out. However, if they are nearby, and they are
suspected of causing damage, any surfaces that were inundated can be tested to detect trace remains of minerals and
salts.

Q: Can wind-damaged areas of EPDM be cut out and patched? 

Chris Scallion, P.E.: Yes. Adhered systems will require a sound substrate, which may necessitate partial insulation replacement. Repairs to mechanically attached or ballasted systems are generally straightforward.

Q: Is there a rule/standard that if water ponds for a certain period of time, then the roof can’t be repaired and must be replaced?

Chris Scallion, P.E.: No such guideline exists. Ideally, all low-slope roof products should provide positive drainage and prevent ponding water. With relatively low slopes, small areas of relatively shallow water may accumulate after a rainstorm. These areas should be dry within 24 to 48 hours. Most manufacturers have guidelines regarding the period of acceptable ponding water for warranty purposes, typically 48 hours. Localized repairs subjected to ponding water may not be eligible for manufacturer’s warranties, but spot repairs are seldom covered beyond an installer’s warranty. Ponding water is indicative of an underlying deficiency in the construction of the roof system and should be remedied during the next roof replacement. Ponding water results in a pressure head that can drive water into otherwise minor deficiencies in the roof system.  Minor leaks can become significant sources of water intrusion when subjected to ponding water over a prolonged period.

Q: How does wind damage a building? What is wind suction and how does it work?

Shane Conklin, P.E.: As wind passes over and around a building, two things happen. First, positive wind pressure applies to building components on the side(s) of the building that face the incoming wind (the “windward” direction). The windward wind load is essentially the force of the blowing wind pressing on the building. Second, negative wind pressure applies to building components on the side(s) of the building that face away from the incoming wind (the “leeward” direction). The negative wind pressure is also known as “suction.” The suction force will be applied to vertical surfaces such as walls, and also horizontal or sloped surfaces such as roofs. The suction force can be thought of as acting like a vacuum that pulls on a building and its components.

During an event with moderately strong winds, building materials such as asphalt shingles or vinyl siding may displace away from the building. Sometimes, windows break and the broken shards end up outside of the building. In such cases, a common misconception held by many people in the construction industry is that wind must have gotten under or behind the surface of the material to “blow” it out. However, acknowledging and understanding the concept of wind suction can explain how those materials were damaged. Wind does not only apply a direct blowing force on buildings, but it also induces a suction force. Depending on various factors, the suction force can be significant enough to cause damage to individual building components or the structure of the building itself.

You can discover more about Donan’s Catastrophe Response at donan.com/cat.
Learn more by attending an upcoming webinar or viewing other resources at donanuniversity.com. 

About the Experts

To learn more about our experts, view their full professional profiles below.

Matthew Kenney, P.E., Technical Program Manager
Rich Grimshaw, P.E., Principal Consultant & Forensic Engineer
Chris Scallion, P.E., RRC, Forensic Engineer
Shane Conklin, P.E., Forensic Engineer

Submit your question to Ask an Expert.

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The right strategic partnerships are a powerful tool for effective catastrophe preparedness. As Donan supports our clients’ response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we’re aligning our priorities with theirs: quick response, accurate answers, and compassionate service that recognizes the significance of the catastrophic event in insureds’ lives and the importance of getting claims resolved quickly. Here’s what you need to know.

Nationwide Coverage

A nationwide footprint allows insurers to build a reliable partnership they can turn to every time and everywhere catastrophe response is needed. When local claim volumes surge following severe weather, a forensic firm with wide geographic coverage is able to send in support without diminishing its operations elsewhere.

Manpower

Building a team with the manpower to handle post-cat claim volumes is a strategic undertaking for engineering firms because of state licensing requirements. Donan’s engineers hold licenses in several states, and we place priority on states where severe weather hits most often.  This means there are full-time licensed engineers within our company (not 1099 contractors who may be less qualified) who are capable of traveling to support high volumes wherever catastrophe strikes.

Experience and Expertise

Not all manpower is created equal. Donan has longevity, and has investigated thousands of catastrophe assignments, perfecting our processes along the way. As a full-service forensic investigation firm, we offer expertise in several disciplines, so whether a catastrophe claim calls for an electrical or structural engineer or a fire investigator, we’re capable of handling it all.

Mobility

Rapid deployment takes precedence in catastrophe response. How quickly can a forensic firm be on the ground, with proper tools and equipment, to assist with investigations? Is there sufficient support staff available to intake assignments and communicate efficiently with claims adjusters and insureds? These are questions for which we can answer yes, and we have strong processes in place even before deployment is necessary.

Investment

Because we’re attuned to insurers’ priorities, we’ve invested in tools and training that make an impact. Whether technology that simplifies claims tracking, UAV solutions that enable quick imagery following a disaster, quality reports that hold up to scrutiny, or trained professionals who exemplify scientific investigation, as a leading forensic firm, we’ve invested significant money, time and resources into industry-leading catastrophe response. We know that when stakes are high, the right strategic partner solidifies an exceptional catastrophe response plan.

Donan is continuing to deploy our CAT Team to the affected areas. Additionally, we have drone pilots ready to capture aerial imagery so you can begin processing claims sooner.

To learn more about how we can assist with your CAT response, visit donan.com/cat, or submit a project at donan.com/portal.

Ask An Expert is a question-and-answer column designed to address common questions related to forensic investigation and property damage. Each month we’ll feature one or two questions submitted by you – our readers and customers – and provide detailed, easy-to-understand answers. Email your questions to news@donan.com or submit your questions here.

Question #1: If wind causes shingles to lift but does not crease or tear the shingles, will the shingles reseal? Is this considered wind damage or a pre-existing defect?

Chris Scallion, P.E., RRC: Asphalt shingles resist wind uplift by two methods.  First, the shingles are nailed in place, providing a mechanical connection to the roof decking.  Shingle roof systems shed water to prevent leaks, so the fasteners securing each shingle are overlapped by the next shingle course.  Adhesive sealant strips provide the second method by which asphalt shingles resist wind uplift.  The sealant strip is an adhesive applied to the underside of each shingle during the manufacturing process.  Once the shingles are installed, radiant heat from the sun warms the shingles and bonds or seals the shingles together.  A well-bonded sealant strip prevents the shingles from being lifted by wind pressure.  If the sealant strip has developed full strength, the shingles cannot be separated without tearing or delaminating the shingles.

The two most common factors that cause shingles to become unsealed are a failure of the sealant strip to properly activate following installation and age-related deterioration.  Factors such as prolonged storage of the shingles (warehousing), improper installation and manufacturing deficiencies can reduce the effectiveness of the sealant strip.  As the shingles age, the adhesive bond of the sealant strip degrades and weakens until the shingles become loose.  Shingles that are loose or unsealed could develop a weak bond following exposure to warm temperatures.  Shingles that reseal in this manner are not expected to develop the full-strength bond of a sound roof system.  Most unsealed shingles should not be expected to reseal, but can be hand sealed with roof cement.

Although wind may lift an unsealed shingle, wind does not cause a sound shingle roof system to become unsealed.  Shingles are considered wind damaged when they are torn, creased, or detached from the roof. ^[1],[2]  Most commonly, wind damage occurs when three-tab shingles are creased by repeated lifting or flapping.  Unsealed shingles without physical mat damage are not considered wind damaged.

Learn more by attending an upcoming webinar or viewing other resources at donanuniversity.com.

[1] T. P. Marshall, et. al., “Wind Effects on Asphalt Shingles,” 29th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology, Tucson, Arizona (2010).

[2] Stephen E. Petty, “Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessments for Residential and Commercial Structures,” 2013 CRC Press.

About the Expert
Chris Scallion joined Donan in 2012 as a forensic engineer based out of the firm’s Raleigh, North Carolina office. He has over 10 years of engineering experience, and has completed over 1,000 forensic investigations. Mr. Scallion has worked in structural design, building envelope science and roofing. His areas of expertise include but are not limited to flood damage, construction defects and steep and low slope roof systems. Mr. Scallion’s other project capabilities include commercial and residential roofing, flood and hurricane damage, wind and tornado damage, water intrusion, crawlspace moisture, construction defects, structural and foundation failures. View Chris’s full professional profile here.

Submit your question to Ask an Expert.

Under the new FAA regulations that went into effect August 29th, commercial drone flights are prohibited outside of daylight hours unless the operator receives special authorization from the FAA. We are proud to announce that Donan is now among the first drone operators in the country to receive the authorization for flights at night. Nighttime drone flights will require additional safety measures such as anti-collision lighting and a mandatory visual observer to assist with the operation.

Matt Kenney, Donan Technical Program Manager, explains, “Flying drones at night for property investigations is crucial for performing certain types of inspections, such as thermal imaging.”

Here are just a few of the benefits of performing nighttime thermal inspections using UAVs:

• Quickly and accurately detect moisture intrusion, which can be useful for both insurance claims and underwriting purposes.
• Eliminating the need for having one or more persons on a roof at night, which can be treacherous.
• Faster and more efficient inspections than when using handheld thermal imagers. The condition of large commercial roofing systems can be assessed much more quickly and easily from an aerial perspective with the aid of a properly equipped UAV.

The FAA regulation changes announced on June 21st and previously reported by Donan are now in effect. You can read more about those updates and what they mean for the insurance industry here. Donan is dedicated to finding innovative ways to meet the needs of clients while staying abreast of changing technologies.

To learn more about Donan’s UAV services, visit: www.donan.com/uav

To request a quote, visit: donan.com/portal

The post FAA Authorizes DONAN for Nighttime Drone Operations appeared first on Donan - Forensic Engineering Experts.

Ask An Expert is a question-and-answer column designed to address common questions related to forensic investigation and property damage. Each month we’ll feature one or two questions submitted by you – our readers and customers – and provide detailed, easy-to-understand answers. Email your questions to news@donan.com or submit your questions here.

Question #1: With regards to boat docks, how do you differentiate between wind damage vs. water damage?

John Miller, P.E.:  Wind speeds increase with height. Boat docks are typically the lowest point on the property. In Florida the boat docks are predominantly framed structures as opposed to floating structures. If the wind speeds were high enough to damage a wood-framed structure, we would expect significant damage to nearby roof coverings, siding, trees, etc. In most cases when we looked at boat docks, we had very little collateral evidence of wind. Secondly, if the damage is from water, then the components close to the water level are damaged while higher components such as a dock roof are not damaged. Finally, the weather and water data are critical in determining if sufficient wind or water heights existed to cause damage.

Question #2:  Will wind result in storm surge if the sites are along the coast?

A: Moving water and waves with enough force to cause structural damage require wind to operate over open water for an extended period of time. The more open water and the longer time period that wind affects the area, the faster the water and the higher the waves. For example, Hurricane Sandy created a very large storm surge because it was an enormous storm (width) that traveled across open water for days. While there are no specific numbers you can use, you would not expect damaging water velocities and waves unless you had wind speeds greater than 20-30 mph operating over open water (several thousand feet at least) for an extended period of time (hours). Therefore, coastal properties are always more prone to storm surge.

Question #3:  In areas where there were moderate winds we have seen zippering of roofing materials.  I have generally seen this related to material or installation defect your thoughts on zippering?

A: We actually cover this in the aftershow on a case study. You can access the aftershow at https://donanuniversity.com/after-show/. Asphalt shingles become unsealed as they age. Unsealed shingles can lift in moderate winds and are more easily damaged. Moderate winds would be wind speeds that would not normally damage a properly installed and sealed shingle. When the shingles are installed in vertical columns (racking), the unsealed shingles are typically along the racking lines. This results in the zippered appearance of the damage. This also can result in a cascading failure initiated at the racking lines. The unsealed shingles lift and then lift overlapping shingles. In hurricanes, a building can be subjected to even moderate winds for hours making it possible for unsealed shingles to be damaged.

Hungry for more? Attend an upcoming webinar or view other resources at donanuniversity.com.

View all Ask an Expert columns here.

About the Expert

Mr. John Miller joined Donan in 2002 and currently serves as Principal Fire Investigator and Technical Fire Manager for the firm’s fire investigation services. He has 35 years of fire service experience, and has conducted more than 1500 fire investigations.  Mr. Fetrow has extensive experience in agricultural fires and off-road equipment fires. He is a Certified Fire Investigator, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator.  He is also a Private Investigator in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey and Ohio.  Mr. Fetrow has taught more than 40 fire courses and has been authored articles for industry publications.

View John’s full professional profile here.

Submit your question to Ask an Expert.

The post Ask an Expert: Inspecting Damages After a Hurricane appeared first on Donan - Forensic Engineering Experts.

Weather research is a key ingredient in forensic engineering investigations, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Forensic engineering considers all data relevant to a specific scope of work, and weather research is a key ingredient in that data set.  Determining the hail size, direction of impact, and date hail occurred are important in every hail study.  Weather data helps us determine if hail fell at a specific location, the size of the hail, from which direction it fell, and when a hailstorm occurred.

A number of companies produce maps and reports estimating the size and location of hail.  These companies rely on interpreting weather radar to estimate the size of hail that possibly affected a specific location or area.  Weather radar emits rapid bursts of energy into storms.  The returning energy (reflectivity) from rain and hail provide information regarding intensity of the rainfall and the presence of hail.  However, weather radar alone is not capable of categorically discriminating areas of rainfall from areas of hail fall, nor the specific size of the hail.^[1]  To determine if hail is present in a given storm, other data must be interpreted.  Companies that provide hail maps and reports use computer programs that rely on a probabilistic approach to determine the presence and size of hail.  Thus, these hail maps and reports rely on the quality of the radar imagery available, the quality of the computer program employed, and the skills of the people who interpret the data.  The quality of the radar imagery depends on date and location.  The further a location is from the radar, the less accurate the images will be.  As radars improve, the accuracy of the data improves.

Hail maps and reports indicate that hail up to a certain size possibly occurred at a given location.  These reports are not evidence that hail actually fell at a particular location on a particular date.  If the probability of each event is not given, and any error rate associated with the data is not provided, the user cannot determine the reliability of the data.  Most, if not all, of these hail reports do not provide probabilities that would indicate how confident they are in the data.  In addition, the reports do not state the methodology used to reach the conclusions or the error rate of the data.

Radar data estimating the location, size, and probability of hail fall is also available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) website.[2]  NOAA provides information on the accuracy of their data, stating, “These NEXRAD Level III products (HI, M, SS, TVS) contain several sources of inaccuracies.  The spatial accuracy of the data decreases with the range from the source NEXRAD radar site… Other factors contribute to the accuracy of these products and algorithms.”  These other factors include fewer “sweeps” of the radar data at further distances which reduces the amount of data available; mountainous terrain interfering with the radar signals; and adaptable parameters which are set by the radar operators which are adjusted for each weather situation and season.  NOAA states, “Variation of these values can cause additional inconsistencies.”[3]  Since the companies that produce hail reports use the NOAA radar data as the basis for their reports, any errors or inconsistencies in the NOAA data are built into these reports.

Ultimately, the best indication of hail size at a specific location is the evidence collected at that location, including clean spots, dents, and abrasions on collateral surfaces as well as damage to components such as asphalt shingles.  Hail reports are useful when trying to determine if and when a hailstorm was present, but they should not be used to determine if hail damage occurred at a specific location.  They are also useful, combined with other NOAA data and site-specific observations, in determining when hail damage occurred.

In forensic engineering, we are often faced with imperfect evidence to determine whether damage occurred, when it occurred, and what caused it.  More data typically results in a better answer.  Relying on a single source, especially one that interprets imperfect data, can lead to the wrong conclusion.

[1] E. DeWayne, et al, “Site-Specific Hailstorm Assessment”, RCI Interface Magazine, Vol. XXVI, No. 2, February 2008
[2] NOAA, NOAA’s Severe Weather Data Inventory, https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/swdi/#Intro (accessed August 22, 2017).
[3] NOAA, NOAA’s Severe Weather Data Inventory, https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/swdiws/csv/nx3hail (accessed August 22, 2017).

About the Expert
John Miller joined Donan in 2009 and currently serves as a forensic engineer, principal consultant, and CAT manager based out of the firm’s Louisville, Kentucky office. His area of expertise is structural engineering with an emphasis on structural damage from impact, wind and flood. Mr. Miller’s project capabilities also include a wide range of civil and structural investigations including hail damage, foundation damage and water intrusion.  View John Miller’s full professional profile here.

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