Wind Storm Damage Assessments

Damaging storms have been increasing in frequency over a number of years which has been cause for concern for insurers. Not surprisingly, we see a big influx in assignments after wind storms. Tree impact claims which occur when a building or surrounding structure, such as a deck or porch, is struck by a falling tree or tree branch, make up a large portion of these post-storm claims. 

Our first step upon arriving on site after a tree impact is to do an initial exterior inspection of the home and property to locate the main point(s) of impact and document any damage. Fallen trees are often removed from the property before we arrive as part of the emergency clean up efforts, so reviewing photographs of the tree on the building is helpful. 

Typically, the main point of impact to a home will occur to the side of a sloped roof, a roof ridge, or at a roof/exterior wall interface. Depending on where the main point of impact is located, different damage visible from the exterior can be expected in the immediate area of the impact. For instance, when a tree impacts a sloped side of the roof you can expect to see roof penetrations where branches were able to puncture through the roof and an overall sagging/deformation of the roof slope. When a tree impacts a roof ridge you will often see local crushing at the ridge. And, when a tree impacts the roof/exterior wall interface you can expect to see damage to the roof overhang framing, soffit, fascia, and eavestrough. All of these can be concerning to homeowners and should be addressed and identified as soon as possible. 

Once the exterior inspection is complete, we enter the home and attempt to access the main point of impact if it is safe to do so. This often involves entering attic spaces to inspect the roof structure for damage. We look for cracked or crushed rafters/trusses or any other damage that requires a structural repair. If impact occurs near the roof/exterior wall interface there may be cracking and/or crushing damage to the roof truss tails that frame the roof overhang. This damage may not always be easily visible due to the attic insulation and the overall sloping of the roof towards the exterior walls. We will typically identify damage to the truss tails from the exterior by looking for deformation to the roof overhang and/or exposed areas where the soffit is removed. Often, when a tree impacts a roof, damage to roof sheathing or strapping occurs - this damage can easily be repaired by a roofing contractor during repairs of the roof covering. 

When the impact occurs to the roof/exterior wall interface there may also be damage to the exterior wall structural framing. For this type of damage, we would look for areas where the interior finish may be displaced as a result of a cracked framing member. This type of damage is not seen as often as roof damage because the walls are typically protected by a roof overhang. 

When walking around the interior and exterior of homes after tree impacts it is common to see cosmetic damage within and outside the area of impact. Inside the home there may be cracking to the plaster or gypsum board ceiling and wall finishes. Doors or windows that were operating properly prior to the impact may now be out of alignment and unable to open and close properly. Outside the home there may be step cracking within the mortar joints of a brick or stone veneer. 

These types of damages often lead homeowners to fear that tree impact has caused their home to shift or twist on the foundation below, or that the tree impact has caused the foundation to crack or settle. These problems rarely occur after tree impacts. 

When the tree impact occurs, flexing occurs to the wood framing of the home. This can include the roof, floor, and wall framing. Flexing is the framing’s response as it attempts to absorb the impact. While wood is a flexible building material capable of significant deflection without failure before returning to its original shape, most interior and exterior finishes are not. A wide variety of interior and exterior cosmetic damage can occur. For instance, a rigid door or window can cause the framed opening to come out of alignment when the surrounding wall flexes. A flexing roof truss can cause an interior gypsum board ceiling finish to crack. Flexing wall framing can cause brick veneer to crack along mortar joints. While this damage can be alarming, it is rarely structurally significant. A full scope of cosmetic damage can be prepared as part of our report. 

We are always happy to assist with these claims. We can provide a structural scope of repair and, if necessary, drawings for building permit to repair the damage. Feel free to contact us! 

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