In the wake of the recent tornado and the thunderstorms that have followed, extensive property damage has occurred. Although structural damage is obvious and the need for a structural assessment from a structural engineer speaks for itself, other types of damage also occur which can require the services of an engineer. So, when should you call for an engineer? You should call for an engineer whenever building inspection officials want to certify the safety of a building system, including residences. Building systems can include but are not limited to the electrical panel and wiring, HVAC equipment, and foundation. This is a fairly straightforward application. However, engineers should also be called in whenever there is a need to determine whether the damage claimed was weather related, pre-existing or vandalism. Examples of weather related damage can include pockmarks to roofing shingles caused by hail, burned circuits within appliances caused by lightning, and broken tree branches and trunks caused by high velocity winds.
Damage that was pre-existing or due to vandalism can be somewhat harder to accurately determine. In order to prove either case, the item that was damaged has to be shown to have been in at least the same condition prior to the time when the alleged damage occurred. If the item was metallic, such as a pipeline, the presence of corrosion can be an indicator of time and specifically how long the item has been exposed to a specific environment. Chemical analysis can also be employed to determine if weather damage to a vehicle is legitimate. For example, chemical analysis of the engine oil can be an indicator of engine failure. High metals content suggests wear possibly due to poor maintenance. Engine damage due to poor maintenance has nothing to do with weather. On the other hand, an analysis of the fuel might show that a contaminant such as sugar was present. Again, the presence of sugar in the fuel has nothing to do with weather. However, the presence of sugar in the fuel suggests not only vandalism, but the presence of something that might have been pre-existing.
What about HVAC equipment? Many multi-story buildings are designed so that HVAC equipment can be placed on the roof shielded by decorative walls. However, that doesn't mean that the equipment is protected. Condensing units, chillers, cooling towers and exhaust fans can suffer damage from hail, lightning, and high velocity winds. In these types of equipment applications, vandalism is usually not a problem. The question then becomes was the damage weather related or pre-existing? Pre-existing damage is usually associated with non functioning equipment. As a result, any suspicion regarding pre-existing damage can usually be confirmed by questioning tenants. Tenants can be very helpful in establishing the condition of the building equipment prior to any storm. In addition, reviewing maintenance records and specifically questioning any maintenance companies that might have been involved in repairing any of the equipment might reveal the potential for equipment failure prior to a storm.
Although the examples given in this article are by no means all-encompassing, they can be used as guidelines when considering using an engineer. In summary, where storms are concerned, engineers should be used whenever there is a question of public safety or cause of damage.
