Category: Articles

Driving Through Hail: Field Research that Helped Shape Modern Forensic Meteorology

Driving Through Hail: Field Research that Helped Shape Modern Forensic Meteorology

My Time on Project HailSTONE

By Jared Leighton, CCM, Senior Forensic Meteorologist

Before joining Haag’s Forensic Meteorology team, I worked as a forecaster for the National Weather Service (NWS). During that time, I was invited to participate in a field project called the Hail Spatial and Temporal Observation Network Effort–better known as HailSTONE. The purpose of the project was simple but critical: to document and capture the true hailfall distribution in a severe storm to supplement our understanding of hail data garnered through NWS storm reports. This extra layer of understanding helps in the assessment and analysis of real-world storm damage.

The project had no organizational funding and no official sponsors. Instead, the idea was simple and a bit wild: use our own vehicles, on personal time, and on our own dime to drive into hail-producing supercells and collect high‑resolution hail data.

I told the project leader I was fine with that arrangement as long as the hail wasn’t too large.
“Well, that’s the point,” he said. “We want to map the largest hail inside these supercells.”

And with that, I agreed to sacrifice my time, money, and my beloved, smooth-paneled (for now) 4Runner in the name of science.

Collecting Real-Time Hail Data Inside a Severe Thunderstorm

Our first storm intercept on May 19, 2011, was a gentle introduction to the nonstop pounding of hail on a vehicle roof. Near Coldwater, Kansas, we encountered one‑inch hail—perfect conditions to practice intercept strategies and team coordination before the Southern Plains really came alive later that week.

On May 22nd, we were in Columbus, Kansas, waiting for afternoon storms to fire. That evening, we collected numerous 2- to 3‑inch hailstones from the same storm that would later produce the EF‑5 Joplin, Missouri tornado. Fortunately, our team was not in the tornado’s path—but witnessing the parent storm of such a catastrophic event was a sobering reminder of the risks we were taking.

Observing Extreme Hail Impact

With the previous day still fresh in our minds, we repositioned to central Oklahoma for what was expected to be a prolific large‑hail day. The Storm Prediction Center forecast warned that the environment “should once again support instances of very large hail.”

After a morning of forecasting, our team ended up in Gotebo, Oklahoma. We parked just south of the town’s main intersection, believing we were safely out of the core. But to the east, we could hear it—hail slamming the countryside with a roar like a herd of buffalo. The sky above us was sunny, yet only a mile away, the landscape was dark and violent. The contrast was surreal, a reminder that destructive hail can fall in a surprisingly narrow swath.

As the storm passed southeast of Gotebo, we began collecting hailstones. They started off in the 2- to 3‑inch range, but it didn’t take long before five‑inch stones began crashing down. For perspective:

  • A standard softball is just under 4 inches in diameter.
  • A DVD measures about 4.7 inches across.

We could hear the stones cutting through the air as they fell, some whizzing past us while we rushed to gather those already on the ground before they melted into the roadside ditches.

 

 

Image 1. The 6-inch hail stone found near Gotebo, Oklahoma, by the HailSTONE team on May 23, 2011. Image courtesy HailSTONE.
Image 2. A dent left in the car’s roof from the 5+ inch hail near Gotebo, Oklahoma, on May 23, 2011. Image courtesy HailSTONE.

Finding Record-Sized Hail

Suddenly, the radio erupted. “COLLECTION TEAM… GET TO 1380 ROAD NOW! I REPEAT, 1380 ROAD! RECORD-SIZE HAIL ONGOING!”

We raced to the location, but most of the stones had already melted. Even so, our team managed to recover and measure a six‑inch hailstone, later verified by the Oklahoma State Climatologist as the largest hailstone ever recorded in Oklahoma—a record that still stands today. The largest hailstone reported to the NWS from the public was 3.51 inches, a stark contrast from the six-inch stone our team retrieved.  

Why Field Experience Matters in Insurance and Litigation

NOAA’s official Storm Events Database initially captured only a small fraction of the hail reports from the May 23rd storm. After the HailSTONE collection team added more than 250 additional reports (Figure 2), a far clearer picture of the storm’s hailfall characteristics emerged. That was the purpose of the project in a nutshell—to observe, document, and analyze hail events with greater detail than traditional reporting methods allow.

Over my three years with HailSTONE, I observed dozens of hail-producing storms in real time, with hail sizes ranging from 1/4 inch to over 5 inches. Our team filled critical gaps by contributing thousands of additional reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) could not obtain through its standard verification practices. This experience proved invaluable—not only in helping support more accurate severe weather warnings within the NWS, but also in my current work as a forensic meteorologist at Haag, where storm reports and radar data are essential tools for reconstructing what occurred at a specific time and location.

Image 3. Hail reports (circles) obtained from (A) Storm [Events Database] and (B) HailSTONE from a supercell in southwest OK, on 23 May 2011. Image: (Blair, S. F., and Coauthors, 2017: High-Resolution Hail Observations: Implications for NWS Warning Operations. Wea. Forecasting, 32, 1101–1119, https://doi.org/10.1175/WAF-D-16-0203.1.)
Image 4. The HailSTONE team after collecting hail near Gotebo, Oklahoma on May 23, 2011. Image courtesy HailSTONE.

Haag’s Trusted Forensic Meteorology Services

Haag Forensic Meteorology has built a team of meteorologists who have a combined 60 years of experience, observing, forecasting, broadcasting, researching, and issuing warnings for these storms. Meteorology isn’t just a job, it’s our passion, a passion that goes into each one of our projects.

Haag’s forensic meteorology services help clients determine weather conditions at a given location and time. Using a combination of local weather data, surface observations, radar, and/or storm reports, we provide expert analysis that support insurance claims, litigation, wrongful death lawsuits, motor vehicle accidents, etc. This type of analysis can be performed on its own or in conjunction with an engineering evaluation by one of our licensed engineers.

Our team includes meteorologist with the Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) designation from the American Meteorological Society. We regularly provide expert written and spoken testimony in cases involving:

  • wind and hail events
  • heavy rain and flooding
  • roof collapses
  • slip and fall accidents (winter weather)
  • vehicle accidents
  • personal injury and wrongful death claims

Let's Talk about Your Assignment

When weather is a factor in a claim or dispute, precise forensic meteorology analysis can clarify what occurred at a specific location and time. Whether you’re evaluating hail damage, catastrophic storm event, liability, or accident investigation, Haag’s forensic meteorology consultants provide defensible, data-driven conclusions for insurance claims and litigation. Submit an assignment or contact us to request a consultation with one of our experts.

Jared Leighton, CCM
Jared Leighton is a Senior Forensic Meteorologist with Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Based near Kansas City, Mr. Leighton has over 18 years of experience in operational and forensic meteorology. He spent a decade as Senior Forecaster for NOAA National Weather Service in Kansas City, Missouri, and as a General Forecaster with the NWS in Topeka, Kansas, prior to that position. As a forensic meteorologist Mr. Leighton has valuable experience giving testimony in trial and deposition settings, and has conducted meteorological analysis on over 100 cases, including severe and winter weather, vehicle accidents, and tropical storms and hurricanes.

Mr. Leighton has extensive, comprehensive experience in operational meteorology, including detection and analysis of large hail and damaging winds in his time issuing and supervising severe and winter weather warnings within NWS forecast operations. He regularly conducted tornado and hail surveys, both solo and as storm survey team lead, including multiple tornadoes in Kansas and Missouri, as well as a severe weather event on September 15, 2010, in which 7.75-inch hail occurred in Wichita, Kansas (the second largest certified hailstone recorded in the US). Mr. Leighton led and participated in several research teams, resulting in five peer-reviewed formal publications as well as presentations at local, regional, and national conferences. He also organized local storm spotter training in coordination with emergency management and led the Storm Ready community preparedness program.

Mr. Leighton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of California Davis. He is an American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM #783).

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company or subsidiaries. 

When to Call an Equipment Damage Consultant is Just as Important as Why

When to Call an Equipment Damage Consultant is Just as Important as Why

By Paul Christoferson, Senior Building Consultant

When power is suddenly lost, many insureds instinctively call a generator rental company, believing this is the fastest way to restore operations. In practice, this is often the first step in a series of costly missteps.

Within the insurance consulting industry, certain risk scenarios appear repeatedly across sectors. Electrical power outages are among the most common and disruptive events, impacting businesses, communities, and insurers alike. Their frequency and wide-ranging consequences make them a critical focus for consultants seeking to:

  • Mitigate avoidable claim costs for carriers
  • Reduce business interruptions and extra expense exposure for insureds
  • Restore operations as quickly and safely as possible

Electrical Power Outage Claims: A Real-World Equipment Damage Example

The following scenario, taken from an FM Boiler RE Lessons Learned article, illustrates how quickly extra expense can escalate without early expert involvement:

“A sudden power surge damaged an electrical switchgear, a key component in the electrical distribution system. Electrical arcing inside the unit caused severe discoloration and melted bus bar connections—clear signs of intense heat and neglect. Observations from a consulting firm’s inspection revealed that the damaged switchboard had not been properly maintained during its service life.”

The switchboard had to be replaced.

“To keep operations running, the insured rented a generator. However, finding an electrical contractor to make the repairs took months. The result: nearly 150 days of open claims activity, mounting rental fees, and a final extra expense nearly six times the cost of the actual repair.”

The extra expense associated with restoring power after an electrical emergency is often one of the most critical parts of a claim. In these high-pressure situations, the immediate priority is typically to get the “lights back on.” The response can become even more urgent when damage affects:

  • Large commercial office complexes
  • Industrial parks with multiple tenants
  • Manufacturing facilities or plants that employ thousands of people.

In these scenarios, decisions are often made quickly and without a defined cost-control strategy.

A Common Claims Pitfall: Generator Rentals as a First Response​

When power goes out unexpectedly, calling a generator rental company may seem like a logical first step  Finding expert guidance is the best way to map out a path to restoring operations and avoid costly errors.  

Based on over four decades of electrical property damage consulting and contracting experience, case studies consistently show that defaulting to generator rentals without expert guidance leads to unnecessary expense, prolonged downtime, and complex logistical challenges.

The Correct First Step after Electrical Equipment Damage

The most effective first action following electrical equipment damage is to engage the insurer immediately, allowing them to mobilize specialized consultants and engineers.

These experts can:

  • Quickly assess whether the outage stems from utility infrastructure or customer-owned equipment
  • Evaluate options to restore power safely and cost-effectively
  • Develop an actionable plan before emergency measures are locked in

Prioritizing Work-Around Solutions

Whenever possible, the immediate plan should focus on identifying a work-around approach that restores power without relying on portable power generation systems and all the accessories that support that option. Examples may include:

  • Installing cable systems around the damaged electrical component, continuing to use the main utility power source.
  • Bypass the entire main power source dependent on amount of damage with short term equipment, continuing to use the main utility power source.

Diesel generators should be the last resort for building power systems, particularly for long-term scenarios, due to the exorbitant costs involved.

Coordinating Electrical Contractors, Utilities, and Authorities

Once the root issue(s) are identified and a viable conceptual plan is established, the consulting expert will:

  • Engage an electrical contractor capable of completing emergency operations scope of work.
  • Confirm the contractor has experience with complex temporary power solutions, as not all of them do this.
  • Coordinate with the utility company and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for permits in getting the temporary work approved.

The ultimate goal is to:

  • Safely reconnect the utility power source where possible
  • Bypass the damaged electrical equipment while repairs are completed
    • Many times, this is possible with existing onsite equipment that is operational or purchase some temporary off-the-shelf equipment that supports the work-around.
  • Restore operations in the most expedient, practical, and safe manner.

Necessary Generator Use in Electrical Equipment Damage Claims

In some cases, the emergency may require the use of a generator… or two, three or more? When this occurs, informed planning is essential.

Key Considerations Before Renting Generators After Electrical Equipment Damage

  • Conduct a quick load study to determine how much power you need
  • Size generators to each service connection rather than defaulting to “one big one” simply because it’s available
  • Evaluate whether the need is short- or long-term

For extended generator use, decisions become increasingly complex. An experienced consultant can:

  • Help define operational needs and power demands
  • Evaluate cost scenarios and comparison cost options for alternatives
  • Develop a clear scope of work
  • Solicit competitive bids

Managing Long-Term Generator Contracts in Power Outage Claims

The ultimate goal in any extended power loss scenarios is to mitigate long-term costs, many of which may not be recoverable under policy limits.

Key cost-control strategies include:

  • Negotiate rental contracts with duration and value in mind
  • Structure agreements as rent-to-purchase agreement when rental costs approach equipment value
  • Explore alternative suppliers if favorable terms are unavailable
  • Provide key insights into rental, ownership agreements and the bidding process

In some cases, purchasing large generators may be more cost-effective, allowing insurers to resell the equipment at project completion and offset final claim costs. Operations, maintenance, delivery, sub-markup costs and all the fees that come from rental equipment agreements are typically the highest cost drivers for extra expenses in any claim.

Largest Cost Drivers: Fuel & Operations

Generator-related expenses extend well beyond the equipment itself and include:

  • Fuel costs
  • Fuel storage
  • Fuel delivery
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) costs
  • Operations and maintenance fees, etc.

Best practice includes:

  • Bid fuel supply separately from generator rental
  • Avoid long-term fuel purchases directly from the rental company
  • Leverage the insured’s position as the customer, supported by the carrier

These expenses are frequently among the largest contributors to extra expenses in claim

Conclusion: Timing is Critical in Equipment Damage Consulting

Our equipment damage consulting experts collaborate with a wide range of contractors across the property damage industry, supported by a network of reliable partners nationwide.

For both insurers and insureds, the value of engaging experienced consultants lies in early involvement in the aftermath of an incident—not months into a claim after unnecessary extra expense invoices have accumulated.

The Right Time to Call an Expert:

  • Immediately after the event occurs
  • Before emergency measures become long-term commitments
  • While options for cost control and recovery remain available

Early engagement helps:

  • Reduce prolonged claims activity
  • Limit avoidable costs
  • Accelerate safe recovery and restoration of operations

Equally important, the expert must have deep electrical knowledge and the ability to coordinate effectively with insurers, utility providers, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

By acting quickly and engaging the right expertise, insurers and insureds can improve how emergency situations are handled, reducing risk, downtime, and financial impact.
Paul Christoferson

Paul Christoferson

Paul Christoferson is a Principal Building Consultant with Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. He has more than 22 years of experience in the insurance consulting industry and 20 years additional in the construction industry overall. Paul has previously owned and operated a construction consulting/management firm and an electrical contracting operation in his career. Most recently his experience includes insurance claims consulting, estimating and investigations, building and MEP code, design and calculation reviews, CA title 24 reviews, MEP + E and fire systems analysis, origin and cause analysis per NFPA 921 and over 25 years of experience in infrared analysis, evaluations and monitoring. He has extensive experience in large loss complex property, builders’ risk, liability and subrogation claims investigations and assessments. He has been involved in multiple CAT operations since 2002 preparing scopes of repair, cost estimating and evaluations for fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, wind, water and theft damage, including project cost and invoiced cost evaluations at end of project.

Paul has extensive large industrial experience with constructing and maintaining of manufacturing facilities within the tech sector including working with Intel Corporation, consulting on large petro-chemical plants, solar/wind farms, lumber and pulp mill facilities, steel and aluminum mills, and energy production plants of all types.

He is a proven expert in litigation cases for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems and many other differing types of specialty equipment. Paul’s overall diverse knowledge in the construction industry from the client, owner, contractor and claims representative perspectives gives him an advanced insight into inspections, investigating, evaluating, scoping and estimating projects of any size and duration. Learn more or contact Paul Christoferson.

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company or subsidiaries. 

Visualizing the Unseen: Modern Premises Liability Analysis

VISUALIZING THE UNSEEN:  MODERN PREMISES LIABILITY ANALYSIS

Christopher DeSantis, RA, AIA, CXLT and Benjamin T. Irwin, PE, DFE, CXLT

Understanding Premises Liability Through Forensic Disciplines

At its core, forensic architecture and forensic engineering can simply be thought of as the application of facts and science in answering technical questions posed by a lay audience.  Similarly, premises liability evaluation can simply be thought of as a technical evaluation of the interactions between human beings and the constructed environment around them, in response to a specific incident where a specific constructed condition is alleged to have caused injury to a specific person.  Seems simple, right?

  • Step 1: Analyze the facts.
  • Step 2: Apply the science(s) to the facts.

Traditionally, premises liability analysis has focused largely on compliance of the constructed conditions with codes and industry norms.  Again, simple right?

  • Step 1: Determine the applicable codes and industry norms.
  • Step 2: Evaluate compliance of the constructed conditions.

While this traditional approach forms the foundation of premises liability evaluations, it can become complicated when evidence is incomplete or conditions have changed.  

When Facts are Unclear: The Need for a Modern, Multi-Disciplinary Approach

But what happens when the facts are unclear, or even partially contradictory?  What if the facts are unknown?  Similarly, how do you analyze compliance, if you can’t determine the age of the constructed conditions?  These answers require a more modern, multi-faceted, and multi-disciplinary approach.

Modern Tools for Reconstructing Incidents

We can start with a simple idea: Nearly everything leaves evidence somewhere, and there are many more opportunities to technically investigate a given fact pattern now than there have ever been before.

This is modern premises liability analysis, where the key is to reconstruct a given incident to the greatest extent possible, either physically in reality, in a virtual manner, or in some combination of the two.  When an incident can be better visualized, even if the conditions have since changed, it can become much simpler to see the facts, codes, standards, and science more clearly.

Reassembled jigsaw pieces.

Case Study: Forensic Analysis of Roadway Construction Site Incident

Consider being faced with a fact pattern involving a fall event on a roadway construction site, where the construction site is long gone. 

  • No witnesses to the incident
  • Limited photos from the time of the incident
  • Available testimony created a “he-said, she-said” situation that didn’t make sense in the context of the other available information.

In this forensic engineering investigations, a new first step to verify the facts before analyzing them is needed in this case.

As a part of this fact pattern, construction staging plans were provided piecemeal and in an incomplete manner, along with out-of-sequence and partially missing/redundant daily field logs.  Reassembling these pieces revealed verifiable extents of the construction zone on the date of the incident, including what construction equipment was on site at the time of the incident.  It also revealed the adjacent streets on which the same contractor had performed similar work.

While the dated street level imagery did not indicate the exact conditions present within the construction zone at the time of the incident, it provided valuable data for visual evidence reconstruction, showing the construction zone protection methods utilized by the contractor elsewhere on the same project on the adjacent streets. 

Limited construction zone protection after the incident.
Photo from the time of the incident, with limited foreground information, but broader background information.

The dated street level imagery near the construction zone showed limited construction equipment, surrounded by limited construction zone protection, which more closely aligned with the contradictory testimony, but was from a different point in time.  Combining all of this evidence through Haag’s multi-disciplinary forensic approach, the conditions present at the time of the incident were reconstructed, such that these unseen conditions could be visualized clearly utilizing verifiable facts.

Not every case requires this level of complexity. In many premise liability investigations, a simple review and enhancement of the video surveillance footage from an incident will provide the fact verification needed. There are also now some interior street level images being recorded inside of buildings.  Both modern technologies can also be used as part of a multi-disciplinary premises liability evaluation approach, revealing details that could not be easily seen before.

Case Study: Forensic Analysis of Surveillance Footage / Location Confusion Issue

Consider another example from a forensic premises liability investigation, where the video surveillance footage brought confusion, rather than clarity.  This basic fact pattern suggested that the wrong incident location was investigated by a property owner after an incident had occurred at a known location somewhere else.  The video surveillance footage captured the incident in a verifiable location, as well as the investigation conducted at that same location, but the car shown in the photos from the investigation didn’t match the car allegedly present at the time of the incident.  So, what created this discrepancy?

The key to understanding what happened was to visualize the conditions present at the different points in time, as viewed from the perspectives of the different parties at those different times. Some constructed environments are dynamic in nature, with conditions changing frequently.  To clarify the conflicting evidence, we combined review and enhancement of:

  • All video surveillance footage (not just the two segments referenced earlier)
  • Designed site features
  • In-field measurements
  • Dynamic environment over time, and
  • Conditions present at the time of the incident

Together, these elements allowed us to virtually reconstruct the scene and make the unseen clear to visualize.

Photo from the time of the incident, allegedly showing the wrong car.
Enhanced video showing a change in the car parked next to the incident location between the time of the incident and the time of the investigation.
Pre-incident conditions shown in interior street level image.
Post-incident conditions

Providing Clarity Through Premise Liability Investigations

In each of these premise liability investigations, early preservation of evidence was key.  Early engagement of forensic consulting experts can also help to bring clarity to additional unseen, but verifiable, facts early in the claims and/or litigation processes, improving the potential for early, informed decision-making.  The evidence is often out there somewhere, and our task, together, is to locate, verify, and analyze it in a multi-faceted manner, utilizing our arsenal of modern tools.  

What can we bring into clearer focus for you?

At Haag, our forensic engineers, architects, and technical experts combine science, evidence, and visualization to clarify complex premises liability claims and legal cases. Whether verifying incident locations, interpreting surveillance footage, or reconstructing changing site conditions, we help clients see the facts clearly.  Contact Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company, to connect with a premises liability expert and discuss how our team can support your next investigation or claim.  

Authors

With a Master of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Kentucky, and over six years of diverse professional experience within architectural and engineering firms, and specific concentrations in forensic investigations, Mr. DeSantis provides a wide array of forensic and consulting architectural services. Building on his communication skills as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Steel, Timber, and Reinforced Concrete Structures courses, and his own personal experience working in the masonry construction trade, he breaks down complex architectural, engineering, and construction issues into simple, easy to understand concepts. Learn more. 


BENJAMIN T. IRWIN, P.E., DFE, CXLT

With dual degrees in architecture and civil engineering from Lehigh University, and over 26 years of diverse professional experience, Mr. Irwin provides a wide array of engineering, design, construction, and safety consulting and expert witness litigation support services. He is a registered Professional Engineer in 24 USA jurisdictions (P.E.), and one Canadian jurisdiction (P.Eng.) and is recognized as a Model Law Engineer (MLE) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). He is a Board-certified Senior Member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE), holding the designation of Diplomate Forensic Engineer (DFE). He has been qualified for, and testified within, state and Federal courts, with retentions from both plaintiffs and defendants, often offering visualization demonstratives in support of his testimony. Learn more.

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag or Salas O’Brien.

Hoarding & Fire: Hidden Dangers for Fire Investigators

Hoarding & Fire: Hidden Dangers for Fire Investigators

By Kelly Johnson, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CVFI, CFII, Senior Fire Investigator

Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company, and ServiceMaster Restore hosted a Live Burn event a few weeks ago where three pods were set up to replicate various fire scenarios.  The first pod represented a normal residence, which took more than twenty minutes to become fully engulfed in flames and reach flashover. The second pod represented the residence of a hoarder, with intense clutter present. That pod took less than three minutes to become fully engulfed in flames (see video). The final pod represented a residential utility room and bathroom and reached flashover conditions in approximately three minutes. (Note, these demonstrations were overseen and extinguished by the local fire department. Thank you to the Cedar Hill Fire Department and Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Reggie Alexander!)

When we think of fire hazards, we often picture faulty wiring, unattended stoves, or nearby flammable materials.  But a commonly overlooked and dangerous contributor to fire risk is hoarding – a compulsive disorder that transforms homes into labyrinths of clutter, posing serious challenges for firefighters and investigators alike.

What Is Hoarding?

Hoarding is a psychological disorder often triggered by trauma.  Individuals suffering from it compulsively collect items – often seemingly random possessions – until their living space becomes “cluttered.”  To the outside world, the home may appear normal.  Inside, however, it can be a maze of debris, blocked exits, and combustible materials.

Why Clutter Is a Fire Hazard

For fire investigators and other first responders, cluttered environments present a unique set of challenges:

  • Navigation: Moving through piles of debris in full gear is exhausting and dangerous.
  • Fire Suppression: Identifying the seat of the fire seems almost impossible when it is buried under thousands of pounds of material.
  • Scene Reconstruction: Investigators must sift through moldy items, broken glass, and often, even biological hazards to determine the cause.

In one case study, several thousand pounds of debris had to be removed from a garage before investigators could identify the ignition source – an overloaded extension cord powering multiple appliances.

Compassion is Key

It is important to remember that what looks like junk to us may be deeply meaningful to the occupant. Investigators must approach these situations with empathy, understanding that the removal of items can feel like a personal loss to someone with hoarding disorder.

Structural & Health Risks

Hoarded homes often suffer from:

  • Blocked windows, entrances and exits, limiting escape routes.
  • Structural damage due to the weight of accumulated items.
  • Biological hazards like mold, rodents, and human waste.
  • Increased fuel load, which could accelerate fire spread and intensity.

How to Protect Yourself as a Fire Investigator

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential in these environments. Recommended gear includes:

  • Tyvek suits
  • Respirators or dust masks
  • Steel-toed, steel-shank boots
  • Gloves and protective eyewear

Each scene should be evaluated individually to determine the appropriate level of protection.

Real-World Examples

In another case, investigators found debris piled four-to-five feet deep throughout the home.  Extension cords snaked through the clutter, powering space heaters and drop lamps. The cause of the fire was never definitively identified, but potential sources included a space heater too close to combustibles, a gas-fired stove that was on, or a malfunctioning electrical cord.

The Risks of Hoarding

Hoarding is not just a mental health issue – it is a public safety concern.  Fire investigators and first responders must be trained to recognize the signs, protect themselves, and approach each scene with both caution and compassion.

If you are in the fire service or investigative field, understanding the risks associated with hoarding can save lives – yours included.

Answers You Need: Haag’s Fire Investigation Team

With over a century of experience and a strong track record in forensic analysis, Haag, A Salas O’Brien Company, is a trusted partner for fire origin and cause investigations. Our technical reports are often delivered within five business days for non-legal residential and auto claims. From evidence collection and burn testing to expert testimony, Haag offers end-to-end support for your file. When precision, reliability, and expertise are critical, trust Haag Fire Origin & Cause Investigations to find the answers.

For more information on Haag’s fire services, contact us here or submit a fire assignment here.

Kelly Johnson, IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI, CVFI, CFII

With an associate’s degree in law enforcement and a bachelor’s degree studying criminal justice, Kelly Johnson, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CVFI, CFII, has developed a solid foundation of excellence as a subject matter expert in forensic fire investigations.

Mr. Johnson has personally investigated or supervised over 2,750 origin and cause investigations, including fires and explosions involving multiple fatalities, as well as complex subrogation issues involving multi-million-dollar losses. His investigations have included first party insurance losses, third party defense work, plaintiff’s work, consumer product liability cases, contractor liability, file review, and public safety cases. Investigations have included losses to residences, vehicles, heavy equipment, commercial/industrial structures, marine equipment, and wild land fires. Learn More.

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company or subsidiaries. 

Haag Geoportal Hurricane Reports – NOAA Predicts Active 2025 Hurricane Season

hurricane

Haag Geoportal Offers Trusted, Court-Defensible Hurricane Reports as NOAA Predicts Active 2025 Hurricane Season

By Marcie Deffenbaugh, GIS Services Manager

Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company, renowned for its expertise in forensic meteorology and consulting, is offering Hurricane Reports through the Haag Geoportal—just in time for what NOAA forecasts to be an active 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

Despite a mid-season lull following Hurricane Erin, NOAA now predicts a 50% chance of above-normal activity, with 13 to 18 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes, and 2 to 5 major hurricanes expected. This updated outlook reflects warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, weak wind shear, and a neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase—conditions that favor storm development.1

As of late August, six named storms have already formed, including Hurricane Erin, a Category 4 storm with peak winds of 140 knots.2

Fred Campagna, Director of Forensic Meteorology, notes that 13 named storms, including eight hurricanes, formed after mid-September last year, and the weather pattern this season is showing signs that it may also become more active in late September and October. 

 

Hurricane Portal Data in GIS Haag Global
Storm portal

What Sets Haag’s Hurricane Reports Apart?

Haag Geoportal Hurricane Reports are built on transparent, verifiable data sourced directly from authoritative agencies such as:

  • NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC)
  • United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  • NCEI Local Climatological Data
  • NWS Local Storm Reports via the Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM)

Covering both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins, the reports include critical storm metrics such as wind intensity, wind swath, storm track, and high-water marks. Data spans from the 2017 hurricane season to the present, enabling users to analyze both historical and active storm events.

Unlike other products that rely on proprietary algorithms, Haag’s Hurricane Reports present raw, defensible data—making them ideal for insurance adjusters, legal professionals, and disaster recovery teams.

Key Features of Haag’s Hurricane Reports:

  • Active Storm Tracking: Updated every 15 minutes during active events, including forecast and observed tracks, wind swaths, and error cones.
  • Customizable Mapping Tools: Interactive maps allow users to zoom, layer data, and expand buffer zones up to 40 miles.
  • Court-Defensible Reports: Built on trusted public data, ensuring reliability and transparency.
  • Historical Data Access: Reports available from 2017 onward for retrospective analysis.
  • Comprehensive Data Layers: Includes High Water Marks (HWM), Peak Summaries (PS), Local Climatological Data (LCD), and Preliminary Local Storm Reports (PLSR).
Geoportal Competitor Matrix

Helping Insurance and Legal Professionals

Haag’s Hurricane Reports offer unmatched clarity and usability. The Geoportal enables users to visualize storm data in relation to specific properties, generate tailored PDF reports, and support claims or litigation with solid, defensible evidence.

Get Started Today

With the 2025 hurricane season entering its peak, now is the time to equip yourself with Haag’s trusted weather intelligence. Visit our website to learn more, create your free account, download sample reports and request a demo to see the Haag Geoportal in action.

Sources:

  1. NOAA’s Updated 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook (August 7, 2025)
    NOAA forecasts a 50% chance of an above-normal season, with 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes. This outlook is based on warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, weak wind shear, and a neutral ENSO phase.
    Source: NOAA News Release – Prediction remains on track for above-normal Atlantic hurricane season
  2. NOAA’s Initial 2025 Hurricane Season Forecast (May 22, 2025)
    NOAA initially predicted a 60% chance of an above-normal season, with 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and 3–5 major hurricanes. Source: NOAA News Release – NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
Marcie Deffenbaugh
Marcie Deffenbaugh is the Manager of GIS Services for Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Ms. Deffenbaugh oversees initiatives related to GIS planning, system design, and system administration. She also manages a staff of GIS technicians, analysts, cartographers, and project administrative assistants who provide data validation and project management services for oil and gas clients. As the primary liaison between the client management teams and Haag personnel, Ms. Deffenbaugh provides technical consulting services on a regular basis.

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company or subsidiaries. 

Understanding and Inspecting Surface Water Damage

When Water Leaves a Mark: Guidance for Understanding and Inspecting Surface Water Damage

Note, as professionals dedicated to understanding the behavior of water in both natural and built environments, we are reminded of the critical importance of our work in helping to mitigate such risks. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and communities affected by the profound loss due to flooding at Camp Mystic and throughout Kerr County, Texas, on July 4th. 

By Everett Lenhart, Principal Engineer

Surface water damage, like floods, can appear sudden and unpredictable, but it is rarely random. There is always a cause—whether it’s a design flaw, maintenance issue, construction defect, or an extreme weather event. For those tasked with evaluating these situations, knowing what to look for and how to prepare is essential. This article offers practical guidance for performing site inspections, outlines when more advanced engineering analysis may be necessary, and explains how Haag applies hydrology and hydraulics to uncover the full story behind water-related damage.

Post flooding damage.
Post flooding damage.

Getting Started: Guidance for Performing a Thorough Surface water damage Inspection

A thorough evaluation of surface water damage begins with preparation and a clear understanding of what information to collect. If the site is part of a permitted development, civil engineering plan sets provide insight into the intended grading, drainage infrastructure, and flow paths. However, what was planned may not have been implemented, and modifications often occur after the permitting process is complete, whether from the developer, maintenance personnel, a private resident, etc. While these plans are valuable, they are rarely available before an inspection. When plans are not available, mapping tools such as satellite imagery can identify drainage features. This is especially important for larger-scale projects, where having a system in place beforehand supports consistent documentation.

When starting your on-site inspection, key steps include:

  • Gather Documentation: Before the inspection, request photographs and videos, engineering drawings, maintenance records, and other documentation. If retained before the inspection, bring the site plan for reference to the inspection. Weather data could be researched.
  • Use Technology: When a formal site plan is not accessible, satellite imagery can be a practical and effective alternative for identifying structures and documenting site-specific observations. Free tools like Google Earth are user-friendly and often include historical imagery that helps establish timelines or track changes over time. These resources are easily accessible on smart handheld devices, making them ideal for field use. Additionally, consider capturing aerial images with a drone during your inspection—these can offer unique perspectives and supplement your documentation with high-resolution visuals that ground-level photos may miss.
  • Satellite imagery, whether obtained from free services or commercial providers, offers a valuable historical record of site conditions. These images can help establish a chronology of drainage patterns, erosion, and construction activities. Even when exact dates are unavailable, the sequence of changes over time can be highly informative. In many cases, satellite imagery reveals scarring from erosion or alterations to the landscape that are not evident from ground-level inspection. Similarly, drone imagery provides an invaluable overview of current site conditions and reveals spatial relationships that are inaccessible from the ground or a typical handheld camera.
  • For large or complex projects, consider Haag’s 3D scanning and aerial documentation capabilities—that can capture and preserve site conditions as they existed following a specific event. This level of documentation is especially valuable when accuracy, scale, or legal defensibility is required. Haag’s scanning services provide high-resolution, measurable data that can be revisited long after the inspection, supporting detailed analysis, modeling, and expert testimony.
  • Interview Witnesses: Property owners, maintenance staff, and neighbors can provide valuable context that complements site observations. Ask about past performance issues, maintenance routines, and any known modifications to the property. These conversations often reveal patterns or events that are not visible or correlate with site observations. When key personnel or witnesses are not available during your inspection, consider following up by phone. A brief, well-structured call can be just as effective in gathering critical information.
  • Examine Drainage System: While onsite, examine the drainage systems’ upstream, onsite, and downstream. Look for signs of erosion, which indicate that high-energy water has interacted with the soil. In vegetated areas, missing or thinned vegetation may suggest recent or repeated water stress. Waterlines on trees, buildings, and other surfaces can confirm the height and extent of water elevations in the area. Additional indicators such as efflorescence, moss, algae, and wood rot point to long-term moisture exposure and can help distinguish between isolated events and chronic conditions.

By combining witness accounts, historical imagery, and detailed site observations, those performing inspections can develop a well-supported understanding of the events and conditions that led to water damage.

When to Involve a Forensic Engineer

While many surface water issues can be assessed through basic site observations and documentation, some situations require deeper technical analysis. Involving a forensic engineer is critical when:

  • The cause of damage is disputed or unclear
  • Multiple contributing factors are suspected
  • The site involves complex drainage systems or engineered infrastructure
  • The site study involves a large area
  • The storm event may have exceeded design criteria
  • There are questions about upstream or downstream impacts

In these scenarios, involving a forensic engineer with expertise in hydrology and hydraulics can provide the clarity needed to resolve disputes, guide repairs, or support legal or insurance claims.

Swale on the edge of a greenbelt behind a residential development.
Modified spillway for a pond in an unincorporated development.
Aftermath of severe flooding in North Carolina, 2024.

How Hydrology and Hydraulics Help Uncover the Full Story

Haag’s forensic civil engineers and forensic meteorologists have experience in applying hydrologic and hydraulic science to understand how water behaves in both engineered and natural environments.

  • Hydrology studies how water moves through the natural and built environment
  • Hydraulics examines how water flows through engineered systems like pipes, channels, culverts, and detention basins.

When damage occurs, we help our clients uncover what happened and understand why it happened, clearly and in a scientific manner. Together, these disciplines provide a powerful framework for reconstructing events and identifying contributing factors.

 Analysis may include:

  • Terrain and watershed analysis to understand how water flows across a site
  • Storm event reconstruction using rainfall data and runoff modeling
  • Drainage system performance reviews to evaluate whether systems functioned as designed
  • Soil and infiltration studies to assess how water was absorbed, redirected, or retained

In more complex cases, forensic engineers may also conduct:

  • Hydrologic modeling to simulate watershed response to rainfall
  • Surface flow runoff analysis to determine differences in pre- and post-development runoff
  • Hydraulic modeling to evaluate flow through engineered structures and systems
  • Design storm comparisons to assess whether the event exceeded design criteria
  • Upstream and downstream impact studies to understand how adjacent properties influenced flow
  • Time-series analysis to evaluate how conditions evolved during prolonged or sequential storm events
  • Failure mode analysis to identify whether a system failed due to capacity, blockage, erosion, or structural issues

These tools allow us to move beyond surface-level observations and uncover the full story behind water damage, whether it results from a single event or long-term system degradation.

Forensic engineer findings are presented in clear, accessible languages supported by visuals, data, and documentation. We prioritize transparency and technical accuracy, helping our clients make informed decisions with confidence.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Understanding the cause of water-related damage is essential for guiding repairs, preventing future issues, and resolving disputes in insurance and legal matters. Whether you are performing a routine inspection or facing a complex situation that requires advanced analysis, Haag is here to help. Our team brings deep technical expertise and a commitment to clear communication, helping you move forward with confidence.

Everett Lenhart, PE, is a Principal Forensic Engineer with Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Based in Flower Mound, Texas, Mr. Lenhart has 19+ years of engineering experience, including more than seven as a forensic engineer and ten in design and project management. His forensic experience includes assessing damage to residential and commercial structures, such as foundation movement, roof damage, and moisture intrusion. Mr. Lenhart previously worked in construction site development as a Civil Project Engineer, in project/construction management for a home builder, and in oilfields overseeing geophysical analysis and on-site troubleshooting. He is a licensed professional engineer in ten states and holds an active NCEES council record. Mr. Lenhart earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Arizona.

Introducing Damage Assessment of Asphalt Shingle Roofing: An Immersive Learning Experience

3D immersive damage assessment training course

Everything you need to know about Damage Assessment of Asphalt Shingle Roofing: An Immersive Learning Experience

Haag’s All-New 3D Training Changes the Game!

By Ryan Holdhusen, Vice President of Education

Step into the future of damage assessment training with Haag’s 3D course—Damage Assessment of Asphalt Shingle Roofing: An Immersive Learning Experience. Developed in partnership with Seek Now, a property intelligence company providing coast-to-coast services for insurance and real estate, this course is the first of its kind. It combines Haag’s 100+ years of forensic expertise with Seek Now’s advanced simulation technology.  The result is a practical, engaging training program designed to help professionals build confidence in evaluating asphalt composition roofs. The course is now available on Haag on Demand™ learning management system, a user-friendly platform that makes Haag’s expert training accessible to the industry.

Why This Course Is a Game Changer

Over the last 40 years, Haag has consistently set the bar in damage assessment training, and this brand-new offering raises that bar even higher. Explore a virtual property as well as learn all you need to know about asphalt composition shingles, in three dimensions. You’ll gain a new level of clarity, focusing on fine details that conventional on-demand products can’t deliver.

Explore Asphalt Shingle Roofing in a Realistic Environment

Haag’s most frequently requested damage training on asphalt composition roofs is now available in an immersive 3D format where you will:

  • Learn about asphalt comp shingles, the most common issues, and the types of damage that adjusters will encounter in the field.
  • Navigate through the virtual property to examine and document roof damage, wind direction indicators, fence damage, HVAC damage, and other property damage seen in the field.

These interactive, visual tools support the training by connecting technical instruction with realistic scenarios, helping you confidently identify and document roof damage.

y Realistic 3D Virtual Training: Assess roof damage in an immersive environment designed to simulate real-world conditions.
Scenario-based challenges and hands-on exercises reinforce key damage assessment concepts.

Gamified, Self-Paced Virtual Inspections

Learning becomes play. We’ve sprinkled gamification elements into the exercises and the exam to reinforce learning and improve engagement.

  • Complete a virtual residential property hail and wind inspection, which will test your ability to differentiate between recent storm damage and other types of weathering or damage.
  • Receive immediate feedback when you submit your exam questions and easily navigate back to the training curriculum to help clarify the question when needed.

This cutting-edge training, developed by Seek Now, combines Haag’s expertise with interactive tools that support retention and practical application.

Hands-On Tasks: Note Taking, Photos, Measurements

You’re not just watching—you’re doing. Within the virtual property, you can:

  • Take digital notes about the areas you inspect
  • Snap photos of damage with the virtual camera for your damage report notes
  • Use other built-in tools in the virtual tool belt to measure roof slopes, hail indent size, and to document other storm-associated damage.

Collecting these important details reinforces real-world workflows and prepares you for field or desk hail & wind claims with confidence.

Haag Education Introduces a New 3D Immersive Damage Assessment Training Course
Haag Education Introduces a New 3D Immersive Damage Assessment Training Course

Who Benefits: New and Seasoned Adjusters Alike

Whether you’re stepping into claims for the first time or you’ve been assessing roofs for decades, this course elevates your skill set:

  • New adjusters gain hands-on practice without risking field errors
  • Experienced professionals sharpen their eye for subtle indicators they might overlook
  • Supervisors and trainers discover a uniform platform to onboard and increase skill sets for their team

Flexible Access: Laptop, Desktop, or Meta Quest VR Headset

No special VR equipment? No problem. Simply log into Haag on Demand™ on your computer to start your immersive training.

Or for a full VR experience:

  • Plug in your Meta Quest headset for the exam and virtual property inspection in VR
  • Inspect the entire property, down to each individual shingle from a first-person viewpoint, as if you were on the site of the claim!

All course segments and the final exam are available from your own devices, on your schedule.

Approved for Continuing Education

Stay compliant and ahead of the curve. This course is approved for Continuing Education credits in multiple states, with additional state approvals pending. You’ll find a full list of state CE approvals , ensuring you:

  • Maintain your adjuster license without additional hassle
  • Haag reports your credits when a course is completed through the Haag on Demand™ LMS
  • Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development

Licensing Options for Organizations

Give your team direct access to Haag’s trusted training. This course, along with several other Haag courses, can be licensed for use on your organization’s internal learning platforms, giving staff instant access. Invest in your workforce and standardize damage assessment skills across your team and reduce training costs compared to individual course registrations.

Email Haag’s Education team to discuss licensing options for your team.  

Get Started Today

Haag’s Damage Assessment of Asphalt Shingle Roofing: An Immersive Learning Experience, powered by Seek Now’s powerful virtual training platform, brings proven training into a highly interactive, virtual format.  Available now exclusively on the Haag on Demand™ LMS, this course combines Haag’s storied expertise with modern simulation technology to help professionals improve accuracy, efficiency, and confidence when evaluating asphalt roofs.

Visit haageducation.com/s/3d-training-experience to enroll, review state CE approvals, or inquire about organizational licensing.

More Info / register now
y Realistic 3D Virtual Training: Assess roof damage in an immersive environment designed to simulate real-world conditions.
Hail Damage
Scenario-based challenges and hands-on exercises reinforce key damage assessment concepts.
Ryan Holdhusen
 

Ryan Holdhusen is the Vice President of Education at Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Since joining Haag in 2002, he has played a key role in shaping the company’s education programs and resources. He has led the development and promotion of Haag’s Certified Inspector and Certified Reviewer programs, Damage Field Guides, shingle and metal roof gauges, and the Haag On-Demand Learning platform, used by thousands of damage professionals annually.

Ryan has helped lead multiple rebranding initiatives and Haag’s 100@100 customer service program. He also oversees the sales, marketing, and licensing of Haag’s educational products, as well as the daily operations of the Education division

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: When You Can’t Avoid the Weather

Tornado weather analysis

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: When You Can’t Avoid the Weather

By Jared Leighton, CCM, Senior Forensic Meteorologist

On numerous occasions, I have driven across the Kansas and Oklahoma prairies chasing thunderstorms – partially for recreation, partially for research. On a field research project called Hail Spatial and Temporal Observation Effort (HailSTONE) with the National Weather Service, we collected freshly fallen hail and compared it with the weather radar signatures associated with that hail. This research project took us from Texas to North Dakota in search of giant hail. My passion for seeing storms has never decreased, but the time to spend trying to see them unfortunately has.

On a recent trip to Tennessee to present Haag’s Forensic Meteorology services to a group of insurance adjusters, my flight out of Kansas City was canceled. I quickly rebooked a new flight through Charlotte. Remembering that severe thunderstorms would be moving through the mid-south, and that the flight would have to move around the southern edge of the thunderstorms, I intentionally booked a left-side window seat in the hopes of a great view of this storm while moving 550 mph. About an hour into the flight, the clouds out to my left kept getting taller, which meant we were approaching the strongest storms.

As we closed-in on the storms, I saw an imposing supercell come into view.  I pulled out my phone and started filming. What I did not expect to see were the pointed flashes of light coming from under the base of the storm. Was that lightning? I saw the flashes of light again! Definitely not lightning. Excitedly, I hurriedly purchased the in-flight WiFi, so I could see the current weather radar. Just as I suspected, this storm was under a tornado warning by the National Weather Service, with a confirmed, on-going tornado.  The flashes of light were “power flashes,” which occur when strong wind – usually a tornado – is tearing apart power lines and they spark brightly. I can’t believe I just saw a tornado from 36,000 feet!

Tornado Map
The official tornado path in the NOAA Damage Assessment Toolkit.
Tornado weather analysis
Radar reflectivity (left) and velocity (right), with the tornado path in white and the flight path in green.

Tornado Warning by Train: Storms Don’t Wait

A few weeks later, I took a train from Kansas City to St. Louis for a weekend trip. Before leaving, I mentioned to my travel companion that we may see a supercell once we arrived. As we approached St. Louis on the train, all passenger’s mobile phones started beeping with a  Wireless Emergency Alert  — TORNADO WARNING!

The moment we stopped, I sprinted off the train, over the platform, and out onto the street, just as the mile-wide, EF-3 tornado came into view. I quickly surveyed the storm structure and knew I was in a safe location, despite the ongoing destruction 2 miles north. It’s important to know your storm structure and its capabilities if you are going to stand your ground with an incoming behemoth. The best tell-tale sign of where a tornado might be, in an otherwise indiscernible dark storm cloud, is to watch for the clearing that comes in from the rear of the storm, called the rear flank downdraft (RFD).

Rear Flank Downdraft Tornado

When chasing storms across the heartland, you can generally name your terms; where you would like to target, which part of the storm you would like to interact with, what roads to take, etc. But in these cases, I was at the mercy of the timing and location of the plane and train, both of which I was certainly not in control. Using the experiences I have gained through my 17 years in the National Weather Service and decade plus chasing and researching storms, I was able to safely observe these storms.

Trusted Forensic Meteorology Servics from Haag

Haag Forensic Meteorology has built a team of meteorologists who have a combined 60 years of experience, observing, forecasting, broadcasting, researching, and issuing warnings for these storms. We have made meteorology our passion… even to the tune of scheduling flights to potentially catch a glimpse of a tornado from 36,000 feet on a 550-mph jetliner! That passion goes into each one of our projects.

Haag’s forensic meteorology services help clients determine weather condition at a given location and time. Using a combination of local weather data, surface observations, radar, and/or storm reports, we provide expert analysis that support insurance claims, litigation, wrongful death lawsuits, motor vehicle accidents, etc. This type of analysis can be performed on its own or in conjunction with an engineering evaluation by one of our licensed engineers.

Our team includes meteorologist with the Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) designation from the American Meteorological Society or work under the direct supervision of a CCM. We regularly provide expert testimony in cases involving:

  • extreme wind and hail events
  • heavy rain and flooding
  • roof collapses
  • slip and fall accidents
  • vehicle accidents
  • personal injury and wrongful death claims

Let's Talk about Your Assignment

When weather is a factor, precise and defensible analysis can make all the difference. If you need expert insight into past weather conditions, whether for a claim, legal case, or accident investigation, Haag’s forensic meteorology consultants are here to help. Submit an assignment or contact us to request a consultation with one of our experts.

Jared Leighton, CCM

Jared Leighton, CCM, Senior Forensic Meteorologist

Jared Leighton, CCM, is a Forensic Meteorologist with Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Based near Kansas City, Jared Leighton has over 16 years of experience in meteorology. He has spent the last decade as Senior Forecaster for NOAA National Weather Service in Kansas City, Missouri, and as a General Forecaster and Meteorological Intern prior to that position.

Mr. Leighton has extensive, comprehensive experience in NWS forecast operations across multiple geographic areas, including frequent supervision of severe and winter weather watch and warning operations. He regularly conducted storm surveys, both solo and as storm survey team lead, including multiple tornadoes in Kansas and Missouri, as well as the severe weather event on September 15, 2010, in which 7.75 inch hail occurred in Wichita, Kansas (the second largest certified hailstone recorded in the US). Mr. Leighton led and participated in several research teams, resulting in five peer-reviewed formal publications as well as presentations at local, regional, and national conferences. He also organized local storm spotter training in coordination with emergency management and led the Storm Ready community preparedness program.

Mr. Leighton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of California Davis. He is an American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM #783).

Introducing Roofing Sample Guidelines for Forensic Hail Damage Evaluations

Fracture in fiberglass reinforcement

Roofing Sample Guidelines for Forensic Hail Damage Evaluations

By Steve Smith, P.E.

Replacing a commercial roof can cost many thousands or even millions of dollars. That is why accurate forensic roof analysis is essential. Well installed and properly maintained roofs can last for decades; however, a significant weather event can damage the roof investment, and often result in conflicts between building owners, insurance carriers, roofing contractors, public adjusting firms, and yes, even attorneys.  While laboratory analysis of roofing samples may not prevent these conflicts, accurate information is essential. High-quality test results help roof consultants develop informed opinions and play a crucial role in settling property claims.

The importance of laboratory testing in Roofing Hail Damage Analysis

For decades, laboratory testing of roofing samples has played a key role in better understanding the cause of damage, the extent of damage, the date of damage, and even the repairability of roofs. Many roof consultants rely on external laboratories, such as Haag’s materials testing lab, to accurately test and evaluate removed roofing samples.

Did you know the often overlooked first step in laboratory roof sample analysis is the consultant’s role before the sample reaches the lab. Understanding the type of test requested equips roof consultants with the knowledge needed to:

  • Select where to take the sample(s)
  • Determine the appropriate size of the sample(s)
  • Accurately position the areas of interest (AOIs) within the sample(s)

For example, if water column testing is requested, samples should measure approximately 12-inches by 12-inches, with the AOI centered on the sample. However,  if artificial hail impact testing is to be performed, a larger sample should be taken with the AOI positioned off to one side. This provides the laboratory technicians with enough room to perform the impact testing without the risk of impacting the AOI being analyzed.

HFM - Introducing Roofing Sample Guidelines for Forensic Hail Damage Evaluations
Sample removal close up

Common Lab tests for Forensic Roof Evaluations

Haag performs a variety of laboratory tests that support roofing damage evaluations. Each of these tests reveal critical insights not attainable through field inspections alone. When combined with field inspection data and weather data, they provide a complete understanding of the roofing system’s condition.

The following tests help determine if a sample was damaged by hail, the minimum hail size capable to damage the sample, when hail-caused damage may have occurred, if impacted areas (or other region) remain water-tight, and if a hail-caused condition was limited to the surface coating or if impact damage extended completely through the sample. Results can also confirm if insultation R-values have been compromised due to hail denting.

Most common lab tests for roofing samples

Haag laboratory supports forensic consultants, consultants from other firms, contractors, public adjusters, insurance professionals, building owners, attorneys, and manufacturers by providing the following frequently requested tests:

  • Simulated Hail Impact Testing
    • Based on ANSI/FM 4473 – Test Standard for Impact Resistance Testing of Rigid Roofing Materials by Impacting with Freezer Ice Balls
  • Desaturation Analysis
    • Based on ASTM D3746 – Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems
  • Single-ply Roof Analysis
    • A series of inspection techniques, using tactile examination, back-lighting, and microscopy.
  • Water Column Testing
    • Based on ASTM D7281 – Standard Test Method for Determining Water Migration Resistance Through Roof Membranes
  • R-Value Testing
    • Based on ASTM C518 – Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Apparatus

Roofing Sample Guidelines for forensic hail damage evaluations

Haag Research & Testing is pleased to announce the development of a new, free publication that is intended to assist roof consultants with the selection and sizing of roofing samples for laboratory analysis. A link to this publication can be found here.

Roofing Sample Guidelines- Forensic Hail Damage Evals

Why Choose Haag for Roofing Sample Testing?

Haag Research & Testing an accredited testing laboratory through the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and is listed as Testing Laboratory 656 (TL-656) on the IAS website. Our technicians and forensic engineers are experts in forensic roof evaluations, providing reliable, scientifically supported data that stands up in both claims and litigation settings.

Whether you need laboratory testing, cause and origin expert services, or consultation for construction defect claims, Haag has the resources and expertise to support your goal.

Contact Haag to explore your roofing sample testing options online or  214-614-6500.

 

Desaturated reinforcement
Fracture in fiberglass reinforcement
Rig Scale - Water Column
Introducing Roofing Sample Guidelines for Forensic Hail Damage Evaluations

STEVE SMITH, PE

Steven R. Smith is a Forensic Engineer and Director of Research & Testing for Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Mr. Smith is an experienced forensic engineer who began his career with Haag in 1998. He spent seven years working as Haag’s Senior Lab Technician while earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been involved with the lab throughout his career and has been able to leverage his extensive and practical engineering field experience with research and testing projects. Mr. Smith has authored or co-authored several Haag publications, including Repairing an Existing 36-Inch Laminated Asphalt Shingle Roof with Metric-Sized Laminated Asphalt Shingles, Effects of Hail-Caused Dents on the Thermal Performance of Insulation Under Single-Ply Roofing, Testing of Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles, and Hail Effects on Air-Conditioner Performance. He also contributed to other publications as a laboratory technician, including Hail Damage Threshold Sizes for Common Roofing Materials, Hail Damage to Tile Roofing, and Hail Impact Resistance of Asphalt Shingle Overlays.

Mr. Smith’s areas of expertise include roofing system evaluations, components and cladding, code and standard compliance, and mechanical equipment evaluations. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Pi Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Prior to joining Haag, he trained at the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command Center in Orlando, Florida and was stationed aboard the USS Arkansas (CGN-41), where he maintained reactor and steam plant chemistry, performed radiological controls, and operated mechanical equipment in the propulsion plant.

Accurate Roofing Thickness Measurement: The Haag Panel & Membrane Gauge

ACCURATE ROOFING THICKNESS MEASUREMENT: THE HAAG PANEL & MEMBRANE GAUGE

By Amber Prom, P.E., and Steve Smith, P.E.

Whether you’re an engineer, insurance adjuster, roofing consultant, or contractor, if you commonly find yourself collecting data out in the field, you rely on a kit of tools to assist you.  From tape measures, cameras, levels, or chalk, the precision and reliability of your tools is crucial.  If your tools are unreliable, you can end up with an incorrect assessment and/or cost estimate.

What is the Haag Panel & Membrane Gauge?

The Haag Panel & Membrane Gauge (HPMG) is a unique tool that every field investigator should have at the ready when inspecting metal roofing panels or single-ply roofing.  While many inspectors measure metal roofing panel thickness using a standard sheet metal gauge, the HPMG has been carefully designed by Haag Research & Testing to accurately measure most every metal roofing panel you will encounter in the field, accounting for the thickness of any coating that may be present. In fact, as a testament to its accuracy, many insurance companies now require that metal thickness be measured with an HPMG when inspecting for possible damage. Non-HPMG or standard metal thickness gauge measurements are rejected.

Compatible roofing materials

The HPMG is compatible with:

  • Single-ply membranes (excluding modified bitumen, self-adhering, and fleece-backed)
  • Steel and aluminum metal panels.

How to Identify Aluminum vs. Steel Roofing Panel Material

Correct material identification is essential before taking measurements. For metal roofing panels, it can be difficult to determine if you are looking at aluminum or steel panels. The Haag Panel & Membrane Gauge™ includes a rare earth magnet (strong, permanent magnet made from rare earth alloys) to help determine panel type

  • Steel panels will attract the magnet
  • Aluminum panels will NOT react to the magnet
  • Some stainless steels may not react to the magnet, and are generally shinier, more reflective, heavier, and harder to scratch than aluminum. (*See “Stainless Steel and Aluminum: How to Distinguish Between Them?“1, or other online guides for ways to differentiate.) 

All steel roofing panels have either a metallic coating (galvanized or Galvalume®), or a paint coating. Measuring coated metal roofing panels with a standard sheet metal gauge gives artificially thick readings, making a determination of gauge/thickness incorrect, and resultantly the associated cost estimate more expensive than it should be.

The HPMG is fabricated in the USA using high precision manufacturing methods. Gap thicknesses are quality checked by Haag’s IAS accredited Laboratory to maintain the tool’s accuracy.

how to use the Haag Panel & Membrane Gauge

  1. Identify the type of material (See info above; use the magnet to help determine aluminum or steel).
  2. Start with the widest slot. Hold the gauge loosely in one hand at a 30-degree angle to the material, drag the slot along the edge of the panel or membrane. Note that the slightest burr (rough edge on the material after cut) will misrepresent thickness. Do not force the gauge onto the material.
  3. Stop at resistance. When dragging the tool, the slightest resistance constitutes refusal. The slot prior to refusal is the estimated panel thickness.
  4. Take multiple measurements to qualify your results, and record all findings
Accurate Roofing Thickness Measurement: The Haag Panel & Membrane Gauge
Accurate Roofing Thickness Measurement: The Haag Panel & Membrane Gauge

Key Features of the HPMG

  • Standard metal roofing panel thickness slots range:
    • Steel: 29 to 18 gauge
    • Aluminum: 0.18 to 0.80 inch.
  • Standard single-ply membrane thickness slots range:
    • 45 to 90 mil
  • A built-in magnet to assist in material identification (steel vs. aluminum)
  • A machined hole to attach the HPMG to a clip or lanyard.
  • Straight edge to visually demonstrate dent depth.
  • Durable metal construction to resist wear, bending, or corrosion.
  • Compact size to fit into small pockets and not obstruct images when taking photographs.
  • Unique shape to help measure in tight places (like panel ends extending into gutters).
  • The HPMG can be easily photographed when documenting your file.
  • Designed and manufactured in the United States.

Why Accuracy in Thickness Matters

The HPMG is the top-of-the-line tool when it comes to determining roofing panel and membrane thicknesses accurately in the field.  Without it, your thickness measurements could be inaccurate. This can

  • Add significant costs to your estimates
  • Increase bids unnecessarily
  • Lead to more expensive claim settlements.

Add a Haag Panel and Membrane Gauge to your gear and take your measurements with confidence, backed by Haag’s proven expertise in forensic consulting since 1924.

Source– 1. Delmet Stainless Steel, “Stainless steel and aluminum: how to distinguish between them?” 

AMBER PROM, PE

Amber Prom, PE, is Director of Curriculum for Haag Education and a Forensic Engineer for Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Based near Denver, Ms. Prom is a Registered Professional Structural Engineer with 16 years’ experience in structural design, project management, forensic engineering, and engineering management/ training. Amber previously worked as Professional Development Manager, Project Engineer/ Technical Lead, and Principal Consultant for 8 years. She was responsible for training all new hires and providing continuing education/training for existing experts within the Civil/Structural and Building Consultant Divisions. She built this training program from the ground up for 100+ experts throughout the U.S. and Canada. As a Project Engineer/Principal Consultant, she conducted forensic engineering investigations related to building components which had failed, become damaged, did not operate/function as intended, or were constructed deficiently. She was also the Technical Lead for processes, including performing field investigations, documenting/photographing, equipment use, etc.

Ms. Prom’s previous experience also includes working as a Design Engineer, where she designed a multitude of industrial power plant elements electrical transformer containment areas and foundations, miscellaneous electrical buildings and foundations, 140-ft cantilevered stair tower, multi-level steel platforming, among many others. She was a Project Manager for commercial projects, including those in high seismic areas, hurricane-prone areas, and high snow-load regions.

STEVE SMITH, PE

Steven R. Smith is a Forensic Engineer and Director of Research & Testing for Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Mr. Smith is an experienced forensic engineer who began his career with Haag in 1998. He spent seven years working as Haag’s Senior Lab Technician while earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been involved with the lab throughout his career and has been able to leverage his extensive and practical engineering field experience with research and testing projects. Mr. Smith has authored or co-authored several Haag publications, including Repairing an Existing 36-Inch Laminated Asphalt Shingle Roof with Metric-Sized Laminated Asphalt Shingles, Effects of Hail-Caused Dents on the Thermal Performance of Insulation Under Single-Ply Roofing, Testing of Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles, and Hail Effects on Air-Conditioner Performance. He also contributed to other publications as a laboratory technician, including Hail Damage Threshold Sizes for Common Roofing Materials, Hail Damage to Tile Roofing, and Hail Impact Resistance of Asphalt Shingle Overlays.

Mr. Smith’s areas of expertise include roofing system evaluations, components and cladding, code and standard compliance, and mechanical equipment evaluations. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Pi Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Prior to joining Haag, he trained at the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command Center in Orlando, Florida and was stationed aboard the USS Arkansas (CGN-41), where he maintained reactor and steam plant chemistry, performed radiological controls, and operated mechanical equipment in the propulsion plant.