Haag Fire O&C is dedicated to providing the highest-quality forensic investigations of fires and explosions in the industry. Our team of seasoned and court-tested investigators is committed to quickly finding the answers you need through industry-recognized scientific methods. With a thorough understanding of subrogation, liability, and fraud, Haag Fire O&C makes your job easier by answering all of your questions for O & C investigation and providing technical reports, if requested, within 5 business days for most non-legal residential and auto assignments. The team is led by Director of Fire Investigation Services, Edward Roberts, IAAI-CFI– a seasoned fire investigator with over 1,500 fire investigations and 25 years of experience investigating fires.
Haag Fire e-Minute:
CLASSIFYING FIRES
Why do we conduct fire investigations and why is it important to correctly classify the type of fire?
Edward G. Roberts, Director of Haag Fire O&C, breaks down the types of fires, why it makes a difference, and who should make that determination.
As Director of Haag Fire O&C, I combine my lifelong experience and training in fire investigations with the training I received as an adjuster to create an approach to fire investigation and report product that best serves your needs through quick response time, clarity, and ease of use. As a member of a number of professional organizations, I am actively and constantly working to improve the industry of fire investigation.
IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CVFI, CFII
1500+ fire and explosion origin and cause investigations
Court-proven and reliable, including mediation, arbitration, and depositions
Published internationally
Obtain recorded statements
Provide educational programs to insurance and investigation communities
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Engineering Co., Haag Construction Consulting, Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
Satellite imagery, observed track and positions, forecasted track and positions of Hurricane Ida, August 2021.
In light of very active recent hurricane seasons, it is imperative for many businesses and individuals to have quick and reliable access to key data points. Haag believes that there is no such thing as too much data as long as the data is organized, relevant, and easy to access. The Haag Hurricane Geoportal checks these boxes and much more. It gives power to the user to view multiple datasets, interact with the data, and decide which information is most valuable to them. The Haag Hurricane Geoportal utilizes a map-based interface to provide on-demand access to several useful data sources including:
Real-time data for active and recent storms from the current hurricane season
Detailed storm data from the past three hurricane seasons with options to filter data based on storm name
Wind speeds and pressure at observed positions along a storm’s path
Direct access to official National Hurricane Center (NHC) storm reports
Radar and aerial imagery data for storms
Access to local climatological data reports
NEXRAD radar mosaics for current and past storms
Before and after aerial imagery showing damages caused by Hurricane Laura, August 2020.
The Haag Hurricane Geoportal provides timely access to reliable data in one easy-to-use platform. While we can’t stop severe weather from happening, we can create tools to help make proactive planning and recovery much easier. The Hurricane Geoportal is your one-stop shop for keeping an eye on the data for the eye of the storm.
If you would like to learn more about the Haag Hurricane Geoportal, please contact Marcie Deffenbaugh (mdeffenbaugh@haagglobal.com) to view a demo or for more information. Haag’s Hurricane GeoPortal is available via subsciption– one year subscription for $50/month or opt for a month-to-month subscription for $75/month.
Above, zoomed-in view of New Orleans with hurricane warnings for Hurricane Ida, August 2021.
Left, mobile view of observed track, positions, and satellite imagery, as well as forecasted track, positions, error cone of Hurricane Ida.
Marcie Deffenbaugh is the Manager of GIS Services for Haag Technical Services, a division of Haag Global, Inc. In this role, 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 Technical Services personnel, Ms. Deffenbaugh provides technical consulting services on a regular basis.
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Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
As a Senior Consultant for Haag Construction Consulting, I often find myself reviewing a mitigation estimate that has been included in a file to try to gain a better understanding of what the repair scope should look like. Many of these estimates appear to include an excessive amount of dehumidification equipment based on IICRC recommendations. While there may be loss specific circumstances that support an increase in the amount of equipment required, as a field inspector or desk reviewer, do you have a good understanding of the basic principles that help to determine the amount of dehumidification equipment necessary?
The first variable to consider is the total volume of the room or area in need of drying. This can be as simple as calculating the volume of one room or may involve several rooms. The room(s) may have flat ceilings, or sloped ceilings, in which case you may need to determine the average ceiling height. As a reminder, volume is measured in cubic feet (CF), and the basic formula to determine the total volume of a room is length*width*height (L*W*H). For irregular shaped rooms, you may need to first calculate the total area in square feet (SF), then multiply that by the ceiling height.
The second variable to determine is the class of water loss, which is based on the percentage of the total porous materials that are wet as a result of the loss. For example, a 12’ x 12’ room with 8-foot ceilings would have the following area available, assuming all finish materials are porous:
144 SF ceiling.
4 walls of 96 SF each.
144 SF floor.
Total of 672 square feet.
If the floors were completely saturated and all four walls were wet two feet up, there would be 240 SF of affected material. When divided by the total of 672 SF, that would result in approximately 35.7% of the total available area affected. The IICRC has defined the classes of water loss as follows:
Class 1: Less than 5% of the available area is affected.
Class 2: Between 5% and 40% of the available area is affected.
Class 3: More than 40% of the available area is affected.
Class 4: Complex assemblies, low evaporation materials. Also referred to as specialty drying.
Each class of water loss has been assigned a class factor that will help to determine how many AHAM pints per day are required for effective dehumidification. The AHAM rating is an efficiency rating applied by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, where equipment is tested in a controlled environment of 80 F and 60% relative humidity. The following chart shows the class factor (X) to be applied based on the determination of the class of water loss.
The formula for determining total required AHAM pints is on the bottom of the class factor chart. Once we have determined the total CF of the drying chamber and the class factor of the loss, we can calculate the total AHAM pints necessary for proper dehumidification of the drying chamber.
If we have a drying chamber of 496 SF with 9-foot ceilings, we will first need to determine the volume of the chamber. 496*9 = 4,464 CF.
If the loss has been classified as a class 2 water loss, we can determine the total AHAM pints needed using the formula above. 4,464/50 = 89.28 AHAM Pints.
Most commercial dehumidifiers publish their efficiency rating in AHAM pints and estimating platforms classify dehumidifier size based on a range of AHAM rating. For example, Xactimate classifies a large dehumidifier as being AHAM certified for 70-109 pints per day. The dehumidifier necessary for the example above would be a large dehumidifier based on AHAM pints.
There is also a consideration needed for total air exchanges per hour. The IICRC recommends three air exchanges per hour for dehumidifiers during mitigation. To determine this number, we must consider the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of the dehumidifier. This calculation is less involved since we already know the total volume of the drying chamber. To determine the CFM rating necessary, we can use the following two step process:
Volume/60 = CFM (Cubic feet needed per minute for one air exchange per hour.)
CFM*3= Total CFM needed for recommended three air exchanges per hour.
Using our drying chamber volume from the previous example of 4,464 CF, we would calculate the following:
4464/60 = 74.4 CFM
4*3 = 223.2 CFM for 3 air exchanges per-hour
Most equipment manufacturers publish their AHAM and CFM ratings which makes it possible to determine if the equipment being utilized during a mitigation project is appropriate for the drying chamber.
As a field inspector or desk reviewer, there are many different situations and scenarios you may encounter, even in a single day. While you likely have a good grasp of the technical knowledge necessary for most of the files you review, everyone comes across a file or situation at some point that is unfamiliar to them. Whether you need a refresher on a subject you don’t encounter on a regular basis or would like to gain more knowledge about a topic that your knowledge is limited, Haag Education may be a great resource!
Thomas Culver, CPAU, IICRC- MRS, WRT, FSRT is an experienced Senior Construction Consultant, with more than 20 years in the construction and insurance restoration industries. In addition to WRT and FSRT certifications, Mr. Culver has obtained the IICRC Mold Removal Specialist (MRS) certification, which is the highest level of certification that IICRC offers for mold. Mr. Culver is also an ITC certified thermographer and Part 107 drone pilot. Mr. Culver and Haag Construction Consulting offers expert witness services, written report of findings following a site inspection or review of file documents, and comparative reports and estimates for mold remediation, water mitigation, and repair files for residential and commercial losses.
Mr. Culver is proficient in Matterport, Xactimate, Moisture Mapper, T&M Pro and Xactanalysis Claims Management. His areas of expertise includes construction, restoration, mitigation, remediation, clerk of works, and litigation support. TCulver@HaagGlobal.com
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Engineering Co., Haag Construction Consulting, Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
Does Haag’s Test Square Method Work for Wind-Related Damage?
BY SCOTT BALOT, RRO, SENIOR CONSULTANT, HAAG CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING, AND JONATHAN GOODE, Ph.D., P.E., PRINCIPAL ENGINEER, ASSOCIATE VP OF ENGINEERING
Basic forensic techniques when inspecting for hail-related damages to roof surfaces typically include the method of performing a “test square.” This method was developed by Haag engineers in the 1960s and is a widely accepted practice to this day and industry standard. (For more information on the history and methodology, see Richard Herzog’s blog post from April 2019.)
The test square works well for hail due to the randomness of hailfall. Excluding areas that are covered or blocked by obstructions, any one area on the roof has a similar chance of being struck by hail that any other area has on the same roof. Certainly, there are other variables to hailfall including wind-driven directionality in which hail typically falls and the test square methodology captures this given that test squares are performed on each directional facing slope.
So, what about quantifying wind-related damages in the same manner? In order to answer that, it is important to understand the two basic types of wind damage that can occur to a roof system.
The first type is called “direct” wind damage. Direct wind damage consists of material blow-off and material uplift resulting in tears, creases, fastener detachment, or material displacement. An example would be a creased three-tab shingle. The second type is called “indirect” wind damage. Indirect wind damage is experienced when wind-blown debris causes damage upon impact. An example of this is a satellite dish that is blown over and punctures the roof covering.
Can direct wind damage be quantified using the test square method?
Unlike hail, wind effects on buildings not only vary from the windward slope to the leeward slope, but also differ from the edge of the slopes where materials are most vulnerable to uplift (corners, eaves, rakes), at the top (ridges), and finally to the middle (field). Installation of roof materials, such as variable fastener placement, condition of materials, such as seal strip bond on asphalt shingles, and slope pitch can also play a role in the effect that wind has on a roof covering throughout each slope.
Because direct wind damages are not consistent throughout each slope, attempting to quantify damages with test squares and extrapolating those results for the entire surface will not accurately represent the number of potentially damaged components.
Can indirect wind damage be quantified using the test square method?
Because indirect wind damage is specific and contained to each item that impacts the roof surface, the only accurate way to quantify indirect damages is on an individual basis and limited to the damages directly caused by wind-blown item.
Conclusion
While the test square method is acceptable for calculating hail-related damages, it is not suitable for determining extent of wind-related damages. Careful inspection of the entire roof surface should be performed in order to properly assess both types of wind-related damages to obtain accurate amount of area(s) affected.
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Jonathan S. Goode, Ph.D., P.E., serves as Associate Vice President for Haag Engineering Co. and is a Senior Engineer. Dr. Goode provides engineering consulting and expert witness services. He has provided expert testimony in cases involving roof and building envelope performance/damage. Dr. Goode has presented at various conferences and claims association meeting, as well as chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Dr. Goode holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural and Civil Engineering from the University of Georgia, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Colorado State University. He is a licensed professional engineer in 17 states and was an Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University prior to coming to Haag Engineering in 2010. Dr. Goode has published papers in several peer-reviewed scientific journals. Dr. Goode is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and serves on the Committee on Forensic Practices in the Forensic Engineering Division.
Scott Balot is a Senior Construction Consultant with Haag Construction Consulting with 20+ years’ experience in the construction and insurance industries. Mr. Balot expertise includes knowledge of wind and hail-related evaluations to a wide variety of commercial and residential roof systems and exteriors. These roof systems include installations on multi-family complexes, industrial facilities, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, commercial facilities, government operations, residences, and many others. Scott has experience in damage assessment, consulting, estimating, negotiation, and project management. Scott previously worked as a Roof Consultant and a Property Claims adjuster for several independent firms in multiple states. Mr. Balot gained extensive knowledge related to claims practices and adjustment processes, and has worked in major catastrophe (hurricane) environments. He has been involved in both residential and commercial losses ranging from storm-related events to fire, theft, water, and vandalism damages. He has also successfully represented clients in appraisal processes.
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Engineering Co., Haag Construction Consulting, Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
Taking smart preventative steps to ward off damage, defect and deterioration in buildings has always been within the purview of property owners, managers and insurers.
The year 2020 was one of the most extraordinary years in modern history. As the pandemic continues into 2021, the buildings in which we live, learn and work have seen an incredible change in how they are used and occupied, as well as in the level of physical care and maintenance they receive.
Impact of COVID-19
The impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on our private, public and professional behaviors in addition to the risks these changes pose to the buildings we inhabit has been unprecedented. Additional significant damage occurred due to increased natural disasters such as hail, floods and wildfires in 2020. According to Swiss Re, “In the US, a record number of severe convective storms caused devastation throughout the year, likely leading to record annual losses in the country for this peril. Australia and Canada suffered significant losses from hail damage in 2020. Canada experienced its costliest-ever hail event in Calgary in June, which led to losses of USD 1 Billion1 .”
Changing Behaviors
Because of the widespread restrictions brought on by COVID-19, people are now spending much more time at home as they adapt to remote work arrangements and are simply going out less often to conduct day-to-day activities like shopping and socializing. Even as restrictions start to ease, many employers are allowing employees to continue work-from-home or hybrid arrangements.
For residential buildings, this has translated into a massive increase in load demand on building structures, finishes, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. Concurrently, more use requires more care, maintenance, and repairs. Such continuous use can, for instance, very often result in increased temperature and humidity levels within a building, which not only increases potential health hazards, such as mold, but can also promote a more rapid deterioration of the building structure. Increased human presence also adds to the chances of accidental fires being caused by activities like cooking or smoking.
Unused Buildings
Because of the pandemic, many non-residential buildings have been experiencing much less human occupancy than usual, with some of them being virtually unoccupied. However, being unused does not mean they need less care.
Buildings are exposed to natural hazards such as wind, snow, rain, freezing or high temperatures. and water flooding, regardless of their occupancy. In fact, fluctuations in temperature and humidity in non-occupied spaces are different than during normal occupancy periods and require specific programs of maintenance and care.
During cold winter months, there is a higher risk of water damage due to pipe bursts caused by sub-freezing temperatures. Large snow accumulations may be expected on the roofs of buildings that are unoccupied and either unheated or nominally heated. In such cases, roof drains may not operate as intended and cause excessive ponding that can lead to excessive loads, roof leaks, and related issues.
During warmer spring and summer months, storm season can bring periods of heavy rainfall. Roofs and gutters should be kept free of leaves and debris which could also clog drains or gutters. Interiors should be climate-controlled to prevent damage to finishes during very hot days in southern latitudes.
Damage Prevention Complications
Without a doubt, the pandemic has created a raft of complications around damage prevention, monitoring and inspection for unoccupied or partially occupied buildings.
One of the biggest increased risks with such buildings is fire. With reduced on-site security, monitoring and inspection, the likelihood of fires being caused by potential trespassers, deteriorated wiring, faulty fire detection systems and sprinklers turned off, damaged, and/or not maintained is much greater than usual.
Making matters worse is that public health restrictions and lockdowns put strain on the emergency services and supply chains, which affected how building operators protect and preserve their properties following climatic events and other damage-causing incidents.
The key saving grace through all this is that such building component failures as described above can be avoided, or damage mitigated, if key warning signs are observed and recognized, and adequate action taken in a timely manner.
Early Warning Signs
Consideration should always be given to any change in a building’s use, particularly if it is expected to occur over a prolonged period of time. The property owner should put in place adequate measures to look out for early warning signs of potential issues. This will reduce the risk of an incident occurring that results in immediate damage, as well as avoiding the potential of additional damage and costly remedial actions over time if the condition remains unnoticed and unattended.
Considering how the widespread impact of the coronavirus pandemic has continued into 2021, it is incumbent upon building property owners to take every preventative step possible to preserve the upkeep of their physical properties, both to protect their investment and to ensure that the structures and the environments they envelope are ready to welcome the world back in when the time is right.
As the famous philosopher Desiderius Erasmus once said, “Prevention is better than cure.” We have been reminded of this more than ever in order to protect our health. Same applies to our buildings.
Sasa Dzekic, M.Eng., P.Eng., is the Practice Lead, Civil/Structural Engineering for Haag Canada. Mr. Dzekic has over 30 years of professional experience in structural engineering involving a wide range of building projects. He specializes in investigation and assessment of failures of buildings and structural systems, and/or their components, and evaluation of structural damage. Mr. Dzekic has conducted structural forensic investigation and assessment, preparation of reports, and expert testimony. He has performed planning and on-site advice with respect to unsafe building conditions and demolition, including temporary measures for structural securing of the buildings. He has conducted structural analysis and design of concrete, steel, wood and masonry structures, review of drawings for building permit purposes, and field review during construction.
For more information on Mr. Dzekic or Haag Canada’s areas of expertise, please visit haagcanada.ca.
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Canada, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Construction Consulting, Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura struck southwest Louisiana and extreme southeast Texas. Emeritus Engineer and Meteorologist experienced the hurricane firsthand in Lake Charles, LA then spent three days conducting a damage survey. The primary purpose of the damage survey was to evaluate the performance of various structures that experienced strong winds. This blog will focus on wind damage to residences.
Hurricane Laura made landfall at Cameron, LA around 0600 Universal Time Code (UTC) on August 27, 2020. According to the Lake Charles National Weather Service (NWS), Laura was the strongest hurricane to strike southwest Louisiana since records began in 1851. The hurricane moved due north toward Lake Charles at about 4.5 m/s (10 mph) weakening slowly. The NWS in Lake Charles recorded the highest wind gust of 116 kt (133 mph) out of the east at 0732 UTC before the wind equipment failed. However, the Florida Coastal Monitoring Program (FCMP) erected a portable tower at Chennault International Airport on the east side of Lake Charles and had obtained a continuous wind record with peak wind gust of 115 kt (132 mph) out the east at 10 m (33 ft). A second FCMP site in Sulphur, LA recorded a peak wind gust of 96 kt (110 mph) from the east also on a 10 m (33 ft) tower.
There was widespread wind damage to residences in the Lake Charles area particularly to roof coverings. In some cases, homes experienced structural damage when conventional toenailed roof structures failed aided by broken windows or doors on the windward sides of buildings which increased internal wind pressures. In addition, trees fell on many homes causing structural damage. Commonly observed problems were improper attachment of roof coverings especially when asphalt shingles were nailed too high above the sealant strips. Some fasteners were overdriven tearing through the shingles. Shingles typically were fastened with four nails per shingle instead of the required six nails for hurricane prone areas. The combination of high nailing, overdriven fasteners, and fewer fasteners than required resulted in less than half the required number of fasteners in the shingles to resist wind uplift. As a result, there was widespread wind damage to asphalt shingle roofs particularly on windward slopes. Wind damage included combinations of flipped, creased, torn, and removed shingles. Asphalt shingle roofs that were nailed correctly sustained far less wind damage than those roofs that were not installed correctly. Loss of roof coverings and underlayment allowed water ingress which greatly increased the amount of interior damage to residences. Refer to Figure 1.
The vast majority of residences had Degrees of Damage (DoDs) of 4 or less on the Enhanced Fujita or EF-scale with damage limited to roof coverings and cladding items. A small percentage of homes experienced DoD 6 damage where they had windward windows or garage doors fail allowing internal pressures to help lift and remove the roofs. Refer to Figure 2. Expected failure wind speeds for DoD 4 damage is around 43 m/s (97 mph) where expected failure wind speeds for DoD 6 is around 55 m/s (122 mph). Thus, we found the wind speeds listed in the EF-scale agreed well with the DoDs and locally measured wind speeds. See Table 1.
Where roof failures occurred, there was no evidence of metal straps or clips used to attach rafters to wall top plates. Roof failures initiated where rafters were toenailed to wall top plates. Nails were simply pulled out of the wood. No doubt such roof failures would have been prevented had steel straps been installed properly as these connections can exceed 1000 lbs. whereas toenailed connections with 16d nails have an average pull out strength of about 300 lbs. The vast majority of homes that were better built (continuous load paths that were well anchored) were able to survive a major hurricane.
Figure 1. Typical wind damage to asphalt shingle roof coverings on residences. The inset image shows high nailing (yellow circles) with nails missing the top laps in the overlying shingles (red circles).
Figure 2. House in Vivian, LA which lost the entire roof structure. The front side of house faced north and was windward to the strongest winds. Failure of the front doors and windows allowed internal pressure to help lift the roof. Inset image (A) shows upside down roof in the backyard with “birdsmouth” cut outs in rafters (circled) and close-up of broken toenailed connection (B) where two parallel rust stains indicated where nails had been.
Table 1. DoDs for residences from the EF-scale document.
By Tim Marshall, P.E., Meteorologist, Haag Principal Engineer
Tim Marshall is a structural engineer and meteorologist. He has served as a Haag Engineer since 1983, assessing damage to thousands of structures (particularly damage caused by wind and other weather phenomena). He has written numerous articles, presented countless lectures, and appeared on dozens of television programs in order to share his extensive knowledge re: storms and the resultant damage. He is a primary author of many Haag Education materials, including the Haag Certified Inspector-Wind Damage course. He is also a pioneering storm chaser and was editor of Storm Track magazine. See his profile here.
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Engineering Co., Haag Construction Consulting, Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
The Insurance Industry’s First-Ever Inside Adjuster Certification – NEW from Haag Education
Haag Education is once again setting the bar for science-based damage training in the insurance industry with an all-new, first-of-its-kind certification designed especially for inside reviewers/desk adjusters, underwriters, or anyone who works or estimates claims from behind a desk! Introducing the Haag Certified Reviewer (HCR) program!
Haag certification is the most sought-after adjuster/industry training for adjusters, roofing consultants, contractors, and engineers—professionals who assess damage in the field. Haag certification training has set the standard for roof and building envelope damage assessment since its introduction in 2007, with over 20,000 certifications earned by industry professionals.
Recent trends in the US and Canadian markets are fewer and fewer licensed adjusters in the field. Inspections are often being done by third-party inspection companies who document the damage and provide reports from the field to decision-making adjusters working inside, behind a desk. Carriers and independent adjusters have emphasized there is a great need for specialized training geared towards adjusters who may not have the benefit or ability to see the claim firsthand in the field. Haag Education has answered the call and is excited to deliver this one-of-a-kind certification training backed by Haag’s reputation and nearly 100 years of damage assessment expertise.
The Haag Certified Reviewer – Residential program was rolled out in March 2021, and has received stellar reviews already.
HCR will allow any student to complete up to 4 levels of certification and requires NO EXPERIENCE in construction or claims or damage assessment! Every HCR course within the curriculum is taught from the perspective of an inside reviewer/adjuster. HCR is delivered 100% on-demand so you can complete each level on your schedule! The introductory price of only$349 per certification level makes this an affordable option to help further your knowledge and career.
What are the 4 levels of HCR-Residential certification?
Level I – Weather, Basic Residential Construction, Residential Roof Installation Basics *NOW AVAILABLE
Level IV – Advanced (made up of advanced level courses that the student may choose from) – *Available Summer 2021
Each HCR-R level takes about 12-18 hours to complete. The first three levels culminate with an online, proctored, open-book exam, which attendees must pass with a score of 80%+. A Certified Reviewer earns their Level IV certification once they’ve completed a 12+ hours of advanced-level courses and passed the necessary course exams. We are currently applying for continuing education credit for HCR courses. Stay tuned for more details!
Development of the HCR-Commercial program is scheduled to begin in late 2021, with rollout scheduled for late 2022. The HCR-Commercial certification will focus on commercial building construction types, damage assessment, and estimating damage basics with Symbility and Xactimate.
For more information on the Haag Certified Reviewer program including details and descriptions of each level, please visit our HCR website.
Ryan Holdhusen oversees the management and strategic growth of Haag Education. He manages Haag’s line of seminars, certification programs, and products/tools. He assess product concept, development, marketing, sales and operations. Ryan has been with Haag since May 2002.
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Engineering Co., Haag Construction Consulting, Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
As part of National Engineers’ week, we are highlighting and celebrating the foundation of our business– our forensic engineers!
David Teasdale, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Principal Engineer, talks about Haag Engineer today, and how far we’ve come in the last 97 years. Founded in 1924, Haag is the oldest forensic firm offering services to determine cause of failure, extent of damage, and solutions for repair. Haag is known for our specialized knowledge, quality, and most of all, our people. We are proud of our skilled team of forensic experts, representing a variety of disciplines.
In honor of National Engineers Week, we are highlighting some of the new experts that make Haag, Haag.
About Haag Engineering–
Since 1924, Haag Engineering is the United States’ oldest and most respected failure and damage consulting firm. Haag serves the legal industry, the insurance industry, corporations, manufacturers, private companies, and individuals.
Haag provides failure analysis, extent of damage, and repair options for…
Haag’s Hurricane Geoportal– Keep An Eye on the Data for the Eye of the Storm
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active and the seventh costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record, causing just under $47 billion in damage. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “...the 2020 season produced 30 named storms (top winds of 74 mph or greater), including six major hurricanes (top winds of 111 mph or greater). This is the most storms on record, surpassing the 28 from 2005, and the second-highest number of hurricanes on record.” This historic hurricane season also saw record water levels in several locations, including the Gulf Coast where Hurricane Sally brought the highest observed water levels since Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, one of the most alarming statistics is that the 2020 season was the fifth consecutive above average Atlantic hurricane season from 2016 onward. Based on past weather patterns, we can expect future hurricane seasons to be just as active, if not more so, in the coming years.
If the expectation is that we are going to continue to see active hurricane seasons, it is imperative for insurance companies to have quick and reliable access to key data points as they are assessing damages, processing claims, and answering important questions such as:
What were the maximum sustained wind speeds at a particular location?
What was the predicted storm surge and how did that measure up to recorded high-water marks?
What does before and after aerial imagery show for affected areas?
How does the path of one storm compare to the paths of previous storms?
Was there overlapping damage and if so, which storm caused which damage?
These questions are just a few examples of what needs to be answered quickly after a storm occurs. While there are a number of trusted and valuable resources that provide this data to the public (National Hurricane Center, National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA’s Emergency Response Imagery), it can be very time-consuming and often confusing trying to locate and aggregate data from multiple websites. Then when a relevant data point is found, it can be difficult to visualize that data against other datasets you have for the project. Haag Technical Services (HTS) saw an imperative need to streamline how these datasets are accessed and viewed, which is why we created the Haag Hurricane Geoportal.
The Haag Hurricane Geoportal overlays multiple datasets compiled from several trusted and useful hurricane-related sources into one web mapping application. Users can see the track of a hurricane, what the predicted wind swaths were, and how those compare to satellite and radar imagery. They can also access valuable Local Climatological Data (LCD) weather reports from airport and other local weather stations. These reports are significant because they provide key data points related to a storm such as hourly precipitation, wind speeds, direction, gusts, and much more. If a user needs to see before and after imagery of a storm, the Haag Hurricane Geoportal has a slider tool that allows for impactful visualizations of imagery obtained by NOAA’s Remote Sensing Division. Users can also see how different hurricane tracks from earlier in the season (or from a previous season, if needed) overlap with current storms and which areas were most affected. Additionally, forecasts from future storms can be added to show where a hurricane is predicted to make landfall.
Perhaps the most useful tool within the Haag Hurricane Geoportal is the ability for users to see their own project-specific data as it relates to storm data. Imagine being able to view client locations and where possible claims could occur in relation to a storm’s track and wind swath in near real time. Then after the storm dissipates, imagine having access to LCD reports, high water marks compared to storm surge, and aerial imagery all within just a few days of when the storm occurred. This type of information is invaluable when deciding where to dispatch teams to review damages so that claims can be processed quickly and efficiently.
Haag Technical Services believes that there is no such thing as too much data as long as the data is organized, relevant, and easy to access. The Haag Hurricane Geoportal checks these boxes and so much more. It gives power to the user to view multiple datasets and decide which information they need for their project in order to efficiently complete their tasks. While we can’t stop severe weather from happening, we can create tools to help make proactive planning and recovery much easier.
If you would like to learn more about the Haag Hurricane Geoportal, please contact Marcie Deffenbaugh (mdeffenbaugh@haagglobal.com) for more information.
Marcie Deffenbaugh is the Manager of GIS Services for Haag Technical Services, a division of Haag Global, Inc. In this role, 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 Technical Services personnel, Ms. Deffenbaugh provides technical consulting services on a regular basis.
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Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
Mold spores are located everywhere! They are in the air we breathe, on the surfaces we touch, and help to contribute to a healthy ecology. Molds are organisms that play an important role in breaking down and digesting organic material. The two primary contributing factors that support mold growth in an indoor environment are moisture and the presence of organic materials. Since many materials found in today’s homes are organic based materials, the easiest way to prevent mold growth is to prevent uncontrolled moisture from entering the environment.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, IICRC, is a non-profit organization that provides certification and written standards for the restoration industry. IICRC has developed and published written standards for mold remediation. They have defined 3 levels, or conditions, to describe environmental mold in indoor environments.
Condition 1 is an indoor environment that is considered a normal fungal ecology. There may be settled spores, fungal fragments, or traces of actual growth reflective of a normal fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment.
Condition 2 is an indoor environment that has become contaminated with settled spores or fungal fragments from a condition 3 environment. This condition may also have traces of actual growth.
Condition 3 is an indoor environment contaminated with actual mold growth. Actual mold growth can be active or dormant, visible, or hidden.
When mold has contaminated an indoor environment, the source of moisture should first be identified and eliminated, then any materials contaminated with mold should be removed or properly cleaned. It is recommended that finish materials, such as drywall be removed and disposed of, while more permanent materials, such as framing, be cleaned in place if possible. Removal of contaminated materials must be done in a controlled manner to limit the possibility of cross contamination. Airborne mold spores can travel to unaffected areas of the home causing a Condition 2 environment in previously unaffected areas if the proper precautions are not taken. Containment of the affected area and the use of air scrubbers to create negative air pressure in the affected area are important steps in the remediation process. It is also important to note that the IICRC has stated that “attempts to kill, encapsulate or inhibit mold instead of proper source removal generally are not adequate.”
If the HVAC system is known to be or suspected of being contaminated, the air handler unit and all duct work should be inspected, and if necessary, cleaned and encapsulated or remediated by a qualified HVAC technician following the protocol developed by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, NADCA.
A certified, experienced mold remediator can develop a preliminary determination about potential or suspected mold growth. They can also determine the need for the assistance of an Indoor Environmental Professional, IEP, to perform necessary services beyond the expertise of the remediator. Any time a remediator is unable to determine that condition 1, 2, or 3 exists, an IEP should be consulted. An IEP should also be engaged any time health issues are identified and appear to be related to the mold contamination. The IICRC has also provided guidance for the development of work plans, protocols, and specifications. It is important that the remediator develop a proper work plan to ensure a positive result while working in a safe, controlled environment.
In summary, while mold plays an important role in maintaining a balanced ecology, an over-abundance of mold could quickly become a concern, or even a possible health hazard. Each mold remediation project must be evaluated by a qualified person based on its’ own set of unique circumstances and may require the assistance of a specialized expert. All available information should then be utilized to develop an appropriate plan of action which should then be followed with proper environmental controls in place to ensure a safe work environment and a positive outcome.
Thomas Culver, CPAU, IICRC- MRS, WRT, FSRT is an experienced Senior Construction Consultant, with more than 20 years in the construction and insurance restoration industries. Mr. Culver has obtained the IICRC Mold Removal Specialist (MRS) certification, which is the highest level of certification that IICRC offers for mold. With that certification, Mr. Culver and Haag Construction Consulting offers expert witness services for mold related cases, written report of findings after a review of mold protocols or assessments, and comparative estimates for mold remediation services based on on-site inspections, provided written protocol (hygienist report), and desk review of photos (limited). He will review and assess of mold remediation estimates or proposals based on industry standards, and review and discuss information provided to assist in developing a line of questioning for depositions.
Mr. Culver is proficient in Matterport, Xactimate, Moisture Mapper, T&M Plus II and Xactanalysis Claims Management. His areas of expertise includes construction, restoration, mitigation, remediation, clerk of works, and litigation support. TCulver@HaagGlobal.com
Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Engineering Co., Haag Construction Consulting, Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.
Basic forensic techniques when inspecting for hail-related damages to roof surfaces typically include the method of performing a “test square.” This method was developed by Haag engineers in the 1960s and is a widely accepted practice to this day and industry standard. (For more information on the history and methodology, see 
y with an all-new, first-of-its-kind certification designed especially for inside reviewers/desk adjusters, underwriters, or anyone who works or estimates claims from behind a desk! Introducing the Haag Certified Reviewer (HCR) program!
