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.

Assessing and Removing Mold

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.

Stay sharp with Haag’s new training programs for field and NEW certification for desk-based professionals! 

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has forced individuals and companies deal with and adjust to once-in-a-lifetime challenges, with very little warning, and with no predictable end in sight.  We have all had to change the way we interact with customers, co-workers, and even our own friends and family.

Hopefully during this time, you’ve been able to invest some of your time and attention into professional advancement and training in an effort to sharpen your skill sets and make yourself an even more invaluable asset to your employer and to the customers you serve.

Since the COVID-19 related cancellation of Haag Education’s “in person” classes through the end of 2020 (at least), Haag Education has re-focused efforts and resources to bulk up our already robust on-demand damage assessment training library.  Haag’s library of on-demand courses consists of courses available to you, on your schedule.  Earn continuing education hours for your license renewal, earn that Haag Certification you’ve been waiting to get, or just sharpen your field damage assessment skills before your hurricane deployment, all from the safety and comfort of your own home or office.

If safe, no-contact, live training suits your learning style better than pre-recorded training, Haag has a great option for you too!  Haag now offers LIVE webinars of some of our more popular training courses, including our Haag Certified Inspector (HCI) program.  Please visit HaagEducation.com for live webinar dates coming up through the end of 2020!

Haag Education’s biggest news in the last number of years is now out of the bag!  Haag is very excited to introduce our all new Haag Certified Reviewer (HCR) certification before the end of 2020!  This new certification is Haag’s first dedicated training program for inside adjusters, estimate reviewers, internal QC and underwriters.  Unlike Haag’s Certified Inspector program, the HCR program will require no pre-requisite experience, and will fill a much-needed demand for desk adjusters and others who review or write estimates or make policy decisions from behind their desk!  The HCR program will consist of two tracks HCR-Residential and HCR-Commercial.  Each HCR track will consist of 4 levels of curriculum: General Construction, Damage Assessment, Estimating, and Advanced. While the roll-out date has not yet been announced, we expect a roll out of Level I and II of HCR-Residential, by the end of 2020, followed by the roll out of HCR-R (Level III & IV) by Q2 2021.  HCR-Commercial levels will be rolled out sometime late in 2021. Be on the lookout for more information coming very soon!

If your organization is looking for specific types of damage assessment training from Haag, we are now licensing our courses to be hosted on internal client Learning Management Systems  (LMS).  For more information on licensing Haag training for your staff, please contact me directly at rholdhusen@haagglobal.com.

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.

Ventilation Miscues – Why More Isn’t Always Better 

By Scott Balot, RRO, Senior Consultant, Haag Construction Consulting, and Jonathan S. Goode, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Vice President/Senior Engineer, Haag Engineering

According to Owens Corning, sloped roof systems are installed with ventilation to “address excess heat and moisture that can otherwise wreak havoc on your home.”  Improper ventilation systems can also affect the roof covering itself, typically asphalt composition shingles.  Various factors should be considered in the selection of ventilation systems including attic size/shape, roof type, roof dimensions including ridge lengths, roof pitch, and intake options.  Potential harmful effects on the roof shingles include blisters, premature granule loss, thermal cracking/crazing, and curling.

Building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) require minimum ventilation requirements based on square footage of the ventilated areas.  In the IBC, Section 12.2.1 states, “The net free ventilating area shall be not less than 1/150 of the area of the space ventilated.”  Reduction in the requirements can be reduced if ventilators, such as power vent fans, are located in the upper portion of the attic or rafter space.  The IBC states, “Upper ventilators shall be located not more than 3 feet below the ridge or highest point of the space, measured vertically, with the balance of the ventilation provided by eave or cornice vents.”

Competing Ventilation

One of the more common causes of improper ventilation is the installation of multiple types of exhaust components in the same attic area.  There are two basic types of exhaust ventilation: active and passive.  Active ventilation equipment uses mechanical components to move air (such as a powered fan), whereas passive ventilation equipment relies on natural occurring forces, such as wind and/or temperature to promote air movement.  When used independently, both types can provide proper air movement through attic spaces.  However, when combining both types, the active vent can draw air from the passive exhaust vent instead of the lower intake (soffit) vents at the bottom of the attic, essentially short-circuiting the airflow.  For example, in Figure 1 there is a powered fan (active) installed alongside multiple static vents (passive).  When the power fan is activated, air pulled through the static vents instead of the soffit vents, thereby only circulating air in the uppermost part of the attic.  It is the equivalent of punching a hole in the side of a drinking straw and trying to take a sip.

Too Much Ventilation 

While having plenty of intake is not an issue, not having a balanced system by having too much exhaust can be problematic.  A balanced system requires equal intake to outtake, and when that does not exist, the exhaust components look to draw their air from other sources.  For example, in Figure 2 there are two different types of passive ventilation components (ridge vent and static vent).  Similar to combining active and passive vents, ridge vents can pull air through the static vents directly below instead of having air flow from the intake vents along the soffits, thereby interrupting proper air movement throughout the entire attic area.

Too Little Ventilation

Perhaps the most damaging ventilation miscue is when an attic space does not have enough intake and/or exhaust to provide a minimum of 1/150 net free area for air movement.  For example, in Figure 3 there is only one exhaust vent installed to service a large area of attic space.  Because there are not enough openings for air to exhaust properly, higher air temperatures and elevated moisture will stay inside the attic for longer periods of time.  This can be devastating for the lifespan of the roof covering, as well as cause adverse effects to the wood framing and substrate.

About the Authors–

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.

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.

Fast Fires and Hot Fires

Fast Fires–

Hot Fires–

Impact Resistant Shingles

In May 2019, Haag Research & Testing Co. (HRT) published the blog for the Haag Global newsletter which discussed the history of simulated hail testing performed by Haag over the years. We also explained our current ice ball launching platform (the IBL-7) and mentioned two impact testing protocols used to classify the impact-resistance of roofing products. (The blog can be viewed here.)

Since then, HRT conducted a research project to put several impact-resistant roofing products to the test. Five asphalt shingle designs from four different manufacturers were tested against their published impact ratings to determine if they would perform as advertised. Although two of the five shingles performed consistent with their ratings, the study revealed an important shortcoming in the impact testing standards. Test standards UL 2218 (steel ball drop test) and ANSI/FM 4473 (propelled ice ball test) specify visual examination of the tested roofing products after testing to determine if the products were compromised by the impacts. These test standards do not currently evaluate the reinforcements within asphalt shingles or other bituminous roofing types. Consequently, reinforcements can be fractured or strained during impact testing, yet go unnoticed by laboratory personnel performing the tests.

HRT not only tested the impact-resistant shingles according to both testing protocols, but also extracted the shingle reinforcements using hot solvent, a process called “desaturation testing”, after the impact testing was completed. The desaturation process not only revealed impact-caused fractures in all five of the tested shingle designs at their published class ratings, but also found fractures in their reinforcements from impacts at lower class ratings, including Class 1, which is the lowest rating. Class 1 tests involve steel balls or ice balls that impact test specimens at energies similar to the free-fall energy of hailstones measuring 1-1/4 inches in diameter. It is important to understand, the kinetic energy of a hailstone increases exponentially with size. The table below summarizes the kinetic energy of free-falling hailstones and includes the kinetic energies of Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4 outlined in UL 2218 and ANSI/FM 4473 test standards.

Four of the five shingle designs had an additional reinforcement layer, strategically placed on the back sides of the shingles which should increase the tensile strength of the shingles. The reinforcement backing, however, obstructed the view of fractures in many cases during the study, causing the visual examinations described in the tests to fall short of ascertaining the true performance of the shingles.

Desaturation testing is described in ASTM D3746 (Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems), which is a long-standing test procedure for determining the impact resistance of asphalt built-up roofing (ABUR).  HRT performs desaturation testing during forensic examinations of roofing involved in insurance claims or legal disputes and has done so for decades. HRT is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to perform desaturation testing and both UL 2218 and ANSI/FM 4473 impact testing protocols. HRT has the capability to propel ice balls ranging from 1/2 inch up to 4 inches in diameter, providing useful information outside the range of the ANSI/FM 4473 ice ball testing protocol. Impact testing with simulated hailstones and utilization of desaturation procedures are often performed together to gain an accurate understanding of the impact resistance of roofing products, surface conditions caused by hail, and whether or not bituminous roofing samples taken from roofs for forensic evaluations have sustained hail-caused fractures or strains in their reinforcements. Bituminous products suitable for this type of testing include asphalt shingles, ABUR, modified bitumen membrane roofing, and coal tar built-up roofing.

 The study of impact-resistant shingles performed by HRT has been peer-reviewed, and was published in the May 2020 edition of Interface Magazine (Source: https://iibec.org/). The article can also be viewed here.

Read Haag’s White Paper: Impact Testing of Impact Resistant Shingles here. 

 Steve R. Smith, P.E., Director of Research & Testing and Principal Engineer

Steve R. Smith, P.E., completed nuclear power training with the United States Navy in 1994. He was honorably discharged in 1998 and went to work for Haag Engineering Co. as Senior Laboratory Technician. Steve has performed hundreds of hail impact tests on a variety of products including roofing, siding, and automobiles.  He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the National Association of Fire Investigators. Steve has inspected and assessed damage to a number of roof systems, including single-ply systems, composition shingles, cedar shake and shingles, concrete tiles, slates, and built-up roofing. As Director of Research & Testing, Mr. Smith oversees all testing projects, protocols and manages Haag’s accreditation. Mr. Smith is based at Haag’s national headquarters in Flower Mound, TX.

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.

How GIS Can Help the Insurance Industry When Severe Weather Occurs

by Marcie Deffenbaugh, Haag Technical Services

On the evening of October 20, 2019, thunderstorms erupted across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex that produced strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a total of 10 tornadoes were identified by National Weather Service (NWS) Survey teams, the strongest of which was an EF-3 that stretched almost 16 miles across the northern portions of Dallas County. Following on the heels of that tornado, an EF-2 tracked about 2.5 miles through Garland in Dallas County. The remaining count of tornadoes included 4 EF-1s and 4 EF-0s.

Miraculously, no one was killed by the storms, but the devastation was widespread. The total estimated cost of insured damage for all the tornadoes alone is over $2 billion, which the Insurance Council of Texas claims is the costliest tornado event in the state’s history.

When sever weather occurs, insurance companies must be able to react quickly in order to assess the damage and process claims as efficiently as possible. Additionally, companies such as Haag that are often called upon to assist with damage assessment need reliable access to relational location information– where are the properties making claims; is the damage in an area consistent with the reported storm information; what was the condition of the property prior to the storm; what is the historic data for previous claims made; etc. In these scenarios, a Geographic Information System (GIS) can be a powerful tool for assessing damage that has occurred. GIS is also useful for helping insurance professionals understand and manage risk before, during, and after an event.

In the case of the tornadoes that struck the DFW area, insurance companies could have utilized GIS in the following ways to not only react to the storms, but also put plans in place to proactively prepare for future storms:

• Based on the tornado paths and estimated damage buffers related to each tornado, identify on a map the insurance company’s policies in place that fall within affected areas.
• Add layers to the map to help rank properties from low to high insurance values. Layers could include proprietary information such as property owner data as well as more publicly available information such as flood zones or even census data to highlight more populous areas.
• As analysts visualize aggregated policyholder data and areas of high total-insured value, they see which locations have the most potential for significant losses.
• For engineering firms working to assess the extent and causes of the damage, overlay historic imagery with post-storm imagery to help understand before and after conditions.

Haag’s use of GIS for the Dallas storms included Haag’s Technical Services division (HTS) quickly putting together a web map on the Haag Geoportal which showed the EF-3 tornado’s track, estimated damage buffer, and Dallas Independent School District (DISD) schools within the track and buffer area. This map included three schools with extensive damage which Haag Construction Consulting and Haag Engineering eventually assessed the extent of damage and scope and cost to repair from the storm. HTS also linked panoramic photography captured with Matterport technology to the three schools of interest which allowed users to view internal damage from their desktop or mobile devices – no trips to the field required. Further, HTS incorporated post-tornado aerial imagery from UAS (drones).

While not conclusive alone, the above steps are a great start to utilizing geospatial information to assist insurance companies and other key stakeholders with proactively preparing for storm events as well as efficiently reacting to weather disasters when they occur. We can’t stop severe weather from happening, but we can use GIS to help make proactive planning and recovery much easier.

For more information on how Haag can assist you with GIS and/or Matterport technology, please contact Marcie Deffenbaugh (mdeffenbaugh@haagglobal.com) or Kevin Kianka, P.E. (kkianka@haagglobal.com)

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.

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.