Forensic & Insurance Engineering Inspections

Colorado property owners, attorneys, and insurance adjusters engage our forensic engineers for: • Foundation failure investigation — settlement, heave, cracking, and structural distress • Construction defect claims — identifying code violations, improper construction, or design errors • Insurance claim support — documenting structural damage from storms, water, fire, or other events • Water intrusion and moisture damage — tracing leaks to their source and assessing structural impact • Fire damage structural assessment — evaluating residual structural capacity after fire exposure • Wind and hail damage evaluation — assessing structural impact from severe weather events • Impact damage — vehicle impact, fallen trees, or other physical damage to structures • Dispute resolution — providing independent engineering opinions for mediation or litigation • Expert witness testimony — professional engineer testimony in legal proceedings • Pre-purchase structural due diligence — investigating known or suspected issues before closing

Colorado's climate and geology create specific patterns of structural damage our forensic engineers frequently investigate: • Expansive soil damage — The Front Range's clay soils cause foundation heave, settlement, and cracking that is often misdiagnosed. We determine whether observed damage is soil-related and whether it's ongoing or stabilized. • Freeze-thaw damage — Repeated freezing and thawing damages concrete, masonry, and foundations. We assess whether damage is cosmetic or structural. • Snow load damage — Excessive snow accumulation can overload roof structures. We evaluate whether observed damage resulted from snow loading and whether the structure was adequately designed. • Wildfire damage — Colorado's wildfire season can cause both direct fire damage and long-term structural effects from heat exposure, smoke, and water suppression. • Hail damage — While primarily a roofing concern, severe hail can damage exterior structural elements and we evaluate structural implications. • Drainage and water damage — Improper site grading, failed drainage systems, and plumbing leaks can cause progressive structural damage that requires engineering analysis.

Every forensic engineering report is signed and stamped by a Colorado-licensed Professional Engineer and includes: • Executive summary of findings and conclusions • Scope of investigation and methodology • Detailed description of observed conditions with extensive photography • Cause-and-origin analysis — what caused the damage or failure • Engineering analysis of structural significance and safety implications • Whether damage is ongoing or stabilized • Repair recommendations with prioritization and rough cost context • Professional engineering opinion on standard of care and code compliance (where applicable) • Engineer's stamp, signature, and qualifications Reports are written to be admissible in legal proceedings and accepted by insurance companies. Our engineers are available for deposition or expert testimony when needed.