Engineering the Truth in Weather Related Claims

Not every damaged shingle signals a storm. And not every crack in a wall is the result of last night's high winds. For adjusters, distinguishing between storm-caused destruction and long-term deterioration is one of the most critical—and contentious—challenges in property claims. Forensic engineers bring clarity to that line, providing objective analysis that can validate or refute weather as the primary cause of loss.

The work often begins with a close review of the weather data. Forensic teams cross-reference timestamps from the reported loss with verified meteorological records—wind speeds, hail diameters, rainfall intensity, and storm track locations—to confirm if a damaging event truly affected the structure’s location. From there, the physical assessment begins, blending field experience with advanced tools like high-resolution drone imagery, infrared scans, and moisture meters to uncover both visible and hidden damage.

One of the most valuable contributions forensic engineers make is pattern recognition. Hail damage, for example, has a distinct signature—often uniform across a slope, with impact points that correlate to wind direction and angle. In contrast, blistering, granule loss, or soft spots from heat aging may resemble hail impacts but lack the telltale distribution. Wind-related damage tends to show directional force, shearing, or uplift consistent with specific gust patterns, whereas long-term wear may present with edge curling or delamination unrelated to recent storms.

Engineers also help clarify whether the damage preexisted the storm or was exacerbated by it. This matters deeply for claims where policyholders may only notice issues—like ceiling leaks or sagging eaves—after a storm, even though the conditions were developing over time. Determining whether a storm caused the damage or merely revealed it can make the difference between a covered loss and a maintenance exclusion.

Successful outcomes often depend on the strength of the adjuster-engineer relationship. Sharing timelines, historical maintenance records, and the insured’s firsthand account helps engineers tailor their assessments and avoid assumptions. Likewise, adjusters benefit from engineers who explain findings clearly, identify any uncertainties, and provide recommendations that align with the policy’s language and intent.

Storm claims come with emotion. They come with urgency. And they come with scrutiny. But with the right partnership, claims professionals and engineers can deliver conclusions that hold up—to the policyholder, to the policy, and to any challenge that follows.