Hurricanes affect both structural and non-structural building components and have caused billions of dollars in property damage as the most serious hazard facing many coastal communities. Evaluating hurricane damage often involves differentiating damage due to elevated water levels, wind-driven rain, high winds, and wind-driven projectiles. Both wind and wave action cause buildings to rack and sway, which can damage structural systems as well as finishes. High winds may cause uplift on roofs affecting both the roof framing and roofing systems. Determining extent of hurricane damage requires evaluation of physical effects on the structure, understanding of effects of historical hurricanes, and assessment of available weather and water level data.
Non-structural components such as roofing, siding, windows and finishes may be affected by high winds and wind-driven projectiles. Damage to interior finishes may be extensive due to wind-driven rain and elevated water levels. YAES engineers have decades of experience in evaluating hurricane damaged buildings and structures. Our experience and knowledge of the types of damage caused by hurricanes allow YAES to provide substantiated opinions regarding the cause and extent of hurricane-related damages.
Hurricanes also affect building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. YAES offers mechanical engineering services to assess effects on MEP systems.
YAES services include:
- Evaluation of Hurricane Damage to Structural Systems, Building Envelope, Roofing and Interior Finishes
- Moisture Surveys of Roofing Systems, Building Envelope and Interiors
- Detailed Reports Including Full Assessment of Building Components.
- Structural Analysis
- Historical Review of National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, National Centers for Environmental Information records
- Development of Repair Design Drawings
- Evaluation of Local and National Building Code Requirements for Repairs
Damage Assessment Services
