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• Sample of a storm damage report

  
  
  Storm Inspection Report
  
  TABLE OF CONTENTS
  
  I. Introduction
  
  II. Background & History
  
  III. Wind Loads
  
  IV. Wall Diaphragms
  
  V. Repairs
  
  VI. Summary
  
  I. Introduction
  
  The site was inspected by Tom Price, a licensed professional engineer. The inspection
  lasted approximately 1/2 hour. Also present were representatives of the insurance
  company.
  
  
  II. Background & History
  
  The home is a one storey wood framed structure on a crawl space, with a main gable ridge
  axis running approximately north-south. two hip roofed extensions extend to the east and
  to the west. It is built with materials, structural systems, and utilities very common
  for this type of home.
  
  A storm on the night of 5-18-97 created wind load conditions severe enough to cause sig-
  nificant damage to the property. The extension to the west had its roof lifted off in the
  storm, causing structural damage to the entire extension.
  
  
  III. Wind loads
  
  Wind loads create lateral and uplift forces on structures. A wood framed structure of this
  type achieves its lateral load resisting capability primarily from diaphragm action of the
  roof, wall, and floor sheathing, and diagonal bracing if present. The loads induced on the
  house have caused distortion of various diaphragm surfaces. Only careful measuring with
  appropriate measuring tools can tell just how out of plumb, level and square the house
  currently is.
  
  
  IV. Wall diaphragms
  
  There are numerous locations where the wall to ceiling rdywall joint has failed longitud-
  inally. This is due to large lateral forces occurring in the plane of the wall. In walls
  that show visible distress to the rdywall itself, the taped joints, and/or the fasteners,
  it must be assumed that the rdywall is no longer acting as a rigid diaphragm, and must be
  replaced. It also is likely that the wall has been racked out of its original position.
  This causes doorways to change shape, making the door difficult or impossible to close.
  
  
  V. Repairs
  
  All walls and ceilings should be checked for damage to rdywall. Any distress of fasteners
  and taped joints, or loosening of rdywall boards from the studs/ceiling framers is cause to
  remove wall boards, true up all framing, and replace wall boards. Framing members should
  be thoroughly checked for damage.
  
  Even if framing members are deemed to be in usable condition, all wall, floor, and roof
  areas must be brought back into a plumb and square condition prior to installation of new
  sheathing materials. Proper measuring devices such as transits, levels, steel measuring
  tapes, and others must be utilized to determine plumb, level, and squareness of the various
  diaphragm surfaces of the house.
  
  Where framing members have clearly been damaged, such as west extension, replacement of
  materials is necessary. The west extension area likely needs to be completely re-framed,
  though re-use of undamaged framing members and undamaged exterior sheathing is acceptable.
  The anchorage of the west extension to the foundation must be checked and repaired to code
  requirements. Proper bearing and anchorage to foundation must be assured.
  
  Any existing materials re-used In the reconstruction must be inspected carefully for damage.
  If there is any doubt about a structural member, it should be replaced.
  
  Any wall, floor, or roof assemblages being considered for re-use must be thoroughly
  inspected and brought into tolerance for plumb, level, and squareness.
  
  
  Vl. Summary:
  
  - The west extension of the house received significant damage, and will likely require a
  complete rebuild. Re-use of undamaged framing members and exterior sheathing may be
  considered.
  
  - The entire home needs to have all walls, floors, and ceilings checked for plumb, level
  and squareness, as well as distress to sheathing and fasteners. Damaged areas should have
  sheathing removed, framing members trued up and checked for damage, and sheathing
  replaced.

  
  
  

Contact Information

Telephone:

(517) 467-6145 

FAX:

(517) 467-2220

 

Postal arddess:

 

Structural Solutions LLC

8466 Slee Rd.

Onsted, MI 49265

Electronic mail:

General Information:     Thomas R. Price, P.E.

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