Foundation Failure: A variety of design and construction defects, as well as other factors can result in failure, both during construction and after completion during occupancy. Many foundations are not equipped with an adequate drainage system, which allows rapid build-up of subsurface hydrostatic pressure during periods of high intensity rainfall. Foundation failure may also result in distress to the exterior cladding of the structure.

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Retaining Wall Failure: Similar to foundation wall failure, retaining walls can fail when subjected to loading that they were not designed to resist. Heavy rainfall that saturates the soil can lead to increased subsurface hydrostatic forces that results in outward pressure on the wall, particularly when no drainage system is present. Many retaining walls are inadequately engineered which can result in global slope failure in addition to failure of the wall.

Structural Failure: When structural members become overloaded, either through weather events, or due to design and construction defects, failure will result. Failure may be localized and cosmetic, or can endanger the stability of the entire structure.

Veneer: Differential foundation movement, long term weathering, and improper installation (such as no brick ties or a faulty mortar mix) can result in distress or collapse of the exterior veneer of the building.

     

Various Roof Systems: Roof leaks can originate from a variety of sources; poor design, improper installation, storm damage, and inadequate maintenance. Each roof system has specific weaknesses that can lead to non-storm damage. Cost cutting measures during installation can result in roofs that are susceptible to damage. Inadequate maintenance of the roof surface often results in leaks.

   

      

      

Improper Repairs: Sometimes the owner performed repairs to previous storm damage will result in a weakened roof surface that is more susceptible to future damage.