Discerning Wind-Related Damage to Residential Roofs

Ziad Azzi; Krishna Sai Vutukuru; Manuel Matus

doi:10.51501/jotnafe.v42i2.990

Authors

Ziad Azzi DDA Forensics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2620-4912
Krishna Sai Vutukuru DDA Forensics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5587-5045
Manuel Matus DDA Forensics https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0307-6732

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v42i2.990

Keywords:

Inspections, Hurricane season, Insurance claims, Forensic engineering, Residential roofs, Weather-related roof damage, Tile roofs, Shingle roofs, Wind damage

Abstract

Hurricane season brings a significant rise in wind-related insurance claims, as powerful storms lead to property damage (particularly to roofs). Distinguishing between wind- and nonwind-related damage, as well as pre-existing issues with roofing components, is critical to ensuring fair, efficient, and timely resolutions. This study presents an in-depth analysis of wind-related damage to two common roof covering materials: asphalt composition shingles and clay/concrete tiles. A series of detailed studies coupled with data from field inspections is utilized to differentiate wind-induced damage to roofs from issues stemming from wear and tear, material aging, installation deficiencies, and simulated wind damage (among other environmental and mechanical factors). Damage patterns, damage location, and material behavior from field observations coupled with wind flow around bluff-bodies (such as residential structures) are examined to highlight how the unique properties of each roof (including its location, height, shape, and slope) influence its response to wind-induced pressures during extreme wind events. These insights enhance damage identification, including cause, origin, and duration of roof covering failures, as well as support informed decision-making for roof inspectors.

Author Biography

Ziad Azzi, DDA Forensics

Ziad Azzi, PhD, MBA, PE, DFE, CGC, CCC, PMP, is the Director of Engineering at DDA Forensics. With his extensive work and educational background, Dr. Azzi’s expertise encompasses an exceptional mix of capabilities in structural and geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, structural dynamics, earthquake and wind analysis of structures, aeroelasticity, vibration and inspection, as well as evaluation of existing residential and commercial structures.

As Director of Engineering at DDA Forensics, Dr. Azzi oversees all aspects of the engineering department. Dr. Azzi has published numerous articles and conference papers in prestigious journals as well as delivered lectures and presentations on the wind flow and wind effects on structures. He currently is a Lecturer at the University of Miami (UM) teaching undergraduate and graduate-level design courses. Prior to that, Dr. Azzi also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University (FIU) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Last but not least, Dr. Azzi also serves as an Expert Consultant for two companies: (i) Windtech Consultants, certifying their wind engineering reports pertaining to wind loads on tall buildings and facades obtained from wind tunnel testing, and (ii) National Consulting Engineers (NCE) performing engineering and structural analysis, calculations, as well as providing recommendations for the design and development of plans and specifications including unique designs, remedial designs, and condition assessments.

Committed to ongoing education and maintaining industry leading accreditations, Dr. Azzi is a registered PE in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. He is also a licensed Certified General Contractor (CGC) and Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) in the state of Florida. He holds a MBA from the University of Miami (UM) and graduated as the Valedictorian of his cohort. He has a MS and a PhD in Civil Engineering from Florida International University (FIU) with an emphasis on Wind Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Building Enclosure. He also holds a MS and BE in Civil Engineering from the Lebanese American University (LAU) with an emphasis on Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. He proudly holds Diplomate in Forensic Engineering (DFE), HAAG Residential, HAAG Commercial, HAAG Wind Damage, and HAAG Master Level Inspector certifications, in addition to industry-leading memberships.

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