When building elements fail or break, you need precise technical answers - in language that lawyers, insurance adjusters, property owners, and jurors can readily understand - to enable you to make well-informed and economically sound decisions.
Finding the Cause of Damage
Wind. Rain. Snow. Fire. Human error.
When you hire Zachry Forensic Engineering, LLC to investigate the cause and extent of structural damage, you can rest assured that ZFE will fully investigate incidents, accidents, and failures thoroughly, unveiling the true details of what occurred and why (and necessary repairs). All of ZFE's professional opinions and conclusions are based on genuine conviction and ample knowledge.
Services
When buildings break - when they are damaged or fail - figuring out the cause and extent is complicated and requires the right technical expertise.
With over 20 years in structural design and forensic structural engineering, ZFE has the technical experience - and the interpersonal skills - to assess the full situation and present the findings in cohesive, easy-to-understand language.
Whether the damage or failure results from a weather phenomenon, industrial accident, poor engineering design, building code interpretation, or maintenance and operation, ZFE's extensive experience will lead to a complete investigation and assessment of the cause and extent of the damage, and when necessary, the scope of repairs.
Construction Defect Lawsuits
As a subject matter expert with 10 years structural design and 15+ years of forensic structural experience, ZFE investigates whether buildings have been constructed properly in accordance with building codes, project plans and specifications. ZFE determines whether there were deficiencies in the construction process. Attorneys hire ZFE for litigation support and expert testimony.
Large Loss Insurance Claims
ZFE analyzes damage, cause, and scope of repairs in structural failures (such as framing, roofing, and other building envelope failures) and assesses fire damage on industrial and commercial, public/ government, and multi-family residential buildings. ZFE is hired by adjusters, independent adjusters, governmental agencies, self-insured parties, and attorneys for large loss claims work.
Structural Condition Assessment
Structures, just like people, need preventative check ups to ensure that those little cracks, gaps, and slopes are not serious. ZFE performs condition assessments for building owners and property managers to determine whether the building has age-related structural issues such as corrosion, concrete spalling, wood deterioration, etc. ZFE also determines potential for structural and/or building envelope failure.
Residential Property Claims
ZFE works with both insurance adjusters and attorneys on residential property claims regarding the building's structural elements. ZFE investigates water intrusion, weather-related damages ( including hail, snow, ice, wind, storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanse), damages from impact (trees, vehicles, etc), foundation and earth movement, and fire damage to structural and building envelope elements.
Zachry Forensic Engineering, LLC does full scale structural damage assessments.
DETAILED SERVICES AVAILABLE
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Expert witness & litigation support
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Substandard construction assessment
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Code upgrade & compliance
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Exposure & vulnerability assessments
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Building envelope evaluation
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Construction accident investigation
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Foundation & structural examinations
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Water intrusion
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Wind damage (including hurricane & tornado)
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Flood damage
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Wind vs. water determinations
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Earthquake damage & seismic evaluations
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Snow loading damage
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Structure settlement
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Vehicle impacts
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Tree impacts
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Fire & explosion damage assessments
MATERIAL EXPERTISE
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Wood Framing
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Structural Steel
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Steel Joists
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Cast-in-Place Concrete
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Pre-cast Concrete
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Cold Formed Metal Framing
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Masonry
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Stucco
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Siding
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Brick Veneers
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Roofing
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Windows
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Doors
Meet Allen Zachry, PE, SE
Owner
Principal Forensic Structural Engineer
With 25 years of experience in structural design and forensic engineering, Allen Zachry, PE, SE uses keen observation to connect the dots and conclude what actually happened, why it happened, and when relevant, who (or what) caused it to happen. He delves into aspects that others might overlook - relying on his strength to observe minute details while also maintaining a perspective on the broader picture, avoiding distraction of insignificant details.
A proud, third generation Wramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech (BS, Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology), Allen doesn't come across as your stereotypical "stuffy" engineer. Don't get us wrong, he loves the technical stuff, but he also tells a lot of great dad jokes! In his free time, he loves to downhill ski, hike, and spend time being a girl dad (which often requires remembering high school math to help with homework!)
Allen is licensed and practices in 9 states:
SE license in Utah; PE licenses in Florida, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Georgia.
Attorneys
Insurance In-house Counsel
Insurance Adjusters
Independent Adjusters
Property Managers
HOA Representatives
Building Owners
Restoration Contractors
Zachry Forensic Engineering, LLC is the right fit for you when you need a site inspection, an engineer's report, scope of repairs, or expert testimony IF:
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You understand that making sound decisions in construction defect cases, large loss claims, and other building failures requires having accurate technical information to rely on.
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You believe that experts should uncover the truth, advocate for science, represent factual information, and deliver answers grounded in verifiable facts.
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You fully understand that you pay for the level of expertise that you receive, and you are looking for quality expert guidance without a lot of extra fluff that pushes the final cost well beyond the project's budget.
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You recognize that sometimes knowing you have a weak case (based on the technical facts) can be equally as valuable as knowing you have a strong case because you can conserve the time, money, and energy for all parties involved.
Projects
ZFE has extensive experience investigating construction defects, weather and fire-related damage, building condition, and construction accidents. Below are just a few of the major projects ZFE has completed.
