Forensic Engineering Services for Commercial Roofing Claims
Hail Impact Forensic Analysis
Full forensic investigation of hail-caused damage to TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen,
metal, and built-up roofing systems. RSH engineers evaluate bruising, granule
displacement, fracture depth, and membrane
puncture using ASTM D3746 protocols and FM 4470 standards. We document impact patterns, correlate findings with NOAA weather data and hail reports, and distinguish genuine storm
damage from pre-existing wear, the critical distinction that makes or breaks a claim.
Standards Referenced: FM 4470 · ASTM D3746 · IBC §1504.6 · NOAA Storm Data
Moisture Intrusion & Water Damage Analysis
Persistent leaks and latent moisture damage require forensic-level investigation, not another patch. RSH uses infrared thermography, core sampling, and moisture
mapping to trace water pathways, identify origin
points, and establish the timeline of intrusion.
Our reports document whether moisture damage is storm-related, installation-related, or the result of deferred
Building Code Compliance Review
RSH reviews roof assemblies against current and code-at-time-of-installation standards under IBC, IRC, and local amendments. We identify code violations that contributed to damage or
that require remediation as a condition of repair and document them in a format suitable for submission to insurers, building departments, and courts.
Standards Referenced: IBC 2021 · IRC 2021 · Local AHJ Amendments · IECC
Manufacturer Warranty Support
When warranty claims are disputed, contractors
need independent engineering evidence not
manufacturer-controlled inspections. RSH
documents installation compliance with
manufacturer specifications, identifies whether
damage falls within or outside warranty scope,
and provides P.E.-sealed opinions that support
warranty enforcement or dispute resolution.
Standards Referenced: GAF · Carlisle · Firestone · Johns Manville · Versico Specifications
FM/IBC/IRC Standards Documentation
Complex commercial roof claims often involve
multiple overlapping standards. RSH’s
engineers maintain current expertise in property loss prevention standards, IBC
structural, and fire provisions. IRC
residential code and produce reports that explicitly map findings to the applicable standard, reducing disputes over which code applies.
Standards Referenced: FM 4470 · FM 1-29 · IBC Chapter
15 · IRC Chapter 9
Litigation-Ready Roof Damage Documentation
When a roofing claim goes to litigation or arbitration, the quality of engineering documentation determines the outcome. RSH produces expert reports with engineering opinion statements, damage matrices, annotated photo logs, weather data correlation, and P.E. signatures, structured to withstand cross-examination and meet Daubert/Rule 702
standards for expert testimony.
Standards Referenced: Federal Rules of Evidence 702 · Daubert Standard · TX Rules of Evidence
Your RSH Engagement: From First Call to Final Report
Contact RSH
Call or submit online your documents. We triage your project within hours, not days, and get you back.
Site Deployment
A licensed P.E. or trained associate deploys to your job site with full forensic documentation equipment.
Forensic Analysis
Lab analysis, weather data correlation, standards review, and photographic
documentation
completed under
chain-of-custody
protocols.
Forensic Analysis
You receive a
P.E. sealed forensic
report, ready for your insurer, your client, or the courtroom.
Why Commercial Roofers Partner with RSH Engineering
Meet our Expert
Mathew C. Joseph, MBA, P.E.
Professional Engineer – Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, & Forensics | Building Inspector | Consultant | Trainer | Speaker | Realtor | Author
Meet Mathew Joseph, MBA, P.E. – Founder of RSH Engineering & Construction, Mathew Joseph is a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer with over 30 years of hands-on experience in structural, mechanical, electrical, and forensic investigations. His work spans both residential and commercial sectors, where his name is synonymous with precision, integrity, and results.
Mathew is more than a certified inspector—he’s an expert witness, educator, and strategic consultant trusted by homeowners, builders, attorneys, and design professionals alike. Every inspection he performs is backed by deep technical insight and forensic-level scrutiny, helping clients uncover hidden damage, avoid costly pitfalls, and move forward with confidence.
The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is an international association of design professionals who specialize in building enclosure projects. IIBEC members design, investigate, and manage roofing, exterior wall, waterproofing systems and provide enclosure commissioning services. Limitless professional growth and development opportunities exist through the association’s international, regional, and chapter educational events, respected credential programs, information services, and highly acclaimed publications.
We also have a team of engineers standing by to help you in the area of Structural, Civil, Geotech, Electrical & Forensic Engineering with the cumulative experience of over 100+ years.
Case Study: Field-Proven Outcomes
Large Hail Event, DFW Commercial Strip
Situation
A commercial roofing contractor was retained by a strip mall owner after a
1.75″ hail event. The insurer’s adjuster denied the TPO membrane claim, citing “pre-existing wear.
RSH Action
RSH engineers conducted a forensic roof inspection, performed core sampling, and correlated findings with
NOAA hail size and impact velocity data. The report documented 847 discrete
impact points with fracture depths inconsistent with UV degradation characteristic of acute hail trauma.
Outcome
The insurer reversed the denial. Full roof replacement authorized at $380,000.
The roofing contractor closed the job within 45 days.
Phase Inspections—$4.8M Custom Build, Westlake, TX
Situation
A roofing subcontractor faced a $220,000 warranty claim from a building
owner alleging improper installation caused interior water damage across
three tenant suites.
RSH Action
RSH deployed infrared thermography and core sampling to map moisture
pathways. Engineering analysis identified the intrusion origin at a
pre-existing failed through-wall flashing not within the contractor’s scope of work.
Outcome
RSH’s P.E.-sealed report exonerated the roofing subcontractor. The claim was redirected to the responsible trade. Litigation was avoided.
Code Compliance Dispute, Warehouse Re-Roof
Situation
A city building department flagged a warehouse re-roof for alleged IBC §1504 non-compliance, threatening to halt a $190,000 project mid-installation.
RSH Action
RSH reviewed the roof assembly specifications against the 2018 IBC and
local amendments. The analysis confirmed the contractor’s assembly
exceeded minimum impact resistance requirements under FM 4470 Appendix
standards.
Outcome
RSH’s code compliance report was accepted by the building department.
The project proceeded without further delay.
Ready to Partner with a Forensic Engineer Who Speaks Your Language?
Submit a Project Injury
Contact RSH Engineering today to discuss your active claim, warranty dispute, or upcoming project.
Frequently Asked Questions
RSH works directly with licensed commercial roofing contractors as an independent forensic engineering partner. We understand your business timeline, claim cycles, and documentation requirements.
RSH offers same-day and next-day emergency response for storm events across the DFW Metroplex. Contact us immediately after a significant hail or wind event to preserve your documentation window.
Yes. RSH reports are P.E. sealed, standards-referenced, and structured to meet insurer documentation requirements. Our reports are accepted by major property and casualty carriers operating in Texas.
Yes. Mathew Joseph, P.E. is available to serve as a testifying expert witness in Texas courts and arbitration proceedings. RSH reports are structured to meet Daubert/Rule 702 standards from the initial engagement.
RSH has forensic experience with TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal standing seam, built-up roofing (BUR), asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) systems.
