I am working a commercial loss in which insured alleges "wind" damage to rubber roofing membrane around perimeter of roof.  Approx area is 355' x 78'.  9' to 12' high parapet wall on front, 6' to 8' high on rear, and 4' to 5' high on both sides.  Parapet walls are 3T asphalt shingles attached to vertically with flashing at rubber membrane.  3T attached with nails.  See photos.

Insured alleges perimeter is pulling away due to "wind".  My argument is that "wind" MAY have been a factor but I feel most of the "damage" may have resulted from expansion/contraction, positive/negative pressure, and other factors.

Anyone have any thoughts or has had a similar loss??????

Rooftop

Membrane feels"spongy" like walking on an inner tube.  Air pocket underneath....

Flashing still intact.  Membrane loose.

These are examples, some more or less severe, of entire roof area

Gather all the insureds experts written material, write up your thoughts and ask the carrier for permission to call in Haag or another roof expert for another opine. The black shingles appear to be unsealed {not always wind damage} This looks like a cold zone roof and will move a lot with snow storms and bright sun the next day. These charcoal black fiberglass shingle often break horizonaly in the middle when the are sealed very well on a normal slope roof  from the day light freeze thaw by strong sunshine. I would think some of the tabs had never been sealed  properly on these parapet walls. The styro foam insulation beneath the rubber may be from 2 to 4 inches thick and give the soft feel. Ever adjuster needs help on a claim like this. Hang in there, but ask for help.

Bet you have a PA or insured fishing on this one.

I just worked a roof like this, with same problem.  Wound up using an engineer.  The shrinkage was so bad on the one I inspected, it looked like a trampoline, and pulled the flashing away from the walls. Of couse the insured claimed wind.

We are in a cold zone here in Idaho. I contacted carrier after posting.....Carrier wanted me to determine amount of wind damage???????  Told adjuster I could not.  I recommended use of an engineer.........

I have had a few "wind" claims on the parapet walls.  3T shingles are always coming loose in every windstorm.  Wind gets swirling around on top even when there is a slight breeze on the ground.  Advised carrier that I told insured they may want to think about installing a different roofing material on the parapet walls.....

No PA's here!!!!!!  IF insured gets one, it will be from out of state.

You are correct....no pressure bar at the perimeter.  Only two expansion joints along the 355' span.  I met with the roofer today who did the install 14 years ago.  Got them to admit that "wind" not the only apparent cause.....however, they stand firm on proper install.

I have recommended to carrier that an engineer be called in.......

Jim:  What did your engineer determine, if I may ask?

Im looking at your photos & reading the above responses, and wondering what caused the loss as reported.  Was there some interior water damage, or something like that?   What happened to cause a claim to be made?  Looks like a tough one unless an expert determines the true cause of loss.

There are 5 buildings; all with similar damages.   One of the individual units has water damage to 12 2x4 ceiling tiles.  Insured files claim because many of the arch shingles on the store frontages blew off.  The rubber roofing damage was discovered while investigating the shingle damages.

Still awaiting final, but verbally, agrees, improper install, no dmg from covered peril.

JWG

I hear you cluckin' big chicken.......where's the cause of loss & evident damage.  Appears to be an obvious case of poor/irregular installation that caused the installation, especially, if there were no other claim events in the locality.