Post-Hurricane Structural Damage Assessment — Florida

A structural damage assessment by Pineland Engineering includes: a visual inspection of the building's structural system (foundation, framing, roof, and connections); identification of structural damage (cracks, deflections, connection failures, and foundation movement); assessment of the building's structural integrity and safety for occupancy; a written report documenting the findings and recommendations; and — if required — engineering drawings and calculations for the required repairs. For insurance claims, the damage assessment report provides the documentation needed to support the claim and ensure that the full scope of structural damage is captured.

After a hurricane, the local building department may issue a substantial damage determination for buildings in flood zones. A substantial damage determination means that the cost of restoring the building to its pre-damage condition equals or exceeds 50% of the pre-damage market value of the structure. If a building is substantially damaged, it must be brought into compliance with current flood zone requirements before it can be repaired. Pineland Engineering assists property owners in understanding substantial damage determinations and designing repairs that comply with current flood zone requirements.