Forensic Damages

Fire Origin And Cause Investigation

DCSPE has an in-house Certified Fire Investigator (NAFI, IAAI, NCDOI Office of State Fire Marshal) with over 13 years of experience in investigating structure, vehicle and product fires. 

National Association of Fire Investigators LogoInternational Association of Arson Investigators LogoNorth Carolina Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal

 Fire investigation experience includes:
Firefighters extinguish a structural fire

  • Residential Structure Fires (from mobile homes to mansions)
  • Commercial Structure Fires (multi-story retail buildings, small and large office facilities, manufacturing plants)
  • Vehicle Fires (Stolen-Recovered Burned, Ford Recall, RV, Tractor/Trailer)
  • Mechanical & Electrical Evidence Evaluations (Gas Logs, Kerosene Heaters, Dryers, Etc)

Firefighters extinguish a structural fireOur fire investigations follow the guidelines established in NFPA 921 and our investigator has been qualified in North Carolina courts as an expert on fire causation. 

Our fees for these services are considered a bargain by our clients because of the service they receive and the attention to detail that gives them the information to make the best decisions regarding the fire loss.

 Lightning Damage

Lighting strikingWe have all experienced the sudden flash and loud clap of thunder during a storm, but now the telephone is dead and the television won't work, yet the clocks are fine and the air conditioner works.  Could these conditions be the result of lightning damage?  

Contact DCSPE today to find out!

DCSPE has trained consultants experienced in electrical system evaluations of residential and commercial properties reportedly affected by lightning during storm events. Whether your electrical problem involves a large refrigeration system at a grocery store, the cooling equipment for a vegetable storage facility at a farm operation, or the random damage to household appliances, DCSPE professionals have likely seen the damage conditions before. Even more important is the fact that we KNOW exactly what to look for and how to analyze what we find.

Possible sources of lightning damage

In most cases, it’s just a matter of paying attention to the details. The antenna on this gas station roof is located within 12” of the main power into the store. What could happen when the wind blows the antenna in a storm? Hmmmmm…. It wouldn’t be surprising to have electrical equipment damaged and even have a fire (which is of concern at a gas station) – BUT IT WON’T BE LIGHTNING!

Flooding and Water Damage

Flooded storeRoof Leak, Ruptured Pipe, Water Heater Failure, Flooding During Storm: 
No matter how the water got in, it HAS to be removed AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE and the cause of the water loss has to be addressed. DCSPE can provide the answers you need regarding cause of loss and subsequent damage responsibility. 

The professionals at DCSPE are trained water loss investigators that can assist by determining the cause of these incidents and providing guidelines for water removal without compromising the indoor air quality within the affected structure or exposing the property to other environmental hazards. We have worked with numerous water extraction and remediation companies to ensure the best end result for our clients.

It is necessary to know the type of water loss incident being addressed in order to ensure proper removal of water and cleaning of exposed materials without worry about future property problems or health concerns for the occupants.

The various sources of water damage

WHEN IT COMES TO WATER LOSS AND FLOODING EVALUATIONS DCSPE CAN PROVIDE THE ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE YOU NEED FROM FLOOR TO CEILING

A water damaged ceiling

Water or wind damage?

Storm exposure to various properties (especially those coastal and lakeside properties) often produce a myriad of damages and conditions to the surrounding areas. Many times, the insurance carriers need to know what caused the damage in order to properly assess the available coverage. DCSPE professionals are experts in determining the causes of conditions and damages apparent after storm exposure.

NO MATTER WHAT CAUSED THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED TO ANY PROPERTY, DCSPE can determine what structural repairs are necessary to restore the property and is licensed in 43 states to ensure that cost-effective solutions are prepared and are engineering acceptable, no matter where your property is located. OUR ENGINEERING SEAL IS YOUR PROTECTION.

Examples of storm damage.

As bad as the properties above have been damaged, DCSPE can provide the necessary guidance to ensure that these structures are restored to a safe, usable condition so that the affected families will have their piece of mind restored about their home.

WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED AND HOW TO FIX IT……

Your best call is to DCSPE at 919.844.6050 or contact us immediately!

Contact Us Now

Please provide your name.
Please provide a valid email address.
Please tell us how we can help you.
Thank you. The mailman is on his way.
Sorry, don't know what happened. Try later.