EFI Global, Inc. services

We have performed thousands of forensic structural investigations ranging from single-family residential buildings to multi-lane highway bridges and high-rise buildings throughout the world. Our experienced civil and structural engineers bring a clear and pragmatic perspective to complex failure related losses that only years of experience in forensics, design and construction can bring. This diverse experience allows us to respond to virtually any type of failure regardless of structure type or location.

Our materials science team has comprehensive expertise in all components of engineering, ranging from consulting, project management, design and risk-based inspection, to failure analysis, research and testing and expert witness testimony, with experience covering all material applications including metallurgy, polymers, composites and ceramics.

Effective construction management requires the ability to provide and apply a number of concurrent services from pre-through post-construction. Our multi-disciplinary professionals augment the owner`s staff with feasibility level planning, design, construction, engineering and management expertise. Whether it is the execution of a retrofit design, remediation, renovation of an existing building or the construction of a new facility, our dedicated professionals ensure each phase of the project is successfully executed.

Collecting data and making observations is an important first step in identifying distress and other potential problem areas of building envelopes. However, in order to mitigate loss, an assessment must be performed in concert with an appropriate diagnosis and course of action, which can only be determined by building envelope consultants.

A building’s roof system is one of its most susceptible components with respect to quality of installation, maintenance, and weather, with failure due to any of these variables resulting in costly repairs — that’s why we provide a full-range of roofing services to assist building owners, property managers, consultants and insurance companies design, construct, evaluate and maintain theirs. We specialize in roof consulting, roof uplift resistant testing, asset management, construction QA/QC, water and air infiltration testing and a number of qualitative evaluation services such as infrared thermography and moisture mapping for a variety of roofing systems including commercial, residential, warehouses, schools, hospitals and government facilities.

We understand the ramifications of an incendiary fire cause and the evidence necessary to successfully defend a fraudulent claim. Our fire investigators rely on current industry standards and scientific principles to provide the factual basis to support our findings. An incendiary fire determination must be supported by the evidence and relevant facts developed through the use of sound methodology. Each hypothesis during the fire scene investigation must be tested down to the final hypothesis. The determination classification must be based on empirical research, not speculation. When our investigators determine that a fire was set intentionally, the proof will rest in the evidence.

Demand letters and notification of claimed liability often surface after the scene has been investigated and the evidence has been processed and removed. In these type cases, a reliable independent opinion can still be formed based on a comprehensive review of the known facts and evidence. Following proper methodology, testing of the stated theories can prove or disprove a final hypothesis or conclusion. One or more of our select groups of fire and scientific experts can assess the raw data, review the documentation and evidence that was used as the basis of a conclusion in a claimant`s technical expert’s report and conduct independent verification, resulting in an objective view of the cause and responsibility of a loss or claim.

Determining the origin and cause of a fire loss can be a daunting challenge given the fact that fire can mask or destroy most of its own evidence. However, training and expertise can overcome the challenge resulting in a determination and assignment of responsibility in most cases. When trying to determine the cause and responsibility for a fire loss, it is important that the investigative team employs the proper methods and practices for an accurate and reliable determination. EFI Global’s well-trained and experienced investigators are committed to following the recognized industry standards in the investigative process and examination of fire scenes. EFI Global has found that by using sound methodology and a systematic approach, a more reliable conclusion of the origin and cause can be determined; one that will withstand the challenge of litigation.

Our combination of expert fire analysis and scientific support can mean the difference between success and failure. Our level of expertise and training in accidental fire causes enables us to recognize, identify and document all issues of potential significance that could aid in the preservation and recovery of insurance funds. It is our goal is to provide an objective investigation, complete documentation and solid determination in order to optimize potential recovery through subrogation.

Insurance carriers rely on service providers for timely responses. Specifically, there is an increased demand for quicker turnaround of investigative reports that address critical issues relating to a loss. In many instances, carriers have explicit timelines to determine how to proceed with a claim and the expert report can be of the utmost importance in that decision process. However, expediting the reporting process is not the only consideration. Without a quality work product, insurance companies can be forced to make uninformed decisions on claim settlements based on inappropriate data that was collected and analyzed without the proper methodology.