Forensic Structural Investigations
Forensic Structural Engineering — Determining the Root Cause of Building Failures in Denver & the Front Range
Licensed forensic structural engineers investigating and documenting the root cause of building damage and structural failures. Instinct Structural LLC serves Denver and the Colorado Front Range with evidence-based reports and expert engineering opinions for repairs, insurance claims, and legal cases. Each investigation is led by a licensed PE experienced in forensic analysis, construction defects, and regional code requirements.
What a Forensic Structural Investigation Includes
A forensic structural investigation goes beyond visual inspection to uncover why a failure occurred. Our process includes:
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On-site documentation and photographs
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Analysis of foundations, framing, walls, and trusses
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Load tracing and determination of cause (soil movement, deterioration, design error, or construction defect)
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A written engineer-sealed forensic report suitable for insurance or litigation
Common Structural Failures We Analyze
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Foundations: Settlement, heave, retaining-wall failure, and water damage — with soil and crack analysis, including expansive clay soils common in Denver.
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Framing: Overstressed beams, joist cracks, truss collapses — evaluated for load capacity and connection deficiencies.
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Building Envelope: Deck, balcony, and chimney failures linked to rot, corrosion, or anchorage loss.
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Multi-Family Structures: Fire damage, differential settlement, shared wall failures affecting multiple units.
If repairs are required, our team also provides engineer-designed structural repair plans.
Why Clients Trust Our Forensic Engineering Services
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Licensed PEs experienced in forensic evaluation and expert testimony.
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Evidence-based reports with calculations, photos, and clear summaries of causation.
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Insurance & legal support for claims and construction defect cases. For permit-related structural evaluations, see our Structural Inspections services.
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Local Denver expertise in soil movement, frost heave, snow loads, and regional code requirements.
When to Request a Forensic Engineer
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After storm, fire, impact, or water damage
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Before purchasing a distressed property
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For insurance or legal disputes about fault or negligence
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When contractor work appears defective
For planned remodels or corrections to structural work, we also offer Structural Analysis & Design.
Our Forensic Investigation Process
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Site Inspection & Evidence Collection
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Structural Analysis & Load Tracing
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Cause Determination (soil, material, design, maintenance)
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Engineer-Sealed Report with Photos & Repair Recommendations
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Expert Consultation for Insurance or Legal Use
FAQs
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Do you work with attorneys and insurance adjusters?
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Yes. We provide objective, engineer-certified reports to support insurance claims, repair verification, and contractor dispute resolution.
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How is a forensic structural report different from a regular inspection?
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A forensic report identifies the root cause of failure — including soil, material, or construction issues — and includes calculations, photos, and clear explanations suitable for documentation and remediation.
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Can your report be used for permits or insurance claims?
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Yes. Our engineer-sealed reports are accepted by most cities, insurance companies, and contractors when proof of cause or safety evaluation is required. For non-forensic assessments, see our Structural Inspections page.
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What types of structural issues do you investigate?
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We analyze foundation settlement or heave, wall or framing movement, retaining wall failures, deck and balcony collapses, and storm or water-related damage.
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How long does an investigation take?
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Most forensic reports are completed within one to two weeks, depending on property size and the complexity of the structural damage.
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Related Services
Explore additional structural engineering services we provide across Denver and the Front Range.
Schedule a Forensic Structural Evaluation
If you're dealing with structural damage, an insurance dispute, or uncertainty about the cause of failure, we can help you get clear, engineer-certified answers. Instinct Structural LLC provides objective forensic evaluations and sealed reports you can share with adjusters, attorneys, contractors, or city reviewers.
→ Contact us today for a free consultation and to schedule your forensic investigation.