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Structuralengineers.com is a specialized forensic engineering company focusing on hail damage assessment. Unlike most engineering firms that primarily work with insurance companies, Structuralengineers.com stands apart by advocating for fairness in the claims process. Many engineers engaged by insurance companies may unknowingly exhibit bias favoring claim denials. Structuralengineers.com addresses this imbalance by providing independent, objective engineering evaluations.
We are a Virginia-based forensic engineering firm specializing in the comprehensive analysis of hail damage. While many engineers take a formulaic approach—plugging in data and producing generic reports—we pride ourselves on going far beyond surface-level assessments. Our investigations consider critical external variables such as wind speed and direction, which can significantly amplify the destructive force of hail. By accounting for these dynamic factors, we deliver evaluations that are both scientifically rigorous and situationally accurate.
Our expertise is built on more than just field experience; it’s supported by continual research and a deep understanding of roofing systems. We assess the age and condition of roofing materials to determine their inherent resistance to hail impact, offering a nuanced perspective that one-size-fits-all reports often miss. We also engage in extensive study of hail damage assessment literature and engineering white pages, ensuring our knowledge is current, detailed, and authoritative. This commitment to thoroughness and accuracy defines who we are—and why clients trust us for expert hail damage evaluations.
The company was founded and is led by Raymond Gessner, a highly qualified engineer with a strong academic and professional background. Ray earned his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Old Dominion University in 1998 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, obtained in 1991. He successfully passed the Professional Engineering (PE) exam in 1999 and maintains active PE licenses in multiple states, including Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Oregon, and Washington.
Ray specializes in producing detailed engineering reports for legal litigation purposes, specifically documenting hail damage. He has developed a rigorous 7-step detail system to ensure comprehensive, site-specific documentation of hail-related damage. This system includes:
This structured approach ensures accuracy, transparency, and credibility, crucial in legal and insurance contexts.
Beyond his engineering expertise, Ray holds multiple trade and inspection certifications, including a Master Tradesman license in HVAC, Plumbing, and Gasfitting. He is a certified home inspector by InterNACHI and a certified residential roof inspector by HAAG. From 2008 to 2018, Ray owned and operated a licensed roofing company, giving him practical knowledge of roofing materials, manufacturer installation guidelines, and required flashing types.
Trusted by homeowners, attorneys, and contractors nationwide.
“The owner is super nice. Great company, excellent customer service. They do a very thorough job.”
— Trina Olson Keeny
"I highly recommend the Team at a Step in Time... the owner is a great person and person of integrity! Two thumbs up!"
— Martin Burwell
Don't let biased assessments impact your claim. Trust a licensed expert with proven experience.
Structuralengineers.com provides unbiased, litigation-ready hail damage assessments backed by licensed expertise and real-world experience.
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