Case Studies
The claim involved insulated glass units (IGUs) within a unitized curtain wall system on an 18-story residential structure. A subcontractor damaged the exterior surface of approximately 1,700 IGUs during the final cleaning of the exterior façade. We determined repair options for replacing the damaged IGUs after the project was completed and the living units were occupied.
J.S. Held was engaged to provide cost estimates for repairs, develop protocols for inspecting the IGUs, and identify acceptability standards for the specified products. Initial estimates for these repairs were in excess of $8M, with extended lead times for materials and repair duration of over two years, along with impacts to the public areas and building occupants during the glass removal and installation process. We advised the client and the insured that polishing the glass was a potential alternative providing the glass strength would stay within the specified limits and the visual quality of the IGUs would not be impaired. J.S. Held identified and engaged outside consultants specializing in glass strength analysis and polishing subcontractors.
After several rounds of inspections and analysis of the IGUs, we confirmed that the damage to the glass could be repaired without compromising the strength and visual requirements of the IGUs. Repairs were completed within 13 months at a total cost of approximately $2.3M.
Jim Borders
Managing Director
Builder's Risk Practice
+1 206 895 9511
[email protected]
> Construction Insurance Claims Services
We have a dedicated team of experts that have consulted on and testified in complex matters involving buildings and infrastructure that have been damaged during the course of construction.
> Damage Assessments
J.S. Held has globally recognized professionals dedicated to assessing property and infrastructure damage for all industries in each geographic region. We have subject matter experts in architecture, construction, engineering, seismic, building envelope, materials science, and the building code.