Source: Distinguished Programs

A roofing contractor was hired to design and install the roof of a new office building including a solar panel array. The design was performed in-house by a  licensed PE employed by the contractor. After the building was complete, the roof collapsed during an ice storm. The PE failed to consider the appropriate load  factors in the design specifications associated with regional weather events. The costs to defend the contractor, repair the roof, and pay the associated property  damage claims were in excess of $650,000.