When a water loss occurs, insurance adjusters face immediate pressure to confirm the source, assess the extent of damage, determine the correct category of water, and set a scope of work that is defensible. Fast decisions are essential, but so is accuracy. If hazardous building materials, mould growth, or air quality concerns are overlooked, a claim can easily become more costly for the insurer and the property owner.
At T. Harris Environmental Management Inc., we support insurance adjusters by providing clear, defensible environmental assessments that help move claims forward without unnecessary delays. Our role is to bring clarity to complex situations so that adjusters have reliable findings they can submit directly into claim files.
What Makes Water Damage Claims Complex
Water losses are rarely contained or predictable. Adjusters often encounter challenges such as conflicting reports from contractors, uncertainty about concealed conditions, and limited information in the first few hours of a claim. Key factors that complicate the decision making process include:
- Time sensitive deterioration of building materials
- Uncertainty about whether asbestos containing or designated substances have been impacted
- Mould amplification that can occur within 48 to 72 hours
- Pressure to set a scope that is defensible to both the insured and the insurer
- The need for standardized documentation that aligns with claim workflows
Our environmental assessments help adjusters resolve these uncertainties early in the process. We provide moisture mapping, hazardous materials identification, air sampling, and clear recommendations in plain, technical language used throughout the insurance and restoration sector.
Case Example 1: Multi Floor Commercial Water Damage Event
We were contacted to assess water damage that extended across several floors in a large commercial building. The situation required a rapid response due to the size of the loss and the number of affected tenants.
Our team conducted visual inspections, collected moisture measurements, and completed mould air sampling throughout the impacted floors. These activities allowed us to confirm which areas required removal of materials and which areas could be dried and monitored.
We issued an initial summary to assist the adjuster in making immediate decisions related to safety, containment needs, and restoration direction. A detailed report followed with clear tables for affected materials, sampling results, and specific actions to be taken. This structured approach helped the adjuster avoid unnecessary demolition, supported communication with the restoration contractor, and provided defensible documentation for the claim file.
Case Example 2: Institutional Water Damage in an Ontario School
Following a leak related to ongoing roof work, we performed an initial water damage assessment in several areas of the school. Moisture readings confirmed saturation of ceiling tiles and gypsum board, while visual inspection allowed us to identify all affected materials.
Since the ceiling tiles contained asbestos, only trained personnel were permitted to remove the impacted materials. We classified the water as Category 1 based on IICRC guidelines and outlined actions for cleaning, removal, and follow up assessments. We also recommended a second evaluation after the first 48 hours to ensure that drying was progressing and that mould amplification had not occurred.
This case demonstrated the importance of integrating water damage assessment with designated substances management, especially in older public buildings. Our report gave the adjuster clear direction on which materials needed to be removed, which areas required cleaning, and how the claim should proceed from a regulatory perspective.
How We Support Water Damage Claims
After completing hundreds of assessments in commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential settings, our team understands the level of accuracy and clarity required for insurance claim files. We structure our approach to support adjusters at every stage of the claim.
Our role includes:
- Rapid on site inspection with response times that range from 7 days to 24 hours depending on the scope
- Moisture mapping and identification of water migration pathways
- Classification of water category in accordance with IICRC S500
- Identification of asbestos and designated substances that may affect restoration work
- Mould assessment and indoor air quality testing when required
- Hazardous materials clearance testing following remediation
- Clear summaries for initial decision making and full reports that are aligned with insurer expectations
Why adjusters rely on our assessments
- We use technical language and reporting formats that support claim workflows
- Our findings reduce unnecessary demolition and prevent delays related to uncertainty
- Our reports comply with applicable Ontario regulations, including Ontario Regulation 278/05 and 490/09
- We work with both restoration contractors and adjusters to ensure that the recommended scope aligns with industry standards
- We provide 24 hour availability for events that require immediate assessment
We serve clients throughout Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area and the London region, and we tailor our recommendations to the specific needs of adjusters working under tight timelines.
Connect With Us
If you need support with a current or upcoming water damage claim, our team is ready to assist.
Visit our Contact Page to reach us directly and speak with one of our environmental specialists.