Monthly Webinars

Learn from the comfort of your own desk with Donan University monthly webinars.

  • February 27, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Incendiary Fires
    Presented by: Bill Guthrie, IAAI-CFI, CVFI

    What is a incendiary fire and how do we distinguish it from accidental, natural, and undetermined fire causes? Learn about the various fire causes, incendiary fire indicators, and how to identify motive versus intent.

    This course is approved for adjuster CE credit in AL, FL, GA, IN, TX, and WY, with pending approvals in MS, NC, NM, and OK.

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  • March 13, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Understanding Building Codes & Property Damage
    Presented by: Herb Goff, P.E., P.G., CFEI and Steven Little, P.E.

    Using common guidelines and building codes, this course will review the mistakes in framing, wall covering, stairways, and exterior grade of residential and commercial construction, as well as the potential problems to which these mistakes can lead.

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  • March 27, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Adjusters Guide to Tile Roofing
    Presented by: Chris Scallion, P.E., RRC

    There are several sources to consider when determining the cause of tile roof damage. This course will cover wind, hail, and storm damage, as well as structural damage from snow loads. Learn how to differentiate between storm damage, installation, or age-related issues, and the science behind snow loading.

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  • April 10, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Addressing Misconceptions: Mold
    Presented by: Steven Pace, P.E. and Richard Grimshaw, P.E.

    What is mold and how does it affect you? This course reviews the fundamental concepts of mold in residential buildings, the U.S. Government’s statements and resources, common household conditions that cause mold to grow, and ways to prevent and remove it.

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  • April 24, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Water Damage, Part I
    Presented by: Paul Burtis, P.E.

    How can water get in your home and what damage can it lead to? This course will teach you how to identify sources of moisture, the cause and effect of fungal growth, and when water damage can lead to long-term issues.

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  • May 08, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Water Damage, Part II
    Presented by: Juan Rafols, P.E.

    Uncovering the duration of water in an area is one of the key factors in determining coverage for a claim. Learn how to calculate the time frame of water on drywall, lumber and decking, and cabinetry.

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  • May 22, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Mitigating Water Losses
    Presented by: Blake Partridge, P.E. and Richard Grimshaw, P.E.

    Many insurance carriers have specific requirements for mitigation vendors to follow in order to qualify for their program. Learn the industry standards, how to determine the necessary equipment needed, and how to justify the costs associated with the mitigation process.

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  • June 05, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Residential Kitchen Fires
    Presented by: Nathan P. Bromen, IAAI-CFI

    A high percentage of residential fires are caused by unattended food on the range. Learn about trade practices, technical forensics used to determine the cause of residential cooking fires, and ways to minimize risk.

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  • June 19, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Adjusters Guide to Slate Roofing
    Presented by: David Ellermann, P.E. and Gary W. Ellis, P.E.

    When determining the cause of damage to slate roofs, there are many sources to consider. Learn about the general properties of slate, commonly misidentified wind and hail damage, and how to determine if a repair or replacement is needed.

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  • July 10, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Forensic Meteorology & Property Investigations
    Presented by: John Miller, P.E.

    With new satellite data, advanced computers, and software, meteorology reports are more detailed than ever. This course will cover the available resources, their benefits and limitations, and how to utilize the information in expert reports.

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  • July 24, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Ethics
    Presented by: Scott Aeschleman

    In this course, we will explore the moral standards and values of what is required to maintain an adjuster license, the do’s and don’ts in insurance claims management, and industry initiatives to help you self-regulate through ethical based case studies.

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  • August 07, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Asbestos and the Fire Scene: A Hidden Hazard
    Presented by: James Enos, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CVFI

    Safe while intact, asbestos presents many hazards to those investigating a fire scene. Learn about the hidden hazard awaiting you, what makes it dangerous, the potential health effects, and how to protect yourself and your vendors.

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  • August 21, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Adjusters Guide to Sump Pumps: Sewer Backups versus Flood
    Presented by: Adrian France, P.E. and Jonathon Woodard, P.E.

    Improper installation of sewage and sump pumps can lead to costly clean up and repair. This course will review the general workings of these pumps, conducting an effective failure analysis, the basis of flooding and how floodwater enters a structure, and how to decipher between floodwater and sewer backflow.

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  • September 04, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Impact Damages: Repair versus Replace
    Presented by: Jeff Coyne, P.E. and J. Marvin Aikens III, P.E., CFEI

    Repair or replace? That is the question. This course will review how to assess structural damage post-impact, signs of pre-existing damage, when to involve a forensic engineer, and the necessary steps to resolve the damage.

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  • September 18, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Damages to Docks & Seawalls
    Presented by: Matthew Hodge, P.E. and J. Marvin Aikens III, P.E., CFEI

    Heavy rains and flooding events continually cause damages to floating structures on lakes and rivers. This course will review the typical construction methods and failure modes of floating, fixed, and bulkhead structures, how to identify the structure types, and common wind and water forces on docks.

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  • October 02, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Hail Study: Effect of Time on Blemished Shingles
    Presented by: Robert Whelan, Jr., P.E., MEng, CFEI, MB

    It is not uncommon during asphalt roofing hail damage claims to ask the question, how old is the damage? Learn about how shingles age, the impacts of hail, and the tests conducted at our Component Testing Laboratory to determine the cause of damage.

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  • October 16, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    What to Expect from a Forensic Investigator
    Presented by: John Miller, P.E.

    Unsure of what you can expect from a Forensic Investigator? Learn about the basis of forensics, the legal standards an investigator must meet, when to call an expert, and what you can expect from their report.

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  • November 06, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Technical Investigation Tools
    Presented by: Matthew Kenney, P.E., CFEI and John Hill, IAAI-CFI, CFEI, CVFI

    Advancements in technology are continuously reshaping and improving the claims process. Learn about the tools used in forensic investigations, their capabilities, and how they can benefit you.

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  • November 20, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Residential & Commercial Snow Loading
    Presented by: Michael Drinkwater, P.E. and Chris Scallion, P.E., RRC

    The weight of snow and ice could lead to structural damage. This course will discuss how wood-framed structures behave under snow loads, what defines structural damage, ice dams, and how to utilize historical snow load data.

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  • December 04, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    Investigating Commercial Kitchen Fires
    Presented by: Jim Sielehr, IAAI-CFI

    Commercial kitchen fires can devastate a business, leading to lost revenue and permanent closure. This course will teach you how to identify commercial kitchen fire hazards, construction and maintenance deficiencies, and safety issues.

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  • December 18, 2019
    11:00 a.m. ET
    The Daubert Challenge: Lessons Learned From Fighting the Motion to Exclude
    Presented by: Emily Faith, JD

    Donan experts have testified hundreds of times and have been identified as experts in many litigated matters. In the course of Donan’s involvement, opposing parties have, on occasion, made motions to exclude our professionals, as identified expert witnesses. This course will review a variety of case studies and describe how Donan experts have survived every motion to exclude their expert opinions and testimony.

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