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Failure Analysis
When a material, component, or system fails before its expected service life, understanding why prevents the same failure from happening again. Failure analysis looks at the physical evidence to determine the actual mechanism of failure. This is a deeper level of scrutiny than a routine inspection — we test the material itself rather than just observe its condition.
Common signs
- Premature material degradation
- Unexpected corrosion or decay
- Coating or sealant failure well before expected service life
- Repeated failures of the same component
- Failure inconsistent with normal wear
Potential causes
- Material incompatibility
- Manufacturing or installation defects
- Environmental exposure beyond design assumptions
- Improper maintenance
- Design load or use beyond original intent
What we test and document
- Visual and material condition assessment
- Material sampling and testing
- Comparison against manufacturer specifications and expected service life
- Environmental exposure evaluation
- Documentation suitable for technical or legal review
What you receive
A written report identifying the failure mechanism, contributing factors, and supporting documentation.
Investigator vs. contractor
A contractor is often right when the source of a problem is already known. An independent investigation is worth it when the source isn’t clear, a previous repair didn’t work, or you need documentation you can rely on before spending money on repairs.
Common questions
What’s the difference between failure analysis and a general inspection?
Failure analysis focuses specifically on why a material or system failed, using physical evidence rather than a general condition assessment.
Can failure analysis determine if a product was defective?
It can identify whether a failure is consistent with a manufacturing defect, installation issue, or another cause.
Is failure analysis used in disputes?
Yes — determining the mechanism and cause of a failure is often central to warranty, defect, or liability questions.
Local considerations
Coastal salt air and UV exposure accelerate certain material failures — a factor considered in Central Coast failure analysis.
