DC
David Chen, PE
Structural Engineer — Water & Flood Damage Assessment
18+ years of field experience
About
David Chen is a licensed structural engineer who assesses water and flood damage to residential foundations, load-bearing walls, and subfloor systems. He consults on Class 3 and Class 4 water loss events where structural integrity is in question. David reviews HearthDry content involving structural damage, foundation issues, and flood zone risk.
Credentials
- Professional Engineer (PE) — Civil/Structural
- FEMA Building Performance Assessment Team (BPAT) certified
- ASCE 24 Flood Resistant Design credential
PE licence number is held on file and is not published here; the NCEES engineer registry is linked above.
Areas of Expertise
Structural damage assessment after floodingFoundation and slab leak structural impactsFEMA flood zone and BFE analysisLoad-bearing wall and subfloor evaluationPost-hurricane structural safety protocols
Editorial Review Scope
Structural damage guides, flood risk content, and commercial property pages.
Reviewed Guides(29 guides)
- Roof Leak Causing Ceiling Water Damage: How to Assess, Dry, and Claim
- Toilet Overflow and Sewage Backup Cleanup: What Homeowners Must Know
- Bathtub & Shower Leak: Subfloor Damage Signs & Repair
- Foundation Cracks & Basement Water Intrusion Guide
- Hurricane Storm Surge & Flooding: What Homeowners Must Know
- Mold on the Bathroom Ceiling: Condensation or a Leak? (2026)
- Mold on Window Sills: Condensation or a Leak, and How to Stop It (2026)
- Black Mold in the Shower: Grout, Caulk, or Behind the Tile? (2026)
- Mold on Drywall: When You Can Clean It and When It Has to Come Out (2026)
- Mold in an Air Conditioner: Window Units, Central Systems, and When It's a Pro Job (2026)