What is brick veneer? And why is it laying on the ground in the featured photograph? Brick veneer is in essence a masonry siding, which has been set separate, that is, with an air space (commonly called a cavity), from… Read More
Author Archives: Jerry Prugar
Was the Fallen Plaster Ceiling Damaged by Water?
We were informed that a portion of a plaster ceiling had fallen (featured photograph). The question was, “Was it related to a previous water incident?” The account of the water incident indicated that it occurred on the floor directly above… Read More
Hail Damaged Shingles (Updated)
A few years ago we took a quick look at hand torn shingles and hail damaged shingles. Here is an update to the hail damaged shingles post. Yes, Virginia, we have found hail damage to shingles where others did not… Read More
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” Not just passionate words spoken by Patrick Henry over two hundred years ago, but a declaration that being enslaved was not an option for him. After the significant limitations on our freedoms during… Read More
A Baffling Issue (at 1st) with a Raised Patio Deck
When we get reports of a raised patio deck pitching down, sliding glass doors in the patio walls binding, and doors not latching anymore, we begin by measuring the pitch of the floor and walls to help determine what is… Read More
Even a Slate Roof Can Be Damaged by Hail
Slate tile roof coverings are more expensive than common composite asphalt shingle roof coverings and for good reason: slate is more attractive (this is a personal preference), slate tiles last much longer (50-100 years or more depending on the quality… Read More
Memorial Day – 2020
How can we honor those who gave their lives in the service of their fellow countrymen and countrywomen? I think President Abraham Lincoln gave the best answer to THAT question in his Gettysburg Address Four score and seven years ago… Read More
Old Fracture or New Fracture?
Roof framing that has been exposed to a substantial weight of ice and snow exhibits fractures (see the featured photograph). Were the fractures caused by the recent accumulation of ice and snow? How can the history (age) of a wood… Read More