For thousands of years the openings in brick and stone (masonry) walls have been topped with an arch to provide support for the masonry above. In arch construction, the masonry that forms the arch, is generally wedged in place. The… Read More
Author Archives: Jerry Prugar
Evidence of a Roof Leak
What caused damage to the drywall on this ceiling (Figure 1)? The damage is not due to a one time leakage. It is just too severe for a one time ice dam. Climbing into the attic above the kitchen we… Read More
How Important is Wall Flashing?
Take a look for yourself. I spotted these water and dirt stains on the face of a brick wall. The water and dirt stains are directly under the joint of the metal wall cap. The lap on the metal cap… Read More
Not As Unusual as You Would Think
We get to see some unusual details on the roofs we examine. Here are four that promote leakage and/or loose shingles. Who put the soil stack in a valley? See the featured photo. In heavy rains or during snow melt,… Read More
A Testimony Regarding the Events of Holy Week and Easter Sunday by St. Peter
“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize Him nor… Read More
The Case of the Sinking Wood Deck
It was cold and rainy afternoon. And, while gazing at the rain sheeting down the window, I was ruminating on my plans for the coming weekend. My quite ruminations were interrupted by the loud, sudden ringing of my desk phone. It was a call… Read More
What happens when… someone discharges a firearm into the air?
How often have we been warned by law enforcement officials and the media to not discharge firearms into the air to celebrate some “special event?” In this time when common sense is a super power, I could not estimate the… Read More