Author Archives: Jerry Prugar

Siding Distorted by Heat

Posted by in Siding, The Unusual | May 16, 2016

On occasion we are called to look at siding that has been severely distorted over a small area (Figures 1 and 2).   What causes this?  Sometimes we have seen the distortion due to heat from a barbeque grill being… Read More →

Hail Damaged Shingles

Posted by in Hail Damage, Roof, Shingles, Weather Events | May 09, 2016

Last week we took a quick look at hand torn shingles. This week it is hail damaged shingles. Yes, Virginia, there have been hail damaged shingles. Hail damage to a composite asphalt shingle is commonly characterized by a small area… Read More →

Hand Torn Shingles

Posted by in Roof, Shingles, Wind Damage | May 02, 2016

Most things are made better by hand, such as, automobile engines, pies, furniture, chocolate, etc. However, hand-made “wind damage” to shingles is an oxymoron. Here are a few examples of hand-torn shingles and their evidence of being hand torn.  Look… Read More →

What Does a Landslide Look Like?

Posted by in Foundations, Soil Issues | April 25, 2016

What is a landslide?  A landslide is a mass of soil sliding down a hillside. Why would a mass of soil slide down a hill?  When a mass of soil on a hillside of embankment becomes unstable it slides down… Read More →

What is a Lintel and What is Lintel Lift (or Rust Jacking)? (Encore)

Posted by in Masonry | April 18, 2016

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 →

Evidence of a Roof Leak

Posted by in Roof, Water Sources | April 11, 2016

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?

Posted by in Masonry, Water Sources | April 04, 2016

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

Posted by in Roof, Shingles | March 31, 2016

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 →