We are often called in to evaluate as to whether some particular damage is old or new, that is, did it occur recently as reported or has it been present and possibly progressing for years. As experienced forensic engineers we… Read More
Author Archives: Jerry Prugar
Evaluation of Concrete for Fire Damage
Just read a well-written article in Structure magazine about evaluating fire damage to concrete foundations, entitled Engineering Evaluation of Fire Damage to Concrete Foundations, by Peter Marxhausen, M.S., P.E. Mr. Marxhausen writes about his approach to evaluating numerous concrete foundations… Read More
Bulging in a Clay Brick Wall
What causes a clay brick wall to bulge outward as we see in Photo CBW-1? A bulging clay brick wall is an unexpected sight to most observers. When one becomes aware of a bulging brick wall one is usually startled… Read More
Can Ventilation Really Reduce Condensation and Mold Growth in an Attic?
Most in the construction industry know that the attics of wood framed structures require adequate ventilation to reduce the risk of the condensation of excessive airborne moisture and the resulting mold growth. But, how much does ventilation reduce condensation and… Read More
When Winterizing a Swimming Pool
Here’s an important reason to lower the water level in a swimming pool when winterizing. If the water level is not properly lowered in a swimming pool when it is closed for the season, that is, the water level is… Read More
A Roofer’s Nightmare
Roof leakage through an asphalt shingle roof covering can be the result of many causes. Sometimes the shingles were damaged by some event, other times its severe wear from aging, we have seen improper installation, or as we discuss here… Read More
Some Comments Regarding Soffit (or Overhang) Vents
Soffit (or overhang) vents provide free vent area for cooler or drier air to enter into the attic and replace the hotter and/or damper air that vents out through the upper vents comprised commonly of a power vent, ridge vents,… Read More
Did You Know? (Lumber)
Some Interesting Effects of Moisture on Lumber Sawn Lumber Raising the moisture content in sawn lumber from normal use conditions (moisture content < 15%) to fully saturated decreases the stiffness about 25%, thus increasing deflection immediately by 33%. Creep is… Read More