Author Archives: Jerry Prugar

One of the Keys for an Engineering Investigation

Posted by in Simple Forensic Methods | May 05, 2014

In one of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson asks Mr. Holmes how he was going to be able to identify which of the suspects was lying.  Mr. Holmes answered, “We look for consistency.  Where there is a… Read More →

Evaluating the History of a Leaning Garage

Posted by in Simple Forensic Methods, Wind Damage, Wood | April 28, 2014

Here are a couple tips for evaluating the history of a leaning garage. Sometimes a four foot level is helpful in measuring the lean of a garage.  Other times the lean is so obvious, no measurement is needed.    … Read More →

Attic Wetness – Pattern of Condensation vs Pattern of Leakage

Posted by in Attic Ventilation, Roof, Simple Forensic Methods, Water Sources, Winter Concerns | April 21, 2014

We are often called to evaluate the source of moisture causing mold growth, water damage or wetting of building components.  These conditions may be in an attic, a living area, a crawlspace, a basement, a garage, etc.  The source of… Read More →

Log From a Reporter’s Notebook Regarding Easter (2014)

Posted by in Commemoration/Celebration | April 14, 2014

    Who:    Jesus Christ, revealed as the second person of the three person God. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit… Read More →

Why is My Chimney Sweating?

Posted by in Chimneys, Masonry, Roof, Winter Concerns | April 07, 2014

When the chimney and/or the framing, plaster, or drywall around it are wet, most assume that the wetness is due to a roof leak.  And, although roof leaks at chimneys are not uncommon, sometimes the wetness is due to another… Read More →

Time to Play – Old Crack vs. New Crack – Part 2

Posted by in Simple Forensic Methods | March 31, 2014

Time to play old crack-new crack Here is how it is played: We will provide a series of photos.  You are to determine whether or not they are old or new. The correct answers are provided at the end of… Read More →

Time to play – Old Crack vs. New Crack – Part 1

Posted by in Simple Forensic Methods | March 24, 2014

Time to play old crack-new crack Here is how it is played: We will provide a series of photos.  You are to determine whether or not they are old or new. The correct answers are provided at the end of… Read More →

What is Creep?

Posted by in Structural terms, Wood | March 10, 2014

Creep is a permanent sag in the wood member (it may also occur in concrete or masonry) caused by the stretching and adjusting of the wood fibers to the sustained weight on them, that is, the weight of the member… Read More →