How well do those corrugated brick ties perform over time? Not too well. The wall fallen in the featured photograph exhibited severely corroded ties that contributed to the failure of the brick veneer (Figures 1 and 2). The wall was… Read More
Author Archives: Jerry Prugar
Quickly Identifying Unsealed Shingle Tabs
Here is a quick and easy method to identify unsealed, partially unsealed, or poorly bonded shingle tabs or shingle strips. But I must warn you, “DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT THE RISK OF… Read More
Happy Flag Day (June 14 2017)
What does the flag of the United States of America mean to you? Is it just a colorful piece of fabric, an outdated signaling device, a decoration for your hat or shirt, a symbol of repression or freedom, or something… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photo? (Case Study 14)
The feature photograph was taken of a chimney that had been clad with manufactured stone veneer. This photograph provides helpful information regarding the cause and history of the damage. From this photo we observe the following: There is no waterproof membrane… Read More
Assessing the History of a Water Source (Encore)
For years NASA has been searching the heavens for traces of water proposing that its presence is evidence of life beyond this earth. Water is indeed necessary for the existence of life as we know it. From the Hebrew Scriptures… Read More
Memorial Day (2017)
Please take time this Memorial Day weekend to honor the memory of those who gave their lives to preserve, protect and defend The Constitution for the United States of America. Disclaimer Read More
Public Service Reminder: It’s Time to Get Those Backyard Pools Opened for the Kids
The damage to this swimming pool was not from lightning, as evidenced by the lack of charred or melted materials and a lack of damage to the electrical equipment. The damage to this swimming pool was not from wind, as… Read More
What is Undercutting of a Footing?
In the feature photograph we see where an excavation was performed near a wall. The excavation is nearly alongside the wall and extends well below the bottom of the wall footing, which was about three feet below grade. This type… Read More