News & Resources

Sawing Off the Limb You Are Standing On

Posted by in Roof, The Unusual, Wood | February 02, 2015

Many of us have heard the expression, “You are sawing off the limb you are standing on.”  Often someone will say this during a friendly debate when the other debater is undermining his own argument by discrediting his own evidence.… Read More →

This Doesn’t Look Right

Posted by in Buying/Maintaining a Home, Roof, Wood | January 26, 2015

“If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t,” it one of my favorite saying.  I started saying that after numerous times of seeing something that didn’t look quite right, and upon further examination I found that it wasn’t.  That is… Read More →

What Happens When Battery Acid is Spilled on Concrete?

Posted by in Buying/Maintaining a Home, Concrete | January 12, 2015

It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, “What should you expect?” Concrete is a relatively indestructible material.  When a liquid is accidently spilled on it, wipe it up, and there seems to be no apparent damage.  Often times kitty… Read More →

Pellet Impact Damage to Soft Metals

Posted by in Siding, Simple Forensic Methods | January 05, 2015

So, what does pellet impact damage look like in soft metals such as siding or a metal chimney? See for yourself.         We weren’t asked, but considering the direction of exposure of the siding and the chimney… Read More →

Happy New Year 2015!

Posted by in Commemoration/Celebration | December 29, 2014

… What does 2015 hold in store for us? What will be the BIG weather event of the year? Which world leader will re-shape the geopolitical landscape? What new entertainment fads will develop? What sports heroes will appear to arise… Read More →

Thought for Christmas 2014

Posted by in Commemoration/Celebration | December 22, 2014

. Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” . Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to… Read More →

Garage Whisperer

Posted by in Simple Forensic Methods, Wind Damage, Wood | December 15, 2014

We are often contacted to evaluate “Why is the garage leaning?” and “When did the lean occur?”  (See the featured photo).  With regard to the latter question, fortunately we have super listening powers.  That is, we are able to hear… Read More →

What Can We Tell from This Photo? (Case Study 5)

Posted by in Roof, Shingles, Simple Forensic Methods | December 08, 2014

  This is an exercise to develop the abilities of observation. What can one know from examining this photograph? The cohesive failure of the asphalt in the mat, especially at the right end, indicates that the force required to lift… Read More →