News & Resources

What is all this popping and banging in my home (during frigid temperatures)? – Encore

Posted by in The Unusual, Winter Concerns | February 23, 2015

During the recent frigid temperatures, many home owners heard what they described as loud popping and/or banging sounds in their homes, especially in the attic.  Some even thought that something was thrown up against the side of their home. What… Read More →

Salute to President Ulysses Simpson Grant (1869-1877)

Posted by in Commemoration/Celebration | February 16, 2015

 Happy Presidents’ Day     Hiram Ulysses Grant was born in small home overlooking the Ohio River just east of Cincinnati, Ohio on April 27, 1822. Though he was a hard working lad on his parents’ farm, he was generally… Read More →

Evaluation of Fire Damage to Structural Steel (Primer)

Posted by in Fire Damage, Steel | February 09, 2015

We often get called to evaluate fire damage to structural steel framing.  It may be an evaluation even as simple as one steel beam in a residence.  Some of the evaluations are relatively easy, others more difficult.  But here is… Read More →

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 →