News & Resources

Unbalanced Backfill & A Garage Foundation Wall

Posted by in Construction & Shortcuts, Foundations, Masonry, Soil Issues | June 16, 2014

It is not uncommon for a garage floor slab to be raised above the original grade, especially where the grade around the garage slopes down from front to back or side to side.  This hillside or sloped grade setting will… Read More →

Power Washing Shingles?

Posted by in Apparent Mold/Biological Growth, Buying/Maintaining a Home, Roof, Shingles | June 07, 2014

Looking to high pressure wash (power wash) all that dirt, discoloration, mold growth, lichens, etc. off your shingles?  Have you seen advertisements in various local papers regarding high pressure washing shingles?  Here are a few observations. We have the experience… Read More →

Inadvertent Reduction in Attic Ventilation

Posted by in Apparent Mold/Biological Growth, Attic Ventilation, Roof, Water Sources, Winter Concerns, Wood | May 30, 2014

We are often called to evaluate the source of moisture causing mold growth, water damage or wetting of building components in an attic.  These investigations commonly conclude with pointing out a roof or siding leak from a breach in the… Read More →

This Just Ain’t Right

Posted by in The Unusual | May 19, 2014

        Also, why does the sign say “Baggage Claim?”  I’m not claiming any bags.  I am picking up a passenger.  Maybe “Arrival Pick-up” would be better?  And how about “Departure Drop-off” in lieu of “Ticketing, Check-in, Valet… Read More →

Hail Reported at Some Locations in Northeast Ohio (May 12, 2014)

Posted by in Weather Events | May 13, 2014

Last night the local television news media was busy reporting on the tornado warnings and the prolonged, heavy rainfall and pretty much ignored the reports of hail in northern Ohio.  Throughout the evening, wind speeds were reported to be relatively… Read More →

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 →