Flashing Roof Pipe Penetrations

Flashing Roof Pipe Penetrations

Flashing used to seal penetrations through a roof system are commonly referred to as roof jacks in the Houston area.  On a composition shingle roof, one of the most common roofs in our area, these flashing are often poorly installed by roofing crews creating a greater...
Is Water The Next Oil?

Is Water The Next Oil?

Is water the next oil? Water conservation is a growing concern among engineers working in water supply infrastructure in Texas and other western states.  I attended a National Association of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE) seminar a couple of years ago and one...
Cracks in Post Tension Slab?

Cracks in Post Tension Slab?

I had a call this morning from a prospective client who was concerned about cracks in the concrete foundation of the home they were building.  Most often the cracks extend across the entire foundation and occur prior to tensioning of the tendon cables.  This is a...
Relief Trenches – Who Needs Them!

Relief Trenches – Who Needs Them!

“What is a relief trench?” you ask.  A relief trench is a ditch installed as part of site preparation for construction of a slab on grade foundation.  A relief trench is intended to drain water from the forms to a safe location in the event of rain before concrete can...
Summer Heats Up Affecting Foundations

Summer Heats Up Affecting Foundations

It is getting hot in Houston and the soil is starting to dry out in the summer sun.  I am starting to find significant separations between the soil and the edges of the foundations in many homes where I have been asked to evaluate the foundation performance.  The most...
Flooding Concerns In the Houston Area

Flooding Concerns In the Houston Area

As I write this I the news is covering the areas of flooding.  Just a reminder that you can check flood levels at the Harris County Flood Warning System site. Use the pull down menus on the left to adjust time frames and locations....