Category: Featured Post

Laminated Shingle Repair – May 2024

Laminated Shingle Repair

Can 36-inch laminated asphalt shingles be repaired with metric-sized laminated asphalt shingles?

By Steven R. Smith, P.E., Director of Research & Testing, Forensic Engineer

Laminated shingles today are manufactured in “metric” sizes, which nominally measure one meter in length and about 1/3 meter in width. Long ago, several roofing manufacturers made laminated shingles the same size as their three-tab varieties, which were, and continue to measure 36 inches in length and 12 inches in width. Many of the older, 36-inch-long shingles are still in service today, but can a reliable roof repair be made to an old roof using larger, modern day laminated shingles?

This has become a common question in today’s roofing industry because of possible issues regarding mismatched nailing patterns, misalignments, aesthetic issues, exposed nails and unsightly overlaps.  These questions have further raised concerns that making repairs with larger shingles could cause roof leaks or diminish the wind resistance of the roof.

Haag Research & Testing, a division of Haag Global, delved into this topic by purchasing bundles of discontinued, 36-inch-long shingles and tested repair methods for their viability. We evaluated the process of trimming a larger metric shingle down to size for use in making repairs to the smaller, 36-inch-long shingles. Our procedures evaluated nailing patterns, overlaps, alignments, and even the wind resistance of repairs using our state of the art wind generator. 

Our procedures, technical considerations, test methods, and results are presented in a new technical publication titled “Repairing an Existing 36-inch Laminated Asphalt Shingle with Metric-Sized Laminated Asphalt Shingles”. The paper discusses the technical considerations regarding fastener placement, the use of shingle adhesive, effects of ambient temperatures during roof installation, and even an unexpected consequence when old, but otherwise new shingles (still in their bundle packaging) are installed.  

View Haag Research & Testing’s study, available for purchase here. 
Laminated Shingle Repair
Figure 1: Panel constructed with 36-inch-long shingles to replicate a roof.
Laminated Shingle Repair
Figure 2: Simulating a diagonal row of shingles removed by wind.
Laminated Shingle Repair
Figure 3: Test panel positioned in front of wind generator.
Laminated Shingle Repair
Figure 4: Catastrophic failure of shingles subjected to strong wind. (Note airborne shingles.)
Laminated Shingle Repair
Figure 5: Shingle torn at fasteners during wind testing.

Author

STEVE SMITH, P.E., DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & TESTING, PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Steven R. Smith is a Forensic Engineer with Haag Engineering Co., and the Director of Research & Testing. Mr. Smith is an experienced forensic engineer who began his career with Haag more than 24 years ago. He spent seven years working as a Senior Lab Technician while earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been involved with the lab throughout his career, and has been able to leverage his extensive and practical engineering field experience with research and testing projects.

Mr. Smith’s areas of expertise include accident reconstruction, mechanical equipment evaluations, code and standards compliance, roofing system evaluations, and fires and explosions. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Arkansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and Pi Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Prior to joining Haag, Mr. Smith was a Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy. He trained at the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command Center in Orlando Florida and was stationed on the USS Arkansas (CGN-41), where he maintained reactor and steam plant chemistry, performed radiological controls, and operated mechanical equipment in the propulsion plant.

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

Expert Spotlight: William Ashman, P.E., Forensic Engineer

Haag 100 Year Anniversary - A century of forensic innovation

Engineering Expert Spotlight: William (Bill) Ashman, P.E. - Salt Lake City, Utah

William (Bill) Ashman, P.E., brings a unique blend of passion and expertise to his role as a Forensic Engineer at Haag Global. With a career spanning five years in engineering and consulting, Bill’s journey into this field was sparked by a childhood fascination with architectural sketches and a pivotal physics class in high school. These early influences ignited his interest in engineering, setting him on a path towards becoming a seasoned professional in the field.

When it comes to solving complex engineering problems, Bill subscribes to Kidlin’s Law: “If you write the problem down clearly, then the matter is half solved.” He believes in meticulously documenting the problem at hand, enabling stakeholders to provide feedback and consensus while streamlining the solution process. This pragmatic approach has served him well throughout his career, allowing him to balance budgetary constraints with optimizing effective solutions.

William (Bill) Ashman, PE - Salt Lake City Utah

Effective communication and collaboration are paramount in Bill’s projects, as he understands the importance of timely, transparent communication rooted in reality. By sharing information openly and honestly, Bill facilitates a collaborative environment where problems can be defined clearly, and solutions can be developed efficiently.

One of Bill’s proudest accomplishments in his engineering career was his significant contribution to the design of the Nashville International Airport Arrivals Facility. This project was featured in the Modern Steel Construction October 2022 issue, marking a milestone in his professional journey.

Looking ahead, Bill is eager to expand his range of practice through licensure in adjacent states and aspires to achieve licensure as an “SE” in addition to being a “PE.” His commitment to continuous growth and development reflects his dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence.

With a solid background in design and forensic engineering, Bill has honed his skills in structural evaluations, wind damage assessment, and moisture intrusion analysis. His expertise extends to bridges, culverts, retaining walls, and sign structures, making him a valuable asset to Haag Global.

Through his meticulous attention to detail, pragmatic problem-solving approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Bill Ashman exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional engineer and a notable contributor to our company.

Storm Reports: Where Do They Come From? – April 2024

Storm Report Puzzle

Storm Reports: Where do they come from (Part 1)

To reconstruct a weather event, a forensic meteorologist searches through numerous databases looking for as much ground truth as possible. One source of ground truth is the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Storm Events Database which provides the official record for storm reports.

During and after any given weather event, meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices receive reports of both severe and sub-severe weather from over a dozen different sources (Figure 1). After the weather events, each of the 122 NWS Forecast Offices review the reports before submitting them to the Storm Events Database. This quality control process usually requires 75-90 days after a weather event takes place for the official, published reports to become publicly available.

NWS Operations
Figure 1. NWS Weather Forecast Offices receive weather reports from numerous sources during and after severe weather events.

However, the details of a meteorological event can, at times, be painted with information not found in the Storm Events Database. Given the influx of reports from so many sources, it’s very easy for some of these reports to go unnoticed or undocumented by the NWS. Likewise, when there are numerous reports in one area, the NWS may simply take the largest report or consolidate reports into swaths. As such, some weather reports are not included in the official database produced and maintained by the NWS. Therefore, forensic meteorologists often need to search through the available unofficial databases, along with the officially published record when reconstructing a weather event.

Storm reports that are initially received by the NWS Weather Forecast Offices are documented as Preliminary Local Storm Reports (PLSRs). PLSRs are official products from the NWS typically issued in near real-time during a weather event, and most commonly contain severe weather reports, such as hail greater than 1.00-inch, wind greater than 58 mph, and tornadoes, along with the time and location of occurrence. However, there are times that sub-severe weather is noteworthy to the partners of the NWS (e.g. broadcast media and emergency management), so PLSRs are often produced to indicate sub-severe weather reports as well. PLSRs will, at times, contain information such as heavy rainfall amounts, snow amounts, and dense fog, among other minor weather impacts. There are certainly times in the analysis of a weather event that sub-severe weather reports will help reconstruct the details of that event. In the end, the Storm Events Database is typically populated with severe weather reports, while omitting most of the sub-severe reports and minor impacts.  

PLSRs that meet severe weather criteria (1.00-inch hail, 58 mph wind, and/or tornado) become available in the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) Storm Reports database in near real-time. This is useful because there is a 75–90-day lag between the severe weather event and when the storm reports from that event are officially published in the NCEI Storm Events Database. While SPC storm reports are not quality-controlled they offer perhaps the best resource for ground truth information in the time between a severe weather event and the publishing of the official reports in the Storm Events Database.

Other storm report databases contain information provided by members of the public, who are interested in participating in the collection of weather data. Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground (mPING) was established in 2012 in a joint venture with the University of Oklahoma, the National Severe Storms Laboratory, and Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorology Studies (now CIWRO).  mPING was developed to allow citizens to upload real-time meteorological information, including hail and wind reports using the GPS capabilities of their smart devices and a downloadable app. Archived mPING data can be viewed using third-party radar software.

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network was established in 1998 and contains thousands of volunteers nation-wide who submit daily precipitation, rainfall, and snowfall measurements from their places of business or residence. When severe weather moves through their area, volunteers have the capability to submit hail reports and provide comments describing the storms.

These are just a few of the publicly available sources for unofficial storm reports that forensic meteorologists may utilize when analyzing an event. While there is an element of quality control in the process of publishing the information into the Storm Events Database, the omission of reports from PLSRs, SPC Storm Reports, mPING, CoCoRaHS, or any other unofficial database does not necessarily preclude those reports from being useful in the post-event analysis. These reports, combined with sound analysis by an experienced meteorologist can help provide details into events otherwise not made possible by using solely the NCEI Storm Events Database.

In Part 2, we will show an example of how Haag Certified Consulting Meteorologists can use unofficial databases to help paint the details of a complex severe weather event by supplementing the official, published storm reports with information provided by PLSRs, mPING, and CoCoRaHS. 

Storm Report Puzzle

Author

Jared Leighton
Jared Leighton, CCM, FORENSIC Meteorologist 

Jared Leighton, CCM, is a Forensic Meteorologist with Haag Engineering Co. Based near Kansas City, Jared Leighton has over 16 years of experience in meteorology. He has spent the last decade as Senior Forecaster for NOAA National Weather Service in Kansas City, Missouri, and as a General Forecaster and Meteorological Intern prior to that position.

Mr. Leighton has extensive, comprehensive experience in NWS forecast operations across multiple geographic areas, including frequent supervision of severe and winter weather watch and warning operations. He regularly conducted storm surveys, both solo and as storm survey team lead, including multiple tornadoes in Kansas and Missouri, as well as the severe weather event on September 15, 2010, in which 7.75 inch hail occurred in Wichita, Kansas (the second largest certified hailstone recorded in the US). Mr. Leighton led and participated in several research teams, resulting in five peer-reviewed formal publications as well as presentations at local, regional, and national conferences. He also organized local storm spotter training in coordination with emergency management and led the Storm Ready community preparedness program.

Mr. Leighton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of California Davis. He is an American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM #783).

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

Expert Spotlight: Jonathan Goode, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President of Engineering

Haag 100 Year Anniversary - A century of forensic innovation

Jonathan goode: the engineering expert driving innovation at haag global

Jonathan Goode, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President of Engineering and Forensic Engineer at Haag Global, exemplifies excellence in engineering, seamlessly weaving together a tapestry of expertise, experience, and passion that distinguishes him in his field. With a comprehensive educational background encompassing B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural and Civil Engineering from the University of Georgia, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Colorado State University, Jonathan has laid a formidable foundation for his illustrious career.

Jonathan’s journey into engineering and consulting was sparked by a pivotal moment during Hurricane Opal in 1995, where his intrigue with wind and its impact on structures was piqued. This early fascination has since evolved into a lifelong dedication to understanding and mitigating structural vulnerabilities, a commitment that permeates every aspect of his work.

Jonathan Goode, Ph.D., P.E. - VP of Engineering

Throughout his tenure at Haag Global, Jonathan has showcased his prowess in structural evaluations, damage assessment, and forensic engineering, playing a pivotal role in evaluating and reporting on numerous high-profile cases involving roof collapses, storm damage, and construction defects. His problem-solving approach is grounded in simplicity, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces and discerning the interactions between them. He recognizes that logic, reasoning and the simple application of engineering sciences can often suffice without need for extensive calculations. This pragmatic mindset underscores his ability to navigate intricate challenges with efficiency and effectiveness. His expertise extends beyond mere technical proficiency, as evidenced by his ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaborative relationships both within and outside the organization.

As a leader, Jonathan’s visionary outlook and dedication to mentorship set him apart. His tenure as an Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University and his role in establishing the Natural Hazards Research Laboratory bear testament to his passion for education and research. He has been published in over a dozen peer-reviewed scientific journals, underscoring his contributions to the advancement of engineering knowledge. At Haag, he continues to inspire and lead by example, earning the trust and respect of his colleagues through his unwavering dedication to excellence.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jonathan maintains a steadfast commitment to work-life balance, prioritizing family and personal well-being without compromising on his dedication to his craft. His transition from academia to Haag exemplifies his ability to align his career with his passions, ultimately finding fulfillment in a role that allows him to make a meaningful impact in his chosen field.

Looking ahead, Jonathan remains steadfast in his vision for the future of Haag Global, envisioning a company that continues to attract top talent, expand its reach, and solidify its position as a leader in forensic engineering and consulting. With each new project and every new team member, Jonathan sees an opportunity to further the company’s mission and uphold its values, ensuring a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond his tenure. Jonathan is a visionary leader whose passion, expertise, and dedication continue to shape the future of our company and the industry at large.

Jonathan is located in Dallas, Texas. He is a licensed professional engineer in 17 states (AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX and VA). He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and serves on the Committee on Forensic Practices in the Forensic Engineering Division. 

Ice Ball Impact Testing Featured by CBS Texas

Haag’s Testing Laboratory was featured by a local CBS affiliate, demonstrating our ice ball impacting capabilities. Check out dramatic footage of testing using Haag’s patented IBL-7 ice ball launcher and IBL-9 for large ice balls & other projectiles.

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

Haag’s Test Square Method – March 2024 Blog

Haag’s Test Square Method

As we commemorate Haag’s 100th anniversary, we reflect on a century of remarkable and pivotal projects that have defined the legacy of Haag.

One such enduring contribution is Haag’s Test Square Method, a methodology pioneered by Haag engineers since the early 1960s. This method stands as a testament to simplicity, precision, and repeatability in assessing the extent of hail damage on roofs. Its significance lies in the establishment of clear rules and procedures for hail damage assessment, helping to eliminate disagreements among professionals in the field.

The Test Square method has evolved into the standard inspection procedure for determining hail damage worldwide, used by contractors, adjusters, engineers, and various stakeholders, attesting to its universal applicability.

The genesis of this methodology dates back to the 1960s, when assessing hail damage on cedar shingle roofing was a common challenge. With cedar shingle roofs boasting 350-400 individual shingles per square (100 square feet), a comprehensive assessment was a time-consuming task. In response, visionaries such as Wayne Parish, John Stewart, Stoney Kirkpatrick, and others at Haag Engineering deliberated on employing statistical sampling for hail damage assessment.

After experimenting with different sample area sizes, they found that 100 square feet or one roofing square struck the perfect balance—being statistically representative, practical in terms of time, and easily comprehensible in discussions. Recognizing the directional impact of wind-driven hail, a decision was made to conduct a test square on each directional face of the roof.

The methodology made its formal debut in “Hail Damage to Red Cedar Shingles” (American Insurance Association, 1975) and later in Haag’s publication “Hail Damage to Wood Shingle and Shake Roofs: Assessment Criteria” (Haag Engineering Co., 1985). Subsequently, it underwent peer review and was presented as a comprehensive procedure two decades ago at the North American Conference on Roofing Technology in a paper titled “Protocol for Assessment of Hail-Damaged Roofing” (Tim Marshall and Richard Herzog, 1999). Today, the Haag Test Square Method endures as a cornerstone in the realm of hail damage assessment, embodying a legacy that spans decades and continents.

A 10-foot by 10-foot square of roofing.

While initially developed for cedar shingle roofs, the Haag Test Square Method has proven its adaptability to a variety of steep slope roofing systems, including cedar shakes, concrete and clay tiles, as well as asphalt shingles.

Additionally, its applicability extends to assessing hail-caused damage on low slope membrane roof systems.

The method is simple:

  1. Draw out a 10×10 ft. square on each directional roofing slope, avoiding overhanging trees and areas of concentrated foot traffic if possible.
  2. Examine every shingle, shake, or tile within that square closely, including hand-manipulating to check for creases, breaks, soft spots, and bruising.
  3. Record and differentiate the types of marks or physical damage found within that test square. For assessment of hail damage, determine a count of how many roofing units have been hail-damaged in the test square. (For low-slope membrane roofing, the count represents how many hail-caused fractures, punctures, or ruptured areas exist in the test square.)
  4. Calculate the actual roofing area (in squares) that face each direction.
  5. The test square results can then be extrapolated for the entire roof by multiplying the numbered of damaged shingles per square by the roofing squares for each direction, producing an estimate of damaged shingles for the entire roof.

Repair Cost Estimation:

  • Determine the repair cost estimate for the hail-caused damage using a unit repair costs applicable for the roofing material and geographical area through the DURA formula as shown below.
  • Repair Cost = D x U x R x A
    • D: Number of damaged shingles, shakes, or tiles per roofing square
    • U: Unit cost to repair a shingle, shake, or tile 
    • R: Repair Difficulty Factor (1, 1.5, or 2)
    • A: Actual area of the slope (in roofing squares) 

As a comprehensive and adaptable approach, it continues to stand as a cornerstone in the field of hail damage assessment.

References– 1975 Red Book (AIA), 1985 Haag Assessment Criteria, and the 1999 Protocol Paper.

Author

RICHARD HERZOG, FORENSIC ENGINEER

Richard Herzog is a Principal Engineer, Meteorologist, and Minneapolis Office Engineering Manager at Haag Engineering Co. He has been with Haag for over 28 years, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in 14 states. Mr. Herzog is an active member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, the Roof Consultants Institute, the Roofing Industry Council on Weather Issues (RICOWI), Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers, and the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau. He earned Bachelors of Sciences degrees in Civil Engineering and Meteorology from Penn State University.

Mr. Herzog’s primary areas of consulting are Roofing Systems, Building Envelope Systems, Evaluation of Wind Damage to Structures, Construction Defect Evaluations, Meteorological Investigations, Development of Hail Analysis Software, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.  He serves as a primary advisor in the creation of many Haag Education seminars and products.

*Richard’s original blog was posted in April 2019. 

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

Expert Spotlight: Justin Kestner, P.E. – CEO, Principal Engineer

Haag 100 Year Anniversary - A century of forensic innovation

Justin Kestner, P.E., MS, MBA - A Leader in Engineering Excellence

Justin Kestner, President, CEO and Principal Engineer of Haag Global, has built a diverse career rooted in forensic engineering consulting and expert witness services. With over 27 years’ engineering experience overall including 18 years of dedicated service at Haag, Justin has ascended through various roles, starting at Haag as an associate engineer and progressing to his present leadership position 10 years ago. His journey has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to his work, an ever-expanding knowledge base, and a dedication to professional development.

Justin’s expertise lies in structural evaluations, roofing system assessments, geotechnical evaluations, moisture source evaluations, and construction defect evaluations. Beyond his executive role, he actively contributes to Haag’s consulting services, providing expert testimony in cases ranging from alleged roofing product defects to building envelope damage/performance, building collapse, intellectual property, and bridge damage/performance.

Justin Kestner, PE, CEO and Principal Engineer

A notable aspect of Justin’s career is his commitment to knowledge sharing and education. He has played a significant role in teaching continuing education courses for Haag Education, co-developing sinkhole-related seminars, and contributing to the creation of Haag’s Certified Inspector programs for roofing damage assessment, both in residential and commercial settings. Additionally, he has shared his findings and insights at industry conferences, such as the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB) and with student chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Justin recognizes the importance of attending industry conferences as an invaluable source for staying abreast of emerging technologies. He continues to foster the dialogue from these events and other recent trends through Haag’s quarterly Expert Technical Exchanges (ETEs). During these events, outside speakers and Haag’s own experts share their knowledge on a variety of topics that are relevant to the dynamic nature of both engineering practices and the evolving needs of our clients. 

Influenced by Haag’s 60+ years of hail research, Justin has long supported and participated in laboratory wind- and hail-related testing of building envelope materials and other products, such as solar panels. Haag’s testing lab achieved accreditation by IAS and greatly expanded its equipment and capabilities during Justin’s tenure as CEO.  

Justin champions effective communication and team collaboration at Haag Global, especially as it relates to executing large, complex projects. Some notable recent examples of complex projects involving large teams of experts that Justin supported include tornado damage assessments for Dallas Independent School District, litigation support for Hurricane Maria damage assessments of high-rise and multi-family developments in Puerto Rico, and fire damage assessment of the Jamalco bauxite refinery in Jamaica. These projects required seamless collaboration between Haag’s talented structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, construction consultants, meteorologists, and scanning experts to deliver comprehensive solutions.

There has been a multitude of impactful projects that have helped shape Justin’s career. From the Hoover Dam bypass bridge erection towers collapse to the Champlain Towers South collapse and Hurricane Katrina aftermath, each project has contributed to his growth and expertise. Furthermore, he acknowledges the influence of Haag legends who served as mentors and played pivotal roles in shaping his career trajectory. Since mentorship holds a special place in Justin’s professional ethos, he helped formalize a mentorship program at Haag in 2023. This program highlights the culture of support at Haag and the collaborative spirit that fuels success.

Justin Kestner’s multifaceted expertise, commitment to education, and dedication to mentorship exemplify the qualities that have defined Haag experts for decades. As President and CEO of Haag Global, Justin continues to drive a commitment to quality, integrity, innovation, and employee professional growth, contributing to the overall advancement of the engineering industry.

Expert Spotlight: Tim Marshall, PE – Principal Engineer II

Haag 100 Year Anniversary - A century of forensic innovation

Tim Marshall, PE - A Legend in Weather, Meteorology and Engineering

In the dynamic world of weather, meteorology, and engineering, one name stands out as a true legend—Tim Marshall. With a career spanning over four decades, Tim has become a powerhouse in the field, earning a reputation for his exceptional expertise in roofing systems, building envelope systems, wind/hail damage evaluations, storm surveys, and much more. Currently serving as a Principal Engineer at Haag, Tim’s dedication and passion have made a lasting impact on the industry.

Tim’s journey began with a childhood fascination for studying building damage, paving the way for a remarkable career in engineering and consulting. His primary areas of focus include everything from hurricane and tornado evaluations to construction defect assessments and meteorological investigations. As a testament to his influence, Tim is currently the subchairman on the ASCE Wind Speed Estimation on Tornadoes Committee – the EF Scale, contributing to the industry’s standards in assessing tornado damage.

One of Tim’s standout qualities is his innovative approach to problem-solving. When faced with challenging projects, like the LTV Tower project in 1984, where he had to confront his fear of heights, Tim’s ingenuity came to the fore. Working on a scaffold clamped to a parapet wall several hundred feet above the ground, he and his team devised a solution using wedge anchors to secure the brick veneer to the concrete wall—a testament to his problem-solving prowess.

Tim Marshall Expert Spotlight Hero Image_4

Remaining at the forefront of industry trends is crucial, and Tim accomplishes this through active participation in professional organizations and volunteering. His hands-on involvement in the industry is instrumental in shaping standards for assessing tornado damage, directly impacting his work at Haag.

Tim’s commitment to advancing meteorological understanding is evident in his recent participation at the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD. There, he presented groundbreaking findings on updating the Enhanced Fujita Scale to more accurately rate degrees of tornado damage. Additionally, his expertise extends to the realm of academia, as he contributed a chapter to a book published by Oxford University Press, focusing on the meticulous assessment of wind damage to residences. A member of the AMS for an impressive 50 years, Tim’s active engagement in such prestigious conferences and academic pursuits underscores his dedication to the continual enhancement of meteorological knowledge and its practical applications.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tim takes pride in accomplishments that extend beyond personal victories. After his 40+ year career, his most valued achievement is bringing in other engineers to Haag, such as Richard Herzog, Carlos Lopez, Christine Alfano, and Zach Wienhoff. Tim’s leadership and mentorship have created a legacy, with kudos extended to his mentors John Stewart, Stoney Kirkpatrick, and Dick Madison—the original three who hired him.

Outside the world of engineering and consulting, Tim finds rejuvenation in storm chasing, volunteering in government-sponsored projects like VORTEX, TWIRL, and ROTATE, and serving on the National Weather Service Quick Response Team. Tim has published more than 100 articles on storms and assessing storm damage and has appeared on dozens of television programs including Discovery, Learning, History Channel, NOVA, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. 

In the ever-evolving field of weather and engineering, Tim Marshall continues to be an inspiration—a visionary who seamlessly integrates expertise, innovation, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. We are privileged to have Tim as an invaluable asset to our team for 40 years and as a driving force in advancing the frontiers of weather-related engineering solutions.

Haag Expert Engineer

Celebrating a Century of Forensic Engineering

Haag 100 Year Anniversary - A century of forensic innovation

setting the standard for 100 years: a legacy of forensic innovation

As we kick off 2024, we are thrilled to share a momentous milestone – our 100th year anniversary! For a century, Haag Global has stood at the forefront of innovation, setting the standard as the oldest forensic engineering and consulting firm in the United States. We are proud to be a trusted leader in the field, providing cutting-edge solutions and critical insights to clients from various industries.

President and CEO, Justin Kestner, remarks, “As we proudly celebrate 100 years of Haag, we honor the legacy of those who have contributed to our success – our dedicated team, loyal clients, and valued industry partners. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Our commitment to quality and integrity and our team-oriented culture have been the driving forces behind our longevity. Looking ahead, we are excited about the future and advancing the highest standards in forensics and failure and damage consulting.”

Haag 100 Year Anniversary Logo

Haag Global: shaping the future of forensics

Since our founding in 1924, Haag has been a pioneer in the field, shaping the landscape of forensic engineering and consulting. From humble beginnings in Dallas, Texas to a nationwide presence, including Puerto Rico, and now internationally including Canada, our history has been marked by resilience, adaptability and dedication to providing scientific and precise solutions for our clients.

At the heart of our success is a team of passionate professionals who have tirelessly worked to bring understanding and resolve to complex engineering and technical challenges. Our legacy encompasses a diverse range of services, each contributing to our standing as an industry leader ­in forensic engineering, forensic architecture, forensic meteorology, construction consulting, fire origin and cause, forensic research and testing, education courses and training and technology solutions.

A century of Employee-Owned Excellence

Paramount to Haag Global’s success is our commitment to employee ownership – a cornerstone of our company culture. We take pride in fostering a workplace where integrity, quality, service, and our employee growth, recognition and ownership are not just values but a way of life. As an employee-owned firm, every member of our team is invested in delivering top-notch services and delivering on Haag’s mission. 

Haag's mission: Delivering execellence with Integrity

Our mission is clear – deliver independent and industry-leading consulting services with integrity and time-tested expertise. It’s not just a statement; it’s a promise. As we move into the next century of continuing Haag’s mission, our commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation remains stronger than ever. We are poised to embrace new challenges, adapt to evolving industries, and provide cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of forensic engineering and consulting.

Our dedication to excellence and innovation will drive us forward, ensuring that Haag Global remains a trusted partner to our clients for the next 100 years. For a deeper look into the rich history of Haag, check out our company timeline. Throughout 2024, we will continue to share insights into the events that have shaped our company and how we plan to build on that foundation moving forward. 

A Dynamic Shift in Severe Weather Warnings, November 2023

By Patrick Hyland, CCM, Senior Forensic Meteorologist

Storms move, shouldn’t the warnings move with them?

With 122 local National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Offices covering the United States and its territories, NWS forecasters are responsible for protecting life and property through the constant surveillance of the atmosphere and issuing life-saving weather warnings when severe weather strikes.

When a weather warning is generated, a polygon is issued by the local NWS across the area for which the meteorologist believes the storm has the highest probability of producing severe weather. The creation of these warnings is typically based on observations from remote sensing systems like Doppler weather radar and other surface-based weather instrumentation, as well as public reports of severe weather via social media, email, or telephone.

Once the warning is issued, the storm moves through the warning polygon with time. As the storm nears the end of the polygon, the NWS forecaster must decide whether to issue a new polygon to continue warning subsequent locations ahead of the storm of a continuing threat for severe weather or cancel/allow the warning to expire due to a decreasing threat of severe weather. This piecemeal process for warning generation creates inequitable lead times for severe weather along the path of the storm – in particular for nearly adjacent locations that may fall within or just outside the warning polygon.

The red-target indicator illustrates a hypothetical storm (moving left to right), while the yellow polygons represent severe weather warnings (muted yellow polygon is the previous warning and the bright yellow polygon is the new warning). Note that locations A and B are nearly adjacent, yet the lead time for location A is greater than location B.

A proposed new method for warning generation is in the research and development phase that would transform static severe weather warnings to dynamic, continuously updating warnings that follow the storm. This concept, called Threats-in-Motion (TIM), is the first step in a larger initiative known as Forecasting a Continuum of Environmental Threats (FACETs) that aims to improve the forecast and warning process across all environmental hazards through the communication of probabilistic hazard information (PHI). Through several iterations of experiments with NWS forecasters utilizing archived and real-time weather scenarios, these moving warnings have been shown to create more equitable lead times and allow for improved communication as storms move downstream.

The TIM concept is expected to be introduced operationally to the NWS in phases. The first implementation that is closest to operational readiness is Tiny TIM, which will allow forecasters to extend the area and time of severe weather warnings while maintaining the same Event Tracking Number (ETN). In this regard, the forecaster can keep the same warning with the storm throughout its lifecycle – “one storm, one story” – which is especially useful with long-track, long-lived storms. Not only does Tiny TIM help reduce forecaster workload since the overall number of warnings decreases, but it will also help to eliminate overlapping warnings that can lead to communication issues in complex weather events. The capabilities of Tiny TIM will be extended with the future introduction of Taller TIM in which the warning will move continuously downstream at one-minute increments upon issuance until the forecaster intervenes to update the warning. Taller TIM creates even more equitable lead times for severe weather than Tiny TIM as well as improved departure, or “All Clear”, messaging. The final phase in this new warning paradigm will include PHI alongside these warning objects to communicate storm evolution, intensity, duration, and trend information. PHI has the potential to provide user-specific products that can be adapted to fit the needs of any individual or organization.

From Stumpf and Gerard (2021). Image shows the one-minute lead times along a hypothetical tornado path for current NWS warnings (blue), Tiny TIM (gray), and Taller TIM (orange). Note how lead time equitability improves with Tiny TIM compared to current NWS warnings, with even further improvement when utilizing Taller TIM.

One of the most critical elements required in the implementation of this new warning paradigm is dissemination. Through these experiments and testing, researchers are also engaging with emergency managers, broadcast meteorologists, and individuals throughout the weather enterprise from operations to the private sector to understand how to effectively relay moving, continuously updating warnings to the public. TIM represents a dramatic change in the way warning information is communicated, so it is vital to make sure that the infrastructure and partners are well prepared for the future of severe weather warnings in the United States.

Haag’s team of meteorologists have been involved in extensive field projects and research spanning the weather, water, and climate enterprise and continue to stay on top of advancements in the field. Our forensic meteorological services continue to expand and evolve with changes in our understanding of weather information. Contact one of our meteorologists today for your forensic meteorology needs.

For more information on the TIM concept, please refer to the included publication and website links:

Author

Patrick Hyland, CCM, Senior Forensic Meteorologist

Patrick Hyland, CCM, is a Forensic Meteorologist with Haag Engineering. Mr. Hyland has over 15 years of experience in meteorology, including ten years providing meteorological consulting services for a variety of cases where expertise is required. He most recently served as a Research Meteorologist with the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Warning Research Development Division (WRDD). He was responsible for developing cutting-edge tools, algorithms, products, and techniques to improve the warning-decision-making process for use in operational National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Offices for the protection of life and property. He focused on radar severe weather applications, probability and impacts research, and the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system.

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.