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Haag’s Timeline: Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence

Since our establishment in 1924, Haag has consistently forged a legacy of excellence through the dedication of our past and present personnel. Below, we present a snapshot of key milestones from our remarkable 100-year history. This timeline will be dynamically updated throughout 2024 to capture the ongoing journey of Haag.

1924
Haag's Founding
Walter G. Haag started working as a consultant in Dallas, Texas, offering clients estimates and appraisals. As his work progressed, he started get requests for cause of damage evaluations. In 1927, his consulting firm (of one) is called Haag Engineering Co.
1924
March 16, 1937
New London School Explosion
The deadliest school disaster in United States history took place on March 16, 1937, when a gas line ignited, creating a deadly explosion which killed 294 students and staff. Engineer and Founder Walter Haag helped in the investigation.
March 16, 1937
1946
Charles W. Parish
Walter Haag hired Charles W. Parish, a chemical engineer and World War II veteran, who went on to purchase the firm from Mr. Haag ten years later. Mr. Parish worked to grow the firm, adding staff and research and testing capabilities over the next three decades.
1946
1963
Ice Ball Launcher
The Ice Ball Launcher is Haag’s premier simulated hail testing tool. In 1963, Haag developed the first version of the Ice Ball Launcher (IBL-1), to create a test which would replicate real-world hail impact conditions.
1963
1966
Research & Testing
After the industry-wide success of its ice ball launcher, Haag purchases Staff Laboratories--the official start of Haag’s research and testing initiative.
1966
1975
The Test Square Method
Following a 10-year study, Haag publishes the Test Square Method in Hail Damage to Red Cedar Shingles (American Insurance Association). Haag’s test square method remains the industry standard almost 50 years later.
1975
1981
Hyatt Walkway Collapse
On July 17, 1981, the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, suffered the structural collapse of two overhead walkways. Loaded with partygoers, the concrete and glass platforms cascaded down, crashing onto a dance in the lobby, killing 114 and injuring 216. Haag Engineer Earle Walters was one of several engineers tasked with determining the cause of the collapse of two walkways at a Hyatt Regency hotel.
1981
1989
Loma Prieta Earthquake
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake occurred on California's Central Coast on October 17 at 5:04 p.m. local time. Haag Engineers investigated numerous structural failures following the earthquake. Dick Madison was called to evaluate damage near San Francisco, and then enlisted David Teasdale to carry this torch forward.
1989
1992
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew was a Cat 5 hurricane that made landfall in South Miami-Dade County on August 24, 1992 with wind speeds of 141–169 miles per hour. Haag provided a full company response and field office for Hurricane Andrew in both Florida and Louisiana. Haag Engineers conduct a damage survey and inspections in south Florida and southern Louisiana.
1992
1993
Haag Shingle Gauge
In 1993, Haag creates the first “shingle key”, later called the “Shingle Gauge™” to help determine the thickness and corresponding warranty level of asphalt composition shingles. Stoney Kirkpatrick was instrumental in creating the first gauge.
1993
1997
Sinking of Titanic Movie Set
Engineers David Teasdale and John Stewart inspected the set of the movie “Titanic”, part of which sank near the end of filming on the coast of Rosarito Beach, Mexico. This led to subsequent inspections of movie sets for Anna and the King (released 1999) in Malaysia and Master and Commander in Rosarito Beach (released 2003).
1997
1999
Texas A&M Bonfire Collapse
Nov. 1999, Engineers Jim Wiethorn, John Stewart, and David Teasdale investigated the collapse of a bonfire structure on the campus of Texas A&M University
1999
2004-2005
Gulf Coast Hurricanes
Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina, and Rita impact Gulf Coast states within less than 2 years. in 2004, Haag Engineers ride out Hurricane Ivan and conduct a damage survey and inspections in the Florida panhandle. Haag Engineers also weather ride out Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana then conduct damage survey and inspections on the upper Gulf Coast.
2004-2005
Hoover Dam
2006
Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge
Haag Engineers, led by Jim Wiethorn, evaluate The Hoover Dam’s By-Pass lifting system, a luffing cableway supported by four towers, collapsed during high winds. Haag Engineering Co. was retained to determine factors causative of the collapse and evaluate duties and responsibilities of the parties involved in the design, erection and use of the specialized equipment.
2006
Tim Marshall Expert Engineer and Meteorologist
2007
Enhanced Fujita Scale
Haag's Tim Marshall assisted National Weather Service with development of the Enhanced Fujita Scale, rating tornadoes based on wind speed and related damage.
2007
2007
Haag Certified Inspector Program
In June of 2007, Haag launched a first-of-its-kind certification program for adjusters. This premier three-day program teaches damage assessment to intermediate-level professionals, setting the industry standard for damage assessment training.
2007
imperial-case-study
2008
Explosion at Imperial Sugar
Haag engineers investigated the aftermath of a massive explosion and ensuing fire destroyed much of the Imperial Sugar processing facility.
2008
Parking-Guarge-Collapse
2012
Miami-Dade Parking Garage Collapse
A six-level precast concrete parking garage collapsed during erection, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Haag was tasked with determining the cause(s) of collapse and the cost of cleanup and rework.
2012
explosion-damage
2014
Coshocton Granary Explosion
A large grain dust explosion occurred at a grain company facility. Haag responded to determine the origin and cause of the explosion, which included coordinating with OSHA representatives and salvage efforts.
2014
2017
Haag Responds to Hurricanes Harvey, Ivan, and Maria
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was a devastating, extremely active season. Haag surveyed damage and inspected following Harvey's impact in Texas, Irma in Florida and Puerto Rico, and followed by Maria's severe impact weeks later to Puerto Rico.
2017
2019
Haag Assesses Tornado Damage in Dallas
October 20, 2019 an EF-3 tornado carved a swath through north Dallas County in a densely populated area, affecting many homes and businesses. Haag surveyed for damage with the NWS and took on a large project for Dallas ISD involving several campuses, plus several other related assignments.
2019
2019
Haag Expands Fire O&C Services, Acquires Firensics
Haag expanded its Fire Origin and Cause service offerings by adding Firensics, a fire investigation firm led by Edward G. Roberts in November 2019.
2019
2021
Haag Evaluates Champlain Towers South Collapse
On June 24, 2021, a portion of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in the Town of Surfside, Miami-Dade County, Florida collapsed suddenly. Tragically, 98 people lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest structural collapses in decades. Haag evaluated the cause of the collapse.
2021
2024
Haag Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation
Haag Global celebrates a century of engineering and consulting excellence in 2024. We are so thankful for our clients whose trust and business has helped us reach this amazing milestone. Haag will be celebrating with client events throughout 2024.
2024
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