Dave Fowler

While these categories seem straightforward, the relationship between measured gloss and visual appearance is not always intuitive. In fact, some of the most noticeable sheen differences occur in products with the lowest gloss levels.

For the consumer, the value of an inspection report is not just in having one--it’s in how well it explains what actually happened and whether that explanation will hold up if challenged. Reports built from rigid templates or prewritten language are often designed to meet minimum documentation requirements. While they may satisfy a basic claim process, they can limit how thoroughly the specific conditions of a project are examined and explained. A forensic approach to flooring inspection...

Travertine has become a staple in pool decks and outdoor living spaces for good reason. It stays cool, looks natural, and installs efficiently in sand-set systems. But when it starts to fail, the pattern can be confusing—and often gets blamed on the wrong thing. Two recent inspections in the Lake Las Vegas area tell a very clear story. Both were newer homes with travertine pavers installed in a Versailles pattern over a compacted base and sand setting bed. Within months of installation, the...