Podcasts

When designed and applied correctly, concrete structures can withstand substantial loads and last for decades with minimal maintenance. Cracks in concrete are common but some cracks can lead to major structural issues if not addressed.

To discover the differences between minor and major concrete cracks, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Registered Engineer Dylan St. Leger. During Dylan’s career at ETC, he has inspected hundreds of buildings with concrete cracks and designed restoration projects for parking garages, balconies, and related concrete structures.

During this discussion, Dylan identifies the common underlying reasons for cracks in reinforced concrete, the cracks that can compromise structural integrity, and simple methods to repair minor cracks.

In this episode:

[2:26] Underlying issues of cracks in reinforced concrete.

[4:13] Not all concrete cracks are created equal.

[9:15] How elemental factors affect exposed concrete.

[13:06] Tendon failures in prestressed and post-tensioned concrete.

[16:48] Evaluating concrete cracks for repair.

[20:11] Delaminated steel affects concrete strength and requires complete repair.

Resources:

ETC Website

Listen to more Behind the Masonry Wall Podcast Episodes

When installed correctly and with recommended maintenance, pavement can retain its durability for more than 25 years. However, a successful pavement project depends on numerous factors, including having a clear scope of work, a competent contractor, and a thorough bidding process. To discuss all facets of a pavement project, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with expert Ron Brookman. Ron has more than 47 years of experience in the Washington-Baltimore area in pavement installation, reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, and evaluation project management. During the discussion, Ron shares best practices from beginning the bidding process, characteristics of a qualified pavement contractor, and important closeout procedures.

In this episode:

[1:01] Best practices for finding a reputable pavement contractor.

[4:27] Want quality bids? Have a clear scope of work.

[8:09] Tips for a smooth bid process.

[13:50] Take care to clarify contractor terminology.

[17:46] Legal due diligence and contingency payments.

[22:49] What to do at project closeout.

The trademark of a good wall cladding is its energy efficiency and watertightness. A home or building that is impervious to nature’s elements is a long-lasting, secure investment. For an in-depth look at the multiple layers and benefits of EIFS, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Certified Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) Inspector, Trey Parsons. Trey received his certification from the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry and has over seven years of experience. During the discussion, Trey reveals the installation process of EIFS, the different ways proper drainage can be achieved, and how to recognize issues with existing installations.

In this episode:

[1:23] Trey describes the process of becoming certified by the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.

[2:47] Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) has been known by many other names in the past.

[3:42] Trey explains the process of installing wall cladding, providing each step in detail.

[6:45] In Trey’s experience, he sees vertical trowel lanes used for drainage in EIFS.

[7:57] Do finishing top coats provide a weather-tight configuration?

[9:29] The three main types of joints associated with EIFS.

[12:39] The difference between stucco and EIFS.

[14:25] Trey describes the history of EIFS in the United States, issues found in early installations, and why it is still a preferred wall cladding.

[18:32] Building codes, common practices, and how to recognize possible issues with EIFS.

[21:48] Repair or maintenance of EIFS wall cladding requires a qualified contractor with EIFS experience.

Deferred maintenance, severe weather events, and construction or renovations can compromise a building’s structural integrity. A single flaw can be costly and, more importantly, unsafe for building inhabitants and community members. To learn more about correcting defects and avoiding building collapse, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Nick Henn, a Senior Registered Engineer. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Nick has devoted his career to evaluating and solving the structural integrity issues of buildings. He has over 14 years of experience working with building managers and owners to increase the safety of existing structures.

In this episode:

[1:10] Nick describes what constitutes structural soundness and the conditions that may lead to structural damage.

[3:05] Initial design and maintenance are key factors in reducing occurrences of slab overload.

[7:16] Long-term neglect raises the likelihood of building collapse.

[8:18] Unsafe conditions and deferred repairs or maintenance can cause serious damage and injury.

[10:40] Tell-tale signs of a lack of structural integrity in buildings.

[15:55] Reserve inspections, generally, do not provide information about a building’s structural integrity.

[19:03] A qualified structural engineer will holistically assess a building’s past repairs and current complaints to identify potential integrity issues.

Space in an aesthetically pleasing building is easier to rent or lease and may offer higher income opportunities. But some materials designed for comfort and beauty can wreak havoc on a building’s structural integrity. To learn more about how to avoid water, code, and deterioration issues, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Shabbir Kazmi. Shabbir is an architect and lead professional with over 25 years of experience in the architecture industry.

In this episode:

[1:35] Resurfacing a balcony with carpeting, or other material can break building codes and become unsafe.

[8:15] Surface coatings such as aggregate, can protect concrete balconies as well as provide comfort.

[9:30] General rules for creating a safe and conscious garden on a balcony.

[12:52] Seal coating pavement with cracks is not a sustainable repair solution.

[14:30] Brick buildings are beautiful but do not let destructive ivy grow on them.

[18:00] Painting brick causes more water intrusion problems than it solves.

Water intrusion, settlement, earthquakes, and expansion are all possible causes for cracks in masonry walls. Determining the culprit will require an evaluation by a qualified professional, but understanding how the wall is constructed can go a long way in finding the right repair solution for your building. In this episode, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Senior Registered Engineer Bobby Radcliff about what you may encounter when you find a crack in your masonry wall.

In this episode:

[1:35] Bobby describes some root causes for cracks in masonry walls.

[3:12] Control joints and/or wall ties are necessary for masonry walls due to the possible expansion and corrosion of brick material.

[5:20] Drainage problems and water damage to brick will cause bulges and cracks in walls.

[7:55] Causes for cracks in masonry walls can differ by geographical area.

[9:16] Possible outcomes if cracks in brick masonry walls are not properly fixed.

[14:16] Evaluating cracks in masonry walls requires a visual inspection, sampling of the wall, or other non-intrusive testing.

[17:10] A General Rule of Thumb for simple or complicated repairs in masonry wall cracks.

Building owners, residents, and tenants may face small inconveniences or bigger structural issues while occupying a unit. Their first call may be to a contractor or someone they know to address the matter. Understanding how to properly screen a contractor, and assess proposals to ensure the proper permits, insurance, and bonds are in place is important. In this episode, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Cassie Parks about a wide range of unique issues tenants and owners have when there are building issues.

In this episode:

[1:34] Information on properly qualifying contractors.

[5:25] Smaller tasks help vet contractors before hiring them for larger projects.

[6:47] Payment and performance bonds are part of a contractor’s fiduciary responsibility.

[8:45] Investigating a problem for a tenant and evaluating a contractor’s proposal.

[13:44] Every county is different, are permits required?

Beyond being unsightly, cracks in concrete structures allow for contaminant intrusion causing possible shrinkage and deterioration. A severe crack left unrepaired can lead to corrosion of steel frames, causing the instability of a concrete structure. To find out more about what makes a concrete crack a serious issue or simply cosmetic, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Senior Registered Engineer Bobby Radcliff. Bobby has evaluated hundreds of buildings in his over 15 years of industry experience.

In this episode:

[1:09] The three types of shrinkage cracks and how to determine if a crack in concrete is structural or cosmetic.

[3:06] How chlorides and other contaminants cause corrosion in a structure’s steel frame.

[4:43] A crack in concrete is akin to an open wound in the structure.

[6:41] Understanding freeze-thaw cracks, restraint cracks, and other common causes of concrete cracks.

[12:06] Examining the possible hazards if cracks in concrete are left unrepaired.

[14:04] Evaluating cracks in concrete structures.

[17:32] Repair options, maintenance cycles, and subsequent protection for concrete cracks.

A retaining wall is a necessary investment in many landscapes. There are numerous factors to be considered when choosing the design and building material, including load, water drainage, and height. In addition, communities and jurisdictions may require permits and geotechnical reports pre-installation. To answer common client questions and review general guidelines, host Joe Shuffleton speaks with registered engineer Luke Valentine. Luke offers expert advice about the installation, maintenance, and replacement of every type of retaining wall and tips for staying on budget and legal during installations.

In this episode:

[1:34] How long a retaining wall will last depends on whether it is built with timber, concrete or masonry, or segmental block.

[7:46] Recommended maintenance for retaining walls.

[10:26] Typical cost associated with installing or replacing retaining walls.

[13:00] Top three considerations when choosing a retaining wall replacement.

[18:01] Geotechnical reports and permits are common requirements before installation or replacement of a retaining wall.

[20:39] Changed Use and Fall protection guidelines for retaining walls.

An unsightly stain can be a major eyesore on an otherwise beautiful brick building. Attempts to remove a stain may cause additional issues if the cause of the stain is ignored, or if the removal method is inappropriate for the type of stain. The bottom line is building owners need to know the right questions to ask the qualified professionals they hire to remove the stain. In this episode of Behind the Masonry Wall, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with masonry restoration expert, Jay O’Neill about common mistakes building owners make when estimating the cost of stain removal, the importance of finding the root cause of the stain, and best practices for doing the least amount of damage to masonry surfaces.

In this episode:

[1:13] Before removing a stain, find the origin.

[3:20] Take care when pressure washing common white calcium stains.

[5:33] Advice for removing graffiti from high-traffic areas.

[7:46] Painting a brick building is inadvisable and costly to reverse.

[12:03] Tips for reducing the cost of external building maintenance.

[16:01] Rules-of-thumb for repointing a masonry wall.

[21:28] Flashings can reduce water intrusion around tops of walls and coping stones.