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.

Ron Brookman shares best practices from beginning the bidding process, characteristics of a qualified pavement contractor, and important closeout procedures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a building owner or property manager, are you looking for an edge in this competitive rental market? In this episode of Behind the Masonry Wall, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Shabbir Kazmi, AIA about easy upgrades that don’t cost a fortune yet increase rents, reduce maintenance, and increase a property’s value. Prospective renters notice a welcoming ambiance, the character of a kitchen, and clean, useful storage spaces.

In this premiere episode of Behind the Masonry Wall, Host Joe Shuffleton speaks with Jay O’Neill about common technical issues of brick veneer walls and how structural failure can be avoided. Jay has over forty years of experience as a Mason and Estimator for a major masonry restoration contractor in the DC area. Jay offers advice to head off potential problems and recommended maintenance strategies for building owners and property managers.

In this podcast, we share practical information, along with industry tips-and-tricks from the challenging construction world. There's no hidden agenda - we're just here to serve as your trusted advisors. @etc-web.com