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Leaks beneath a concrete slab on grade most commonly occur due to groundwater intrusion or plumbing failures. Both groundwater and pressurized plumbing leaks tend to result in more severe and localized damage than that which commonly results from vapor drive through a concrete slab on grade. Groundwater issues can become more or less severe with […]
Moisture problems at ceilings are a common concern in residential and commercial buildings, and they usually often signal a problem that requires prompt attention. Stains, blistered paint, sagging drywall, and mold are typically indicators that water intrusion is occurring above the ceiling. Several potential sources may cause ceiling moisture. Roof leaks, including flashing failures around […]
Of course, multiple other problems or concerns can arise within any given structure or building. Some of these are linked below.
Vapor drive is the diffusion of moisture in the form of a gas or vapor. If unimpeded, the vapor is usually dispersed to the atmosphere. Obstructions of this water vapor’s travel through a building envelope can result in moisture buildup or condensation and eventual water damage to flooring or other elements at a building’s envelope. […]
Ceramic floor tile installed over wood-framed floors are generally more vulnerable to cracking and displacement as compared to tile over concrete installations. This is primarily due to the more flexible nature of wood relatively to a more stable concrete slab. Floor tile are more brittle and thus prone to cracking over more flexible wood framing […]
Ceramic floor tiles are also commonly installed over a concrete slab on grade. There are different methods of installing ceramic tile over a concrete slab. One method involves the use of a thick (usually 1 to 2 inches) mortar bed over a cleavage membrane. This membrane separates the floor tile and mortar bed from the […]
Cracks at concrete slabs on grade usually occur for one of two primary reasons: concrete shrinkage and settlement. Both of these are explored in more detail in the tabs below. The photograph below shows settlement cracks near the corner of a concrete slab on grade driveway. The closest corner of the driveway is displacing downward:
Cracks at concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls can occur for many reasons. These include impact, overloading, inadequate or adversely affected support (settlement), shrinkage and thermal movements, or a combination of these. Two of the most common causes of cracks in CMU walls are presented in the tabs below. The photograph below shows a settlement crack […]
Asphalt shingle roofs are common because they are affordable and relatively easy to install. Concrete and clay tile roof are more durable, but typically more expensive. There are multiple conditions that commonly affect these roofs. These conditions can be related to manufacturing defects or problems with installation. After installation, the simple passage of time and […]
Displacement is the movement of a structural component from its original position. Buildings are designed to experience relatively small movement from normal loads, temperature changes, wind, and settlement. However, excessive or uneven displacement can indicate a structural problem. Common examples include foundation settlement, wall movement, beam deflection, and floor sagging. If one area of a […]
