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  1. #1
    Will Decker's Avatar
    Will Decker Guest

    Exclamation Split Bkock Problems, Phase 2

    Well, it has started!

    The old problems with split faced block buildings was water stains and mold growth. Now the 2nd phase has begun, structural collapse.

    Did a single family house. Three stories with a penthouse and front and rear roof decks. The master bedroom was below the rear deck.

    Thermal imaging revealed cold truss ends. Moisture meter pegged at these areas.

    Cut open the ceiling (this was a consultation, not a pre-purchase inspection.

    The roof trusses were TOTALLY rotted (you could put your finger through wood) and the trusses and roof decking were all black. Some very exotic molds.

    See here for pictures: Split Faced Block builings problems update.| Decker Home Inspection Services.

    Look for some collapses, this winter.

    Hope this helps;

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Re: Split Bkock Problems, Phase 2

    Hey Will, nice to see you here at IN....

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: Split Bkock Problems, Phase 2

    No big surprise, had to start happening sooner or later. Goes along with the idea that some of us have discussed for a few years now that these CMU buildings will only have a 30-40 year life span.
    The potential next housing bubble ... when people still have mortgages and the buildings are only demo worthy.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  4. #4
    Will Decker's Avatar
    Will Decker Guest

    Default Re: Split Block Problems, Phase 2

    Here is a nice little experiment that you can do for yourself. I have been working on this for 2 years (but, of course, I have no life).

    1) Buy a unit of split faced block.
    2) Wet said block.
    3) Place block in chest freezer. keep there for a couple of days.
    4) Take block out and leave to thaw for a couple of days.
    5) Re-wet block.
    6) Continue, steps 2 - 4. Do this 392 times.

    Today, when I went to pick up the block after step 4, it crumbled in my hand.

    Looking at the block through a dissection microscope (hat tip to Nile North High School), I noticed that the "bubbles" in the block were radially fractured. Like brick fractures planar, but in a spherical 360 degree fashion.

    So, does this mean that we will be seeing masonry walls just crumble?

    This is getting interesting.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    atlanta
    Posts
    20

    Default Re: Split Bkock Problems, Phase 2

    Will,
    These are truly professional and helpful posts. So much better than the name calling and sniping that some members feel are necessary. If I lived in one of these buildings I would be tempted to give it back to the bank and walk away!


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    2,809

    Default Re: Split Bkock Problems, Phase 2

    Will,
    Interesting experiment.
    How does your experiment convert into years in field application?

    What is your areas number of freeze thaw cycles for the block construction?


  7. #7
    Dennis Thatcher's Avatar
    Dennis Thatcher Guest

    Default Re: Split Bkock Problems, Phase 2

    Great post, and raises a good question, but like so much else in the built enviroment it depends on a host of factors, most of which relate to local long term weather conditions. I live and work in the high desert Rocky Mountain area and have seen first hand the destrictive force of several freeze thaw cycles per winter on even high density concrete, let alone soft "cinder block" walls. We have learned not to use brick or block as top caps for exterior walls, but to cap with metal flashing or precast and sealed cap stone, some native rock also works well. That said, we still rutinely use split face block for exterior walls, and seal it if it will be exposed to "wet" conditions.
    Given enough time, anything we build will likely end up as a pile of debris on the ground, best we can do is look for materials that will survive for the "Design Life" of our building and hope for the best. Block, as a building material has some advantages and some disadvantages, it works well in some places and not so well in others. My recomendation would be to always engage the services of an experienced local Design Professional in the design process.
    Dennis


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