Flying to Las Vegas!  It was not to gamble but to attend the International World of Concrete Convention.

It took 4 days to walk around the entire trade show halls and I walk pretty fast -- so it was really huge!  After attending six seminars on concrete inspection, repair and engineering; and meeting with concrete pros from all over the world I got very enthused about spalling solutions.

Last summer I took this picture of the Notre- Dame de Paris gargoyle  which is over 800 years old.  Talk about spalling!

The one thing in common prevalent in all buildings in the US and around the world is that they deteriorate over time from concrete spalling problems.  Concrete does not last forever and like humans, buildings too have a definite life cycle with concrete.

How does one detect spalling?  Look for common conditions such as faded and peeling paint.  This seemingly innocuous condition leads to spalling because moisture seeps into the embedded steel that reinforces the concrete from the inside.  A pro will be able to detect spalling occurring under painted surfaces that are not so apparent to the untrained eye. 

 Paint lasts for six to ten years usually and when it starts to fail it leaves vulnerable the concrete underside.  Outside moisture from weather conditions such as rain starts the absorption of the concrete surrounding the steel  which begins to rust and corrode.  Look for rust spots where a brownish red discoloration on the paint appears and you are looking at tell tale signs of rebar corrosion. 

A spalling expert will look for cracks in the building to determine the source of the wear and tear either from building settlement or delaminated concrete due to corroded rebar.

 For wood framed townhouse buildings, spalling occurs at the foundation slab edge and walls.   Moisture may have risen up through the foundation or seep into the walls. 

Spalling is like a disease is to the human body.  Once it spreads it is very difficult to arrest.  Like in good health where one uses preventive care, one must inspect buildings for spalling.

Contact me for a free spalling inspection and construction management proposal.

 Lance Luke, 

422-2132  or email me: