Double Dog Communications

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?