Chicago Area Inspectors - Tonight!

[William J. Decker]

We have alls seen the problems with split faced CMU block, and I have also written about the 2nd, new phase, the problems with water wicking into the wooden floor and ceiling trusses and the possibility of structural collapse.

The local TV station, ABC 7 is doing a special on this issues to which I contributed. Typically, the sensationalized it a great deal, calling the piece "Designed to Collapse" or something like that.

Film on the 10:00 PM evening news on Channel 7, tonight (11/22/10).

I will post a video link when it becomes available for all others.

Hope this helps;

[Bob Elliott]

Hopefully they will post video on the site

[William J. Decker]

Here is the video link:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/special_segments&id=7804934

In my opinion, they totally messed up the meaning.

1) I brought the story to them, and the producer said he read my articles. Obviously, the reporter (Cheyrl Burtin) did not. I never met her nor talked to her. She was reporting on a story that she knew nothing about.]
2) Split faced block, in this area, is a single wythe masonry wall. You cannot, as she said, "remove and replace" the block. That would mean totally demolishing the building and rebuilding it with the same (defective) material! WTF!!!!!!
3) The Seal Chicago guys are full of it. Why the heck are they power washing the block (already water logged) before "sealing" it. The only effective, lomng lasting solution is an elastomeric, plugger type paint.
4) It only goes to show you that the "drive by" media is more interested in ratings and sensationalism then they are in informing, educating and getting the truth out there.

Sorry.

[Christopher Currins]

At least they got the message out, even if not 100% accurate.

The Seal Chicago, now that's another story, probably causing more damage.

They can seal the block all day long, if not properly installed, flashed, it won't help much.

[Bob Elliott]

I would never look for accuracy but the message got out a little.
As long as the bulk message was there it counts.
I wonder how they got in touch with Kurt .M ?

[William J. Decker]

I am sorry, I thought I posted the link.

Here it is: http://search.abclocal.go.com/search...ge+of+collapse

Things that they got wrong.

1) Notice that the "sealer" company was power washing the block. Why put more water into the block beforeyou "seal" it.
2) They are using a penetrating sealer (Dynacrete) which only lasts for 3 - 5 years, in this area (UV breakdown). The best solution is an elastomeric "plugger" type paint. It usually lasts some 20 years.
3) Notice what the "talking head", Cheryl Burton (who never was involved with the producer of me, during the actual filming), actually said at the end. She said that we (HIs) said that the best solution is to "remove and replace" the block. How does one "remove and replace" a single wythe block wall without dismantling the building? And why would one "replace" this product with the same high maintance material. Just build a double wythe brick and block wall?

Hope this helps;

[Christopher Currins]

Will the first link you posted works. I like this first comment below article.

Precisely why BUYERS should select an experienced and knowledgable REALTOR they can trust! I would never let my clients purchase a home that I wouldn't personally live in myself.


But this one probably has it right:

As a 32 year Bricklayer that has worked with Split-faced block, the blame falls directly on the contractor that installed the product. Properly installed, these split faced units DO NOT leak. Un-qualified mason contractors are totally to blame, most of whom are using someone elses contractor's license to get work in the City.

[Russell J. Hensel]

Good expose William..To repair the reporter just replace her brain..

[Bob Elliott]

Why do they call actors reading a script reporters anyway?

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

Will the first link you posted works. I like this first comment below article.

Precisely why BUYERS should select an experienced and knowledgable REALTOR they can trust! I would never let my clients purchase a home that I wouldn't personally live in myself.


But this one probably has it right:

As a 32 year Bricklayer that has worked with Split-faced block, the blame falls directly on the contractor that installed the product. Properly installed, these split faced units DO NOT leak. Un-qualified mason contractors are totally to blame, most of whom are using someone elses contractor's license to get work in the City.

I would, mostly, agree. Licensed, union trained masons are the best. But that is because the unions, through many court cases and because the City has no liabilty, and because the unions have priced themselves out of the market, they shot themselves in the foot, and left the public in Chicago, with this problem,


BTW: Masonry contractors are NOT state licensed.

[Bob Elliott]

Hey I think maybe we are just jealous because as H.I's we are underpaid and have no benefits.
Might be a great idea if we had a union too.
As even Warren Buffet has just said (the trickle down theory is a joke).

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by belliott

Why do they call actors reading a script reporters anyway?

I do not know. I never had any contact with Cheryl, only a young producer and older, (seemed to be very experienced) camera man. No logoed trucks.

I presented a great deal of facts (see my web site, here:

http://deckerhomeservices.com/Split_faced_block.htm

and here:

http://deckerhomeservices.com/Split_...ock_update.htm

For the producer to review. But only the pictures (the details of the removed and gutted top floor, used in the report) where mentioned.

Seems like I have to settle for the mention of the problem, and the free props.

Let me make this clear.

Yeah, the props are good advertizing.

But, THAT WAS NOT MY INTENT!!!

Look guys. I know it in my bones (being a life long, until about 7 years ago) Chicago resident, and understanding the facts on the ground, that this is rigged.

- "Da Mayor" issued a moritorium on calling out new construction defects by the city inspectors. Source? My friend from 1st grade. Former deputy chief electrical inspector.
- Everybody and their cousin was a GC during the boom years. No expertize qualifications or certification needed to be a Chicago Licensed GC (beyond proof of a 2 Mil G/L policy). And they just hired the cheapest subs.
- According to the current local codes, any residential masonry building must be inspected, during and after construction, by the Architect or Engineer that designed the structure to ensure compliance with the approved plan. But, these builders were only employing Architects to do the bare minimum plans so as to get the permits.
- I see so much crap that I am getting just plain discusted! These people (the owners) are loosing MUCH money, or just walking away from the property.

Sorry for my need to vent. I take my clients seriously and HATE to tell them the results. It's like telling someone that they have cancer.

Sure, they can pay alot and, usually, beat it, but what about the person who designed, built or was "responsible" ( but not really, legally) to code inspect the building that is like their body?

I am sorry.

[Bob Elliott]

Been in the new gated subdivision off Diversey /Clybourn yet?

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by belliott

Hey I think maybe we are just jealous because as H.I's we are underpaid and have no benefits.
Might be a great idea if we had a union too.
As even Warren Buffet has just said (the trickle down theory is a joke).

Bob, get a life.

Unions are no longer needed. Child labor laws and OSHA and many other laws have mnade their original reason for being obsolete.

We are talking about our clients, the people who trust us with their LIVES, and who pay us for our BEST opinion, to protect them.

And you want us (i.e., Home Inspectors) to become them?

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by belliott

Been in the new gated subdivision off Diversey /Clybourn yet?

No.

Want to educate me. I can meet you tomorrow afternoon.