PHILOSOPHY

Recent surveys have shown that millions of dollars are spent on foundation repair in Texas each year. At the same time, a very limited amount is spent on masonry restoration.

This trend is surprising to me as I have seen that foundation damage rarely occurs without affecting the supported masonry above in some way. With the current neglect of the way failing masonry can impact the safety and quality of life with respect to private and public buildings, an epidemic is already playing out in Texas with collapsing buildings!

Texas is ill-prepared, having a few provisions and guidelines for specialized masonry repair techniques. Furthermore, decision makers from private investors, to insurances to public safety officials are not sufficiently advised enough to make the right decisions.

During a conversation with Professor Clayford T. Grimm, P.E., or Tom, told me that approximately 12,000 papers have been written on masonry, nearly all are about new construction. I believe that economic and effective methods of masonry repair are a matter of record; their suitability should be investigated and appropriately implemented to the benefit of all.

Because A Brick Building Only Has One Life.

With the current developments, I feel there is an urgent need to look further into this problem area and then to share findings with engineers, insurance companies and other professionals in the field and to educate stakeholders. In my opinion The Masonry Society and the A.P.T.I are playing a crucial role in meeting the challenge and positions themselves as a vital resource.

They coordinate between practitioners in the field to bring both theoretical and practical knowledge and application into play as do we.

Ultimately, there is a new building industry that is not erecting new structures, but has the knowledge and insight to preserve the existing building resources in Texas and protect the assets that we already have, from the investment of an individual family in their home to our national heritage enshrined in our courthouses, city halls, churches and town squares.