Cracks in brick and masonry walls are one of the most common issues faced by property managers and building owners—but not all cracks mean the same thing.
In this episode of Technically Speaking, host Joe Shelton is joined by ETC engineer Dylan Saint-Leger to discuss the most common causes of masonry cracking, how to identify potentially serious structural issues, and the repair strategies used to address them.
The conversation covers everything from foundation settlement and expansive soils to thermal movement, corroding steel lintels, drainage failures, and wall tie deficiencies. Joe and Dylan also explain why some cracks are merely cosmetic while others may indicate significant safety concerns, including loose masonry, wall bowing, and falling brick hazards.
Whether you're responsible for a commercial property, condominium, apartment building, or historic structure, this episode provides practical guidance on recognizing warning signs early and avoiding costly repairs down the road.
Listen in to learn how proper inspections, monitoring, and timely maintenance can help protect both your building and your budget.
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About the Guest
Dylan Saint-Leger, P.E. is a registered professional engineer licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. With more than a decade of experience at ETC, Dylan specializes in building envelope investigations, structural assessments, and masonry restoration projects.
Suggested Episode Tags
Masonry, Brick Facades, Building Envelope, Structural Engineering, Property Management, Building Maintenance, Foundation Settlement, Construction, Building Inspections, Masonry Repair, Engineering Podcast, Commercial Real Estate, Building Owners, Facade Safety, ETC Engineering