The Importance of Terra Cotta Proactive Maintenance

Do you ever wonder if the cracks or stains on your building’s terra cotta are warning signs of deeper, costly problems? 

Are you hesitant about restoring those unique details, worried that repairs might disrupt your business or alter your building’s historic charm? 

Have you had past repairs that didn’t last—or worse, made things look mismatched or even worse?

For property owners and managers, deciding how and when to address aging terra cotta can be overwhelming. You want solutions that protect your investment without unnecessary headaches or hidden risks.

Every effective repair plan is bolstered by ongoing maintenance:

• Regular inspections catch developing issues early and protect public safety.
• Maintenance programs typically include mortar repointing, sealant replacement, crack repair, pinning, and cleaning.
• Minimal or delayed intervention can result in more frequent, invasive, and expensive repairs over time.

Read more on our website!

Structural and building envelope engineers play a crucial role in repairing and maintaining architectural terra cotta, ensuring the long-term preservation and safety of historic and decorative buildings. 

By trusting your terra cotta restoration to a team versed in both the structural and building envelope aesthetic demands of these systems, your buildings will remain safe, beautiful, and historically significant for future generations. Contact us today!

Why Terra Cotta Needs Expert Attention

Have you noticed cracks, discoloration, or loose pieces on your building’s terra cotta façade and wondered what it means for your property’s safety and value? 

Are you concerned about the costs, disruption, and long-term effectiveness of repair options? 

Architectural terra cotta has stood the test of time due to its durability and design flexibility but is susceptible to unique forms of distress. 

Common issues include moisture penetration, corrosion of metal anchors, cracking from building and façade movements, and spalling or loss of glazed finishes. Many of these problems stem from discontinuous support methods and natural aging.

Engineered Repair Approaches

A structural/building envelope engineering firm can address terra cotta issues using a range of strategies including:

• Repairs: If cracks result from unaccommodated movement or frame shrinkage, engineers may route and seal cracks, sometimes adding supplemental anchors. The material used—flexible sealant or rigid mortar—depends on whether cracks are cyclical or static. However, if steel corrosion is involved, superficial repairs may only delay further deterioration, and more substantial action is required.
• Mortar Joint Repointing: Water infiltration is often minimized by repointing mortar joints between terra cotta units, a process best handled without sealants (except for upward-facing joints) to avoid trapping moisture and exacerbating decay.

Read more on our website!

Structural and building envelope engineers play a crucial role in repairing and maintaining architectural terra cotta, ensuring the long-term preservation and safety of historic and decorative buildings. 

By trusting your terra cotta restoration to a team versed in both the structural and building envelope aesthetic demands of these systems, your buildings will remain safe, beautiful, and historically significant for future generations. Contact us today!

How Do Sidewalk Vaults Present Potential Risk or Liability?

Sidewalk vault slabs constructed in the 19th century lacked the drainage and waterproofing details in use today. If waterproofing membranes were used, they were typically poorly installed and/or not easily maintained. They also did not allow for drainage at the membrane level. Decades of slow water migration into the slab resulted in freeze-thaw damage and corrosion of reinforcing and support steel. With the decline in usefulness, sidewalk vaults have been neglected to the point that their structural integrity is in question.

Additionally, in the 19th century sidewalk slabs were built prior to modern building codes and were intended to support pedestrians. Today’s building code sidewalk loading criteria is intended to support parked trucks.

Sidewalk vault degradation is commonly out of sight and out of mind. They are not subject to ordinances similar to those for building facades and fire escapes. Often, the unsafe conditions are discovered by accident or partial collapse thus exposing building owners to tremendous liability and significant cost.

What can you do to protect your property?

Consider hiring a structural engineering firm with expertise in failure analysis and experience in the evaluation of sidewalk vaults to perform a structural condition survey.

The structural engineer should provide a condition assessment report including:

• Findings and recommendations for remedial work
• Methods used to conduct the investigation
• Photographic documentation
• Cost estimates for making recommended repairs, and
• A professional engineering seal, signature, and date
• Depending on the results of the structural survey, the engineer should also provide engineered temporary and/or permanent shoring of sidewalk and basement walls (if needed) to support any surcharge loading requirements identified during the assessment. Temporary shoring is only a short-term alternative (band-aid) to alleviate the most immediate structural concerns, while allowing more time for the development of other permanent solutions

Read the full article on our website!

IEI Provides Expert Structural Engineering Analysis

Our engineers are experts in structural engineering failure analysis and have extensive experience with inspecting and analyzing sidewalk vault conditions. We typically recommend a phased approach consisting of a cursory condition assessment followed by other phases that may include closer examination, analysis, or improvements as necessary. In this manner, building owners are able to better control their expenditures, risk, and liability. Contact us today to learn more.

Maintaining Your Historic Building: Sidewalk Vaults

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a project in your neighborhood or on your street affected the stability of your building? You may not even realize your building has a stability issue, especially if it’s outside under the sidewalk! Out of sight, out of mind.

If your city’s public works department is working on a street project, it’s very likely your sidewalks will be affected. Sidewalk vaults are often overlooked during the maintenance phase, which could mean costly repairs for you.

What is a sidewalk vault?

Sidewalk vaults are a partial extension of a building’s basement under the adjacent sidewalk. They can extend up to and sometimes beyond the curb under the roadway. Introduced in the 19th century in urban areas, the vaults allowed access to utilities and delivery areas without entering the building.

Common sidewalk construction consisted of a 4″ topping slab or brick pavers on a waterproof membrane on a 4″ to 6″ structural slab spanning between steel or concrete beams or masonry arches. Before electricity, cast-iron and precast panels were fitted with glass lenses to allow daylight to reach otherwise dark vaults. Another common top consisted of 6″ to 8″ granite panels without waterproofing. Curbs were often faced with steel plate to protect them from vehicles parked on or driven over them.

Read the full article on our website!

IEI Provides Expert Structural Engineering Analysis

Our engineers are experts in structural engineering failure analysis and have extensive experience with inspecting and analyzing sidewalk vault conditions. We typically recommend a phased approach consisting of a cursory condition assessment followed by other phases that may include closer examination, analysis, or improvements as necessary. In this manner, building owners are able to better control their expenditures, risk, and liability. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Prevent a Burst Water Pipe This Winter

Water expands 9% when it freezes. There is no stopping it, so it can burst pipes, fittings, and valves. If you live in the southern United States or a warmer climate where below-freezing temperatures occur infrequently, your business may be at a higher risk of a burst pipe.

Many commercial property owners have experienced this issue. To avoid sharing in their misfortune, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to prevent your own water system from freezing.

You can save your property from total loss by taking these steps in freezing conditions:

1. Shut off the main water valve: Find the main water valve for your property and turn it off to keep additional water from flowing into the affected portion of the system. If your fire protection sprinkler pipes burst, you will need to post a full-time fire watch.  
2. Turn off the electricity to the affected area: Live current near a flooded area can present shock hazards. Turn off the power at the electrical panel to prevent dangerous conditions.
3. Contact a plumber: If you see standing water but can’t tell where the frozen or burst pipe is, call a plumber to diagnose and start the repair process. Fixing the source of the leak is your top priority!

Need more help recovering from a burst pipe? Make sure you take these steps to prepare your building for winter!

For a free download of our winter preparedness checklist, please click here.

Read how you can save your property from total loss on our website.

The IEI Advantage for Structural Engineering

Innovative Engineering Inc. has been a trusted structural engineering, waterproofing engineering, and restoration engineering resource to some of the largest property owners and managers across the United States for over 25 years.

Our passion is showing real estate professionals how to self-inspect their facilities in order to reduce repair and replacement costs and know when to call in an expert. Our engineers are glad to walk your facility, let you know the condition, what and when repairs or replacement are necessary, and provide reports with construction costs and recommend quality contractors to perform the work.

Contact us today to get a quote!

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes in Your Building

Are you prepared to deal with frozen pipes in your building this winter?

Most buildings have preventative measures – such as insulation in exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces – which do a good job of holding in the heat and protecting water pipes, but if you have extended periods of long-term cold weather or widespread power outages, your pipes could suffer.

Here are the basics:

• Water freezes at 32 degrees (Fahrenheit) or colder
• Pipes in 20 degrees or colder for prolonged periods will freeze
• Exterior pipes freeze much faster than internal pipes

Water expands 9% when it freezes. There is no stopping it, so it can burst pipes, fittings, and valves. If you live in the southern United States or a warmer climate where below-freezing temperatures occur infrequently, your business may be at a higher risk of a burst pipe.

Many commercial property owners have experienced this issue. To avoid sharing in their misfortune, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to prevent your own water system from freezing.

Read how you can save your property from total loss on our website.

The IEI Advantage for Structural Engineering

Innovative Engineering Inc. has been a trusted structural engineering, waterproofing engineering, and restoration engineering resource to some of the largest property owners and managers across the United States for over 25 years.

Our passion is showing real estate professionals how to self-inspect their facilities in order to reduce repair and replacement costs and know when to call in an expert. Our engineers are glad to walk your facility, let you know the condition, what and when repairs or replacement are necessary, and provide reports with construction costs and recommend quality contractors to perform the work.

Contact us today to get a quote!

Dangers of Water Intrusion

Water intrusion can impact the structure of your building as well as its occupants. Besides presenting structural issues, water intrusion issues left untreated can result in:

• Structural deterioration
• Development of toxic mold
• Negatively impacting the indoor air quality
• Wet concrete, puddles, and weakened floors could potentially cause slip and fall accidents

Avoid Costly Repairs with Water Intrusion Engineering

Some water damage is visible to the human eye (discolored walls and ceilings; cracking roof, peeling paint; warped and rotten wood on floors; mold growth), but structural damage inside your walls and floors are harder to spot. 

Hiring engineering professionals to investigate water damage is key. Water intrusion engineers have modern technology like thermal imaging, and equipment to detect excessive moisture or mold spores in the air.

Read more about water intrusion engineering on our website.

The IEI Structural Engineering Advantage

Our engineers at IEI specialize in water intrusion engineering in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. If you suspect you have water damage, give us a call. We’ll walk through your property and let you know of any conditions that require immediate attention and what maintenance activities you can perform now to extend the life of your facility. 

Why Careers in Structural Engineering are in High Demand

Have you been considering a career in structural engineering?

If you’re looking for a career with a high level of problem solving and using cutting-edge technology, this field may be for you.

Not only do engineering careers provide stability for you and your family, but you’re working on challenging projects that solve problems for the community you live in. Structural engineers work on projects with long-lasting community impact and ensure buildings are safe and structurally-sound.

According to Newsweek, engineers are in high demand because “Engineers are highly valued not only for their problem-solving and innovative abilities, but also for their capacity to visualize the big picture and design and facilitate forward-thinking solutions – vital for the creation of a successful knowledge-based economy.”

Getting your foot in the door at a great structural engineering company can be intimidating and challenging. What should you look for in an engineering company before submitting your resume?

1. Relationships with the community – Does the company you’re considering have partnerships with local government officials, state and federal reviewing agencies, or local elected officials?
2. Professionalism – Look for a firm that always treats their clients and projects with respect and professionalism. A company that strives to maintain a good standing in the community and that has a great reputation is a good place to start. 

Learn more about looking for a career in structural engineering on our website!

A Growing Team at IEI

We are privately owned and don't have a board of directors to answer to which means we can run the firm for the benefit of all. There are not many firms that can say this. This being said, we are very selective when adding staff which has led to a very cohesive and supportive team of professionals.

We also offer internships for those still getting their education and who want first-hand experience in the field.

“My first few months at Innovative Engineering Inc. have been my most valuable college experience. I did not have any experience with structural engineering outside of the classroom but with the help of the engineers at Innovative Engineering, I have come to have an understanding of the basics. […] The engineers are more than happy to answer any questions throughout the day, but encouraged the use of the available resources as a first resort. Though intimidating at first, this is a very rewarding system as it allows you to learn about everything you’re doing and provides a sense of accomplishment after completing the task on your own.” – former intern at IEI

If you can picture yourself as part of the future leadership of this growing firm and would like to be a part of our team of professionals, please see the opportunities on our careers page!

Looking for a Career in Structural Engineering? Read This First

Getting your foot in the door at a great engineering company can be intimidating and challenging. What should you look for in an engineering company before submitting your resume?

1. Relationships with the community – Does the company you’re considering have partnerships with local government officials, state and federal reviewing agencies, or local elected officials?
2. Professionalism – Look for a firm that always treats their clients and projects with respect and professionalism. A company that strives to maintain a good standing in the community and that has a great reputation is a good place to start.
3. Track record – Great firms promote quality in the workplace with every project, no matter the size. Projects should be completed on time and on budget. Look for a strong track record of experienced firms that have been successful in working with local contractors and have a reputation of helping their clients over a long period of time.
4. Stability – If there’s a lot of employee turnover at the firm you’re interested in, that might be a red flag. Consider applying to firms that maintain their core team of engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted structural engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. Learn more on our website!

A Growing Team at IEI

We are privately owned and don't have a board of directors to answer to which means we can run the firm for the benefit of all. There are not many firms that can say this. This being said, we are very selective when adding staff which has led to a very cohesive and supportive team of professionals.

We also offer internships for those still getting their education and who want first-hand experience in the field.

“My first few months at Innovative Engineering Inc. have been my most valuable college experience. I did not have any experience with structural engineering outside of the classroom but with the help of the engineers at Innovative Engineering, I have come to have an understanding of the basics. […] The engineers are more than happy to answer any questions throughout the day, but encouraged the use of the available resources as a first resort. Though intimidating at first, this is a very rewarding system as it allows you to learn about everything you’re doing and provides a sense of accomplishment after completing the task on your own.” – former intern at IEI

If you can picture yourself as part of the future leadership of this growing firm and would like to be a part of our team of professionals, please see the opportunities on our careers page!

Why Regular Structural Building Inspections Are so Important

Are you up to date on your building inspections?

When is the last time you had a thorough roof and facade inspection done by a professional company?

There are currently 12 cities in the United States with ordinances that mandate periodic inspections of building facades, most of which are located in the Midwest. However, across the country, many building owners and managers elect to partake in voluntary facade inspections for both safety and long-term financial reasons.

Drone Technology for Structural Building Inspection

Drone technology has become a great asset to structural building inspection techniques. Drones equipped with infrared cameras can quickly and efficiently document large areas of a building and capture the footage for later inspection.

Thermal imaging is best utilized after sunset. Dry insulation cools off faster, so the areas that have been penetrated by water will remain brighter when viewed through an IR camera.

Read the full article about structural building inspection on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Structural Building Inspection!

IEI’s state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after the restoration contractor has started work – which would lead to change orders and damaged reputations. Contact us today!

Looking for an Engineering Internship? Consider IEI

Are you close to the finish line for college graduation? You’ve been working hard for years, and it’s time for that work to pay off as you search for your dream job.

Getting your foot in the door at a great engineering company can be intimidating and challenging. What should you look for in an engineering company before submitting your resume? 

 

1. Relationships with the community – Does the company you’re considering have partnerships with local government officials, state and federal reviewing agencies, or local elected officials? 
2. Professionalism – Look for a firm that always treats their clients and projects with respect and professionalism. A company that strives to maintain a good standing in the community and that has a great reputation is a good place to start. 
3. Track record – Great firms promote quality in the workplace with every project, no matter the size. Projects should be completed on time and on budget. Look for a strong track record of experienced firms that have been successful in working with local contractors and have a reputation of helping their clients over a long period of time. 
4. Stability – If there’s a lot of turnover at the firm you’re interested in, that might be a red flag. Consider applying to firms that maintain their core team of engineers, architects, and surveyors. 

Read the full article on our website!

“I enjoyed my time as an intern at IEI immensely. The one-on-one mentoring, accessible coworkers, focus on practicality, and technological savvy I found here all made for fantastic experiences that greatly enhanced my understanding of the structural engineering profession.” – Perry S.

 

If you’re considering engineering work in the Atlanta, GA, or Seattle, WA areas, Innovative Engineering is the right choice for you. 

 

Learn more about career opportunities here!

 

Structural Inspection of Your Roof

A roofing inspection starts below the roof itself. If you’re able to inspect your attic/plenum space, you can identify where water is entering the building. This assists in finding where leak locations are on the surface of the roof.

Roofing and flashing materials will age naturally due to age, UV exposure, and water. This can happen in just 6 to 8 years even if specified and installed properly. Staying on top of roof inspections will help prevent damage and save money in the long run.

“Ponding” is defined as water that has pooled on a surface for over 48 hours. It’s the most common factor in roofing and plaza slab failures, and is most commonly the result of improper drainage via sloping, gutters, and scuppers.

Learn more about structural building inspection on our website!

Need a structural building inspection you can rely on? We use the highest standards to determine the safety of your building. Contact us today!

Every deficiency noted is analyzed to determine the root cause and severity. Most often this analysis is conducted during the inspection, and later documented.  Severity levels for deficiencies are classified as follows:

•     Unsafe condition
•     Requires repair/stabilization
•     Ordinary maintenance

Look to IEI for Your Post-Grad Engineering Career

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios.

Innovative Engineering Inc. is cut from a different cloth. We treat our staff as the highly respected professionals they are. Beginning with the work environment, all of our engineers have Class A private offices and a flexible work atmosphere. Most of our staff lives within a short commute and we have a shower and lockers for those who wish to walk, run or ride their bike to work.

While most firms pay a 40 hour per week salary and expect 50 or more hours, our professional staff is paid for every hour they work. In addition, based on our project management abilities, we are able to limit overtime to preserve your quality of life outside of work. Our dedication to continuing education results in our engineers far exceeding the minimum number of Professional Development Hours (PDH's).

If you’re considering engineering work in the Atlanta, GA, or Seattle, WA areas, Innovative Engineering is the right choice for you.

Learn more about career opportunities here!

Looking for a Structual Engineering Job?

Are you close to the finish line for college graduation? You’ve been working hard for years, and it’s time for that work to pay off as you search for your dream job.

Getting your foot in the door at a great engineering company can be intimidating and challenging. What should you look for in an engineering company before submitting your resume?

Read more on our website!

“Knight Architects has worked with Innovative Engineering since 1997 (22 years). IEI has provided structural engineering services, and more recently, building envelope inspection services of high-rise buildings for a major federal government campus in Atlanta. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time and within budget. Of equal importance, we have enjoyed working with the staff at IEI and they have been very responsive. We were kept in the loop on any issues that arose during projects as IEI diligently resolved them. We will work with them again in the future as the need arises.”

If you’re considering engineering work in the Atlanta, GA, or Seattle, WA areas, Innovative Engineering is the right choice for you.

Learn more about career opportunities here!