Across The Border

On December 18^th I was invited to speak to the Western Massachusetts Building Officials about the crumbling concrete crisis in Connecticut and bordering communities in Massachusetts. Accompanying me was Linda Tofolowsky, the first Connecticut resident coming forth with their home’s deteriorating foundation. Linda shared a small part of her collection of photos and homeowner stories depicting this terrible phenomenon. Those in attendance were eager to expand their knowledge of the harmful effects brought about by concrete produced with pyrrhotite laden aggregates. The source of the crumbling concrete was a small concrete producer located close to the Massachusetts border in the north-central part of Connecticut who frequently crossed the state line to supply concrete for various projects. The talk also covered many issues related directly to the failed foundations such as the emotional nightmares the homeowners are facing, the loss of tax revenue for the municipalities and falling real estate values in the affected communities. I also expressed the need for training a group of licensed Home Inspectors and Professional Engineers to examine the homes for potential problems and assist homeowners in further testing. Presently there is only a small number of homeowners in Massachusetts with failing concrete that have come forward with their concerns. Certainly, the knowledge of the mineral, repair procedures and formation of a compensation program that was established in Connecticut could be beneficial to our neighboring towns. Your comments are welcomed.