06/03/2026
Hurricane Season Engineering Tip – Day 3
Water Intrusion Weakens Concrete and Masonry Systems
You do not need visible flooding for structural damage to occur.
• Hydrostatic pressure builds as soil becomes saturated, pushing moisture into slabs, foundations, and walls through microcracks.
• Reinforcing steel corrosion begins once moisture reaches rebar, expanding from the inside and causing cracking and spalling.
• Loss of bond in CMU and slabs occurs when prolonged moisture reduces the effectiveness of grout, mortar, and concrete to work together under load.
Storm related water intrusion can silently degrade structural systems over time. Early engineering evaluation helps identify risks before they become costly or unsafe repairs.
More hurricane preparedness engineering tips coming all week.