FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Building Business

Installations of Split-face Concrete Block Draw Scrutiny in Chicago

By Richard Defendorf
Many homes in the Chicago area built with improperly installed split-face concrete block have been having exterior-wall moisture problems, including water damage to drywall and, more critically, rot where wood beams come in direct contact with the masonry, says area home inspection specialist William Decker. The truss ends, in this case, were seriously rotted.

With the range of weather conditions exterior-wall systems face in many parts of the country – especially in the mountain states, the Midwest, and the Northeast – it’s no surprise that defects in materials and/or installation can make themselves known fairly quickly and prominently in these regions.

 

Recently, reports have surfaced that a growing number of homeowners in the Chicago area are struggling with wet spots, rot, and mold problems on exterior walls that feature split-face concrete block, the architectural and decorative concrete masonry unit whose rough, stone-like texture is created by splitting a block during production. The material is available in various configurations for load-bearing and non-load-bearing uses. 

 

“For the last four or five years, the major problem we saw was water coming in, and mold and stained walls,” William Decker, of Decker Home Inspection Services, told ABC-TV’s Chicago affiliate, WLS. Decker and another Chicago-area home inspector, Kurt Mitenbuler, added that over the past five years the problem has grown more serious as water condensation – exacerbated by temperature disparities between the block on the outside and the interior wooden surfaces of a wall system – eventually caused wood roof beams to rot where they come in contact with the concrete blocks. 

 

The fact that wood beams are resting directly on the masonry of many of the houses he has inspected, Decker told Fine Homebuilding, suggests the problem likely is widespread among homes with split-face block exteriors. The biggest concern, he added, is that the roof-to-wall system will fail.

 

Sorting through the evidence

“I’ve seen some (beams) that you can put your finger through them, they’re so soft. The weight of the roof just breaks them off,” Decker told WLS. “Come this winter, especially with the snow loads we’re used to in Chicago, I’m very concerned.”

 

In its overview of split-face concrete block, the NAHB Research Center’s Toolbase.org website does in fact note that the material, which is more widely used in commercial building than in residential projects, “shares some disadvantages with standard CMUs, such as mortar susceptibility to long-term water penetration, high thermal transmission, low tolerance to freeze/thaw cycles, and dust collection when used as an interior finish.” 

 

The Chicago Department of Buildings says, however, that it has not received reports of damage to roofs due to improper installation of walls featuring split-face concrete block, noting that “when properly constructed and maintained, split-face block does not cause a safety threat to the structure or occupants of the buildings.”

 

Decker told Fine Homebuilding that fixing the problem means, in addition to replacing the rotting wood, properly sealing the masonry (with, for example, elastomeric paint) and installing flashing between the masonry and wood surfaces to prevent moisture transfer. 

 

We’ve also contacted Mitenbuler for his observations (he promises to get back to us soon) and asked a couple masonry manufacturers tiny_mce3-2-1-1/themes/advanced/langs/en.js?20101122″ type=”text/javascript”> for feedback. 

 

 

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Buy at Amazon

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

View Comments

  1. rltarch | Nov 27, 2010 10:06am | #1

    Bad detailing is bad detailing, regardless of the materials. Typically, untreated wood can't touch masonry anyway; I wonder how this was missed in this example?

  2. abhot | Aug 09, 2011 06:33am | #2

    .http://voguecatch。com
    Online Store,Get Name Brand Fashion From 12USD Now!
    Lv,Gucci,Prada,Coach,Chanel Women sandal is $30
    DG,JUICY,Lv,Gucci,Coach Hand-bag price is $35
    Polo,Locaste,Levis,EdHardy,Bape,Christan Audigier AF,COOGI Tshirt price is $12
    Jeans price is $34
    Paypal accept,Door to Door services!
    5 days arrive your home or you

  3. mikejones4 | Apr 18, 2020 05:52pm | #3

    Awesome explanation of split-faced block!
    http://www.ensureinspections.com

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Building Business

View All
  • Pros of Apprenticeship Programs
  • Hiring Entry-Level Employees
  • From Craft to Company: Starting Your Own Business
  • Best Practices for Home-Building Project Communication
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction

The crew talks about work start times, fire-resistant construction, fixer-uppers, building Larsen trusses, and AI for construction.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Ad-Hoc Scroll Saw
  • Fine Homebuilding's Author Guidelines
  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems
  • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
  • Podcast Episode 677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
  • FHB Podcast Segment: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 8
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in