Spalling
Spalling is a common term in masonry and construction that refers to the breaking or chipping of concrete, brick, or stone surfaces. Think of it like when paint peels off a wall, but with actual pieces of the building material breaking away. This usually happens due to weather damage, age, or poor installation. Construction professionals need to identify, repair, and prevent spalling to maintain the safety and appearance of buildings. When you see this term on a resume, it often indicates that the person has experience in masonry repair and building maintenance.
Examples in Resumes
Repaired spalling damage on historic brick buildings using appropriate restoration techniques
Identified and documented spalling issues during building inspections
Led team in preventing spalling through proper waterproofing and maintenance procedures
Typical job title: "Masonry Repair Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Masonry Repair Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a comprehensive spalling repair plan for a historic building?
Expected Answer: A senior specialist should discuss assessment methods, documentation, choosing appropriate materials, considering historical preservation requirements, and creating a detailed repair timeline while managing a team.
Q: What preventive measures would you implement to avoid spalling in new construction?
Expected Answer: Should explain proper water drainage, appropriate material selection, correct installation techniques, and regular maintenance schedules to prevent future spalling issues.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main causes of spalling and how do you identify them?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain common causes like water damage, freeze-thaw cycles, and poor installation, plus demonstrate knowledge of visual inspection techniques.
Q: Describe your process for repairing spalled brick or concrete.
Expected Answer: Should outline steps including removal of damaged material, surface preparation, material matching, and proper application techniques for repairs.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What safety equipment is needed when working on spalling repairs?
Expected Answer: Should list basic safety gear like protective eyewear, dust masks, gloves, and proper work clothing, showing awareness of basic safety protocols.
Q: How do you recognize spalling damage?
Expected Answer: Should describe visual signs like flaking, crumbling, or broken pieces of masonry, and understand when to report issues to senior team members.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic masonry repair techniques
- Safety procedures and equipment use
- Recognition of common masonry problems
- Simple maintenance tasks
Mid (2-5 years)
- Various repair methods and materials
- Problem diagnosis and solution planning
- Material selection and matching
- Project coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex restoration planning
- Team supervision and training
- Historic preservation techniques
- Quality control and inspection
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with masonry repairs
- Lack of knowledge about safety procedures
- Unable to identify different types of building materials
- No experience with proper tool usage
Related Terms
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