Roland “Mr. Stick” Vierra & Robert “Bavarian Bob” Blochinger – Here Come the Moisture Mob Enforcers: The Forensic Aspect of 3rd Party Evaluations – “Moisture Related Issues Affecting Wood and Concrete Substrates and Flooring!”

Air Date: 3-12-2021|Episode 619

This week IAQ Radio+ will have a special show in the ongoing Moisture Mob series when Joe and Cliff interview Roland Vierra and Bob Blochinger in a follow up from previous solo shows with them and do a deep dive into the aspect of Forensic methodology for 3rd party inspections. A good inspector must “turn over all the rocks” to see what is lurking in the dark to determine the causation of the problem to offer viable solutions. Roland and Bob will dig deep into their archives from decades of projects and the lessons learned to identify and resolve moisture and installation related problems in concrete, and other substrates related to flooring problems. In an interactive around the horn format, culminating in “dueling case studies”, with a “I can top that” cordial spirit, live listeners will get an entertaining educational experience based on their combined years in the trenches!

Radio Joe and the Z-man will interview Roland and Bob to better define the use and meaning of the term “Forensics” which is often misunderstood and taken out of context. The show will drill down into the methodology of the “mindset” of a 3rd party investigator and the inspection and diagnostic process which often involves project oversight. Topics to be covered will include, discerning damage to finish flooring from moisture migration from substrates. Other issues addressed involve PH testing and chemical reactivity on an installation and the use of the calcium chloride testing and compliance with silica dust during drilling of concrete for ASTM moisture testing procedures.

Another issue that deserves a closer look is the importance of floor prep on slab and wood substrate materials that cause a defect in flooring installations resulting in failures. Further the IAQ Radio team will engage the Moisture Mob “Enforcers” on their opinion and criteria for the selection, use and calibration of moisture meters in forensic applications. What does the Restoration and IAQ industry professional need to know about the choice and use of the wide selection of penetrating and non penetrating moisture meters and thermal hygrometers available in the marketplace?

How important is training on meter usage and interpretation of the readings? What about the standards and protocols used for various moisture assessments that are relied upon for reports and expert witness work? The case study presentations will address many of these issues and illustrate the why and how of the inspection process to determine causation.

If you want a no holds barred opinion on these piercing questions and more, based on accurate information from years of experience that stand the test of time, then call in this week to listen live. The Global Restoration Watchdog will be calling in live from AEML Labs in Ft Lauderdale, Florida with Bavarian Bob as Mr. Stick Zooms in from San Jose, California. Join Joe, Cliff, Pete and Bob and Roland for a unique show in the Moisture Mob series this week on IAQ Radio+.



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About the Moisture Mob “Enforcers”

Roland A. Vierra is President and CEO of FLOORING FORENSICS INC. Flooring Forensics is an independent consulting firm specializing in the science and forensic evaluation of floor covering performance failures. Flooring Forensics, Inc. is also foremost in concrete moisture testing.

Flooring Forensics, Inc., supports legal, insurance, design, construction, manufacturing and installation professionals through proficient advisory and consultant services specific to the performance and behavior of all floor covering and floor coating systems.

Mr. Vierra has been a third-party claims consultant for more than 35 years. During that time, he has advised numerous clients on product and installation selection, evaluated performance and installation failures and been designated as an expert in many construction defect litigation actions.

I am excited to announce the launch of my newly designed website. Please visit me at www.flooringforensics.com.

Bob Blochinger was raised in New York City, working in the family construction business. He moved to Florida for college, majoring in business management and worked seasonally in the hospitality industry. Bob began his career in the flooring industry in 1970, offering carpet cleaning and installations while specializing in water and fire damage restoration work.
In the early 1980’s he expanded into the retail department store sector providing installation of floor covering sales. During the 1990’s his company started to service the architectural and interior design trade with high-end floor covering product sales and installations for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

In 1990, Bob attended Southern Tech GA, specializing in technical training for carpet manufacturing and inspection. This started his career in forensic review of floor covering products that have a negative impact on performance, appearance and/or use. He is a multi-discipline flooring consultant.

Bob also works as an expert witness, inspector and investigator for law firms, condominium associations and flooring manufacturers. He consults for flooring projects on bid package formatting and review, installation supervision and maintenance procedures. Bob’s oversight consultation assignments often require moisture testing of concrete for public works projects and private corporations tracking major installations from the retail store to the manufacturing facility.

BLOCHINGER & Company – Email: bob at blochinger dot net