Guide for Emergency Inspections
Firm Registration Number 8371
Tampa St. Petersburg Sarasota Ft. Lauderdale Daytona Beach Naples / Ft. Myers
www.karins.com
While the causes of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside Florida on June 24, 2021 is still yet to be determined,
many condo owners, managers, and Association board members of similar concrete structures are eager to become
educated and aware of the structural conditions that can exist on their own structure. Community managers and board
members have contacted Karins Engineering to provide guidance and inspections.
Being long time members with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and International Concrete Restoration Institute
(ICRI) with members in each of the organizations being actively involved in both National and Local committees, Karins
Engineering provides comprehensive services to address every need for design and restoration for the longevity and
integrity of your building. Karins Engineering has provided existing condition surveys since the late 1990’s to assess
current condition of structures of any size throughout the State of Florida from our six different office locations.
Many property managers have inquired what visually can condo owners and maintenance personnel identify damages
that would indicate an emergency type condition that would require an immediate engineer’s inspection. This document
was created to provide initial guidance and education to bring awareness to significant structural concerns.
This document is for initial guidance only and addresses most common types of damage or deterioration and should
not be limited to just these items alone. Part of preventing these types of damages from manifesting into larger
deficiencies is being proactive in addressing minor problems or providing the proper protection to the structural
elements utilizing waterproofing systems and details. If any have any questions r