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Robert Higgins Profile Photo

Involved with waterproofing and restoration of buildings and specialized in concrete. Have been involved with several committees with professional groups such as ICRI (first chair for moisture testing), CSI, speaking at national and regional conferences, authored the Flooring industry “White Paper” for the WFCA (World Floor Covering Association), moisture test instructor for the Academy of Textiles and Flooring, guest instructor for ICRI. Authored many articles regarding weather and environmental durability of concrete in multiple publications. Currently involved with IICRC Committee S230 and NFCA (National Floor Covering Association) “best practices” for moisture testing concrete prior to installation of Floor Materials.

160
June 11, 2026

EP #160: Is Type IL Cement the Problem, or Did It Just Expose One?

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: GPRS Before you cut, core, drill, trench, or start guessing what is inside the slab, call GPRS. GPRS helps contractors locate what is hidden below the surface with ground penetrating radar, utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and mapping services. They help keep your jobsite safer, reduce costly hits, and give your team better information before the work starts. Learn more here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/gprs...
151
March 24, 2026

EP #151: Most Concrete Durability Problems Start Here (Alkalinity Explained)

PRESENTED BY: GPRS Construction professionals know that utilities and concrete reinforcements can cause big problems when you’re on the job. GPRS helps you avoid them. We use ground penetrating radar to detect rebar, conduit, and post tension cables before you cut, core, or drill. And our concrete scans are 99.8% accurate… we guarantee it—helping you reduce hits, downtime, expenses, and keep your people safe. To keep your jobsite safer, visit https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/GPRS SUMMARY ...
142
Dec. 18, 2025

EP #142 Concrete Moisture Myths Busted

Most people think moisture problems in concrete come from below the slab. Concrete Bob Higgins explains why that assumption keeps blowing up floors. In this episode, Bob Higgins breaks down how moisture actually moves through concrete, why liquid water and water vapor are not the same thing, and how alkalinity quietly does more damage than most people realize. We also get into why common moisture testing methods are misused, why surface damage matters more than deep readings, and how outdated s...
133
Sept. 16, 2025

EP #133: Concrete, Climate, and the Missing Science of Evaporation

What if sunlight alone—not heat—was silently destroying your concrete? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett and Bob Higgins uncover a groundbreaking MIT study that reveals evaporation can be driven by light, not just temperature. This discovery doesn’t just change climate models—it could explain why concrete in the field fails in ways labs never predict. From sublimation and surface chemistry to curing practices and accountability, this episode forces the industry to face...
125
June 24, 2025

EP #125: Hot Weather, Hot Mess — The Hidden Dangers of Pouring Concrete in High Temperatures

Most contractors think warm weather helps speed up a pour—but what if that early strength is fooling you? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett is joined again by concrete chemist Bob Higgins to break down the real effects of high temperatures on concrete strength, durability, and long-term performance. They cover new science on curing, the shocking impact of temperature on cement hydration, and why most current standards are dangerously outdated. If you’re pouring s...
116
March 20, 2025

EP #116: Why Concrete Fails – The Hidden Truths About Moisture, Salt & Curing

💥 The Concrete Logic Podcast 💥 🛠️ Hosted by: Seth Tandett 🔥 EP #116: WHY CONCRETE FAILS – THE HIDDEN TRUTHS ABOUT MOISTURE, SALT & CURING 🔥 ============================= This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. ============================= In this episode, Seth Tandett and "Concrete Bob" Higgins expose the biggest reasons why concrete fails. From moisture infiltration and salt damage to the surprisi...
105
Nov. 26, 2024

EP #105: Rethinking Concrete Moisture Testing

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Bob Higgins discuss the complexities of moisture testing in concrete. They explore the misconceptions surrounding moisture dynamics, the importance of time of installation testing, and the regional variations in moisture standards. Bob emphasizes the need for better moisture data interpretation and environmental factors impact on concrete performance. Takeaways • Moisture testing in concrete is often misinterpreted. • Older concrete can ha...
87
May 21, 2024

EP #087: The Importance of Properly Curing Concrete

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth and Robert Higgins discuss the importance of curing concrete properly and the impact it has on the durability and sustainability of concrete. They highlight the historical practices of curing and how they have not evolved to keep up with changes in concrete composition. They also discuss the effects of temperature on curing and the role of alkalinity in concrete. The conversation emphasizes the need for improved curing practices to ensure the longe...
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Feb. 1, 2024

EP #075: How to Unlearn Everything You Know About Moisture in Concrete

Summary In this episode, Seth interviews Robert Higgins, a flooring concrete consultant specialist, about the issue of moisture in old concrete. Robert explains that moisture in older concrete is caused by a condition called ionic dew point, where particles migrate to the surface due to diffusion, not moisture migration. He emphasizes the importance of addressing older concrete differently and recommends grinding off the surface to remove accumulated salts. Robert also discusses the acclim...
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Aug. 17, 2023

EP #057: Concrete Chemistry from Cement's Perspective

Join us on the latest episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast as we delve into the intricacies of cement production with industry veterans Pete Paone and Robert Higgins. We’re pulling back the curtain on cement kiln dust, its types, production methods, and alkali content. With over two decades of experience, Pete offers unique insights, while Bob shares perspectives from the ready mix side. If you’ve ever been curious about the chemistry behind your concrete, this episode is a must-listen. T...
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Aug. 10, 2023

EP #056: Concrete's Potential

🎧 Join us on the Concrete Logic Podcast as we explore the fascinating world of concrete alkalinity and its impact on the longevity of concrete structures. Our returning guest, Robert Higgins, sheds light on the changes in cement production over the last century, including the introduction of higher alkaline content due to EPA regulations. Discover how these changes have led to detrimental chemical reactions and increased permeability. If you’re a concrete enthusiast or industry professional, thi...
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March 9, 2023

EP #041 - Typical Concrete Vapor Barrier Detail Defies Science

Are we detailing the placement of vapor barrier in the typical slab-on-ground design all wrong? When moisture develops on a concrete surface, where is it coming from? Below the surface or above? Bob Higgins, a concrete and waterproofing expert, joins the podcast to help us answer these questions. We discuss extensively the science of how water vapor is created and why today's concrete must be internally cured to perform its best. If you want to learn about another controversial topic in the conc...