Stem Wall Failure Signs: Flaking Paint in Goodyear, AZ
Flaking paint is one of the first symptoms to appear whenever there is a stem wall failure. Even though many people might think the stem wall is flaking paint because of time, sunlight, and overheating exposure, in reality, the main cause is stem wall failure due to corrosion.
Stem Wall Failure Signs: Vertical Concrete Cracks in Goodyear, AZ
Concrete cracks are another very clear sign that the stem wall is a victim of a foundation problem. Like any other symptom of stem wall failure, every symptom has a meaning; in this case, we have a vertical concrete crack in the stem wall which means the corrosion problem started in the tie-down strap first, and then it spread to the rest of the stem wall.
Stem Wall Failure Signs: Horizontal Concrete Cracks in Goodyear, AZ
On the other hand, when we are facing horizontal concrete cracks in the stem wall, it means the oxidation problem started in the rebar, and then it spread to the rest of the stem wall components, as shown in the image.
Stem Wall Failure Signs: Spalling Concrete in Goodyear, AZ
The last and the worst of the symptoms of a stem wall failure is spalling concrete. The reason why it is the worst is not only because spalling concrete makes your stem wall look ugly, but because when the stem wall gets to this point, the probability of having to replace most of the stem wall components is very high, which makes the concrete repair process even more expensive.
Stem Wall Failure Signs: Oxidized Tie-down Straps in Goodyear, AZ
Even tie-down straps can get visible if the corrosion problem is too advanced, as shown in the photograph.