Causes of Corrosion
The main cause of a stem wall failing is excessive irrigation close to the house's foundation. When this happens, and the water gets in contact with the stem wall, the concrete changes its PH making the concrete particles more acid and causing the metal components of the stem wall to oxidize.
Symptoms of Corrosion Problems in a Stem Wall: Flaking Paint
Flaking paint is the most common and confusing stem wall problem since most people blame the sunlight and the time.
Symptoms of Corrosion Problems in a Stem Wall: Vertical Cracks
When there are vertical cracks in a stem wall, it means that the corrosion began in the tie-down straps and then spread to the rest of the stem wall components.
Symptoms of Corrosion Problems in a Stem Wall: Spalling Concrete
Spalling concrete is the last and the worst symptom of corrosion problems because when this stem wall gets to this point, it means that most of the stem all components need to get replaced.
Stem Wall Repair Process: Rebar Replacement
As shown in this picture, the rebar got replaced, and now it is time for the rest of the stem wall components to get replaced as well.