Side Effects of Water Overexposure in a Concrete Stem Wall
When concrete gets in contact with too much water, the PH changes, becoming acid and damaging the metal stem wall elements on the way. However, if the exposure is too radical, it can cause even mold, as shown in the picture.
Symptoms of Corrosion in a Stem Wall: Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks in the stem wall mean the oxidation problem began in the rebar and then spread to the rest of the concrete stem wall.
Symptoms of Corrosion in a Stem Wall: Vertical Cracks
On the other hand, vertical cracks mean the oxidation problem began in the toe-down straps and spread to the rest of the concrete stem wall.
Symptoms of Corrosion in a Stem Wall: Spalling Concrete
The last and the worst of all the stem wall problems is spalling concrete because when the stem wall gets to this point, it means most of the stem wall components will need to get replaced.
After Stem Wall Restoration
As shown in his image, all the damaged components by corrosion got replaced, and fresh new concrete got puer giving the stem wall a smooth look and ready to get painted again.