What Causes a Stem Wall to fail?
One common factor is water overexposure, the problem is that having plats right next to the home's foundation causes the concrete stem wall to deteriorate or even if there is a water leak nearby.
Signs of Stem Wall Failure: Flaking Paint
Flacking paint is the most common symptom and the most confusing since most people blame sunlight and time for flaking instead of corrosion.
Signs of Stem Wall Failure: Vertical Concrete Cracks
Vertical concrete cracks The corrosion problem began in the tie-down straps and then spread to the rest of the concrete stem wall.
Signs of Stem Wall Failure: Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks mean the oxidation problem started in the rebar end and then spread to the rest of the stem wall.
Signs of Stem Wall Failure: Spalling Concrete
Spalling concrete is the last and the worst of all the symptoms because when the stem wall gets to this point, it means most of the stem wall elements will need to get replaced.
Stem Wall Repair Process: Rebar Replacement
At this point of the process, all the elements got replaced along with the rebar to prevent any chance of corrosion in the future.
Stem Wall Repair Process: Preventing is Caring
After replacing all the components, a blue anti-rust material is added before pouring fresh concrete into the stem wall to prevent any probability of corrosion in the future.