Permanent Stem Wall Repair for a Gilbert, AZ Home: Ensuring Structural Integrity Before Sale

Project Overview: In Gilbert, Arizona, a homeowner is experiencing stem wall cracking at the front corner of their house. The homeowner is preparing to sell their home, and a realtor referred them to Arizona Foundation Solutions for an inspection. The foreman overseeing this project is Eli, with Amanda handling the booking of appointments, and John (Bo), the design specialist, assessing the issue.

Problem: Stem wall cracks, especially in the dry and harsh climate of Arizona, are a common occurrence. The front corner of this home has visible cracks that may compromise the structural integrity of the foundation, potentially affecting the home’s value during its sale. In many cases, previous stem wall repairs fail prematurely due to improper techniques, such as temporary fixes like epoxy injections or polymer-based methods. These methods do not address the root cause of the issue: rusting rebar caused by chloride ion migration within the concrete.

Goal: The goal of this project is to conduct a thorough evaluation of the stem wall to assess the damage and recommend a long-lasting solution that adheres to the highest industry standards. By engaging Arizona Foundation Solutions, the homeowner aims to resolve the cracks with effective, permanent repairs before selling the property.

After Project Description:

Project Completion Summary: Arizona Foundation Solutions successfully completed the stem wall repair for the homeowner in Gilbert, Arizona, under the guidance of Eli, the project foreman. The customer care representative, Amanda, coordinated the appointments seamlessly, while John (Bo), the design specialist, carefully evaluated the stem wall cracks.

Solution: Following a comprehensive assessment, the root cause of the stem wall cracks was identified as rusting rebar due to chloride ion migration. To ensure a long-lasting repair, Arizona Foundation Solutions employed industry-standard methods, including the removal of damaged concrete, sandblasting the exposed rebar to a pristine condition, and applying a protective ion-blocking epoxy coating. The stem wall was then repaired using an anodic-based repair mortar, which is designed to prevent future rusting and deterioration.

Outcome: The repair not only restored the structural integrity of the foundation but also increased the home's market value by resolving a key structural concern. The repair was completed following all International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) guidelines, ensuring a durable and lasting solution that will withstand Arizona's challenging climate. The homeowner can now proceed with the sale of their home confidently, knowing the stem wall has been properly repaired and reinforced.