Symptoms of Oxidation in a Stem Wall: Flaking Paint
Flaking paint can be a confusing and deceiving symptom since most people blame other factors, such as sunlight and time, for the flaking. In reality, the one to blame is oxidation.
Symptoms of Oxidation in a Stem Wall: Horizontal Cracks
When it comes to stem wall problems, every symptom means something. In this case, there are horizontal cracks which means the oxidation problem began in the rebar and then spread to the rest of the stem wall.
Symptoms of Oxidation in a Stem Wall: Vertical Cracks
On the other hand, vertical cracks meant quite the opposite. Vertical cracks prove that the oxidation issue began in the tie-down straps, and then spread to the rest of the stem wall.
Symptoms of Oxidation in a Stem Wall: Spalling Concrete
Spalling concrete is the worst of the symptoms because when the stem wall gets to this point, it means most of the elements will have to get replaced since the probability of all the components being already severely damaged is very high.
Stem Wall Restoration Procedure: Rebar Replacement
Replacing the rebar is very important because it will prevent the stem wall from getting corroded again in the future.
Stem Wall Restoration Procedure: Preventing is Caring
After replacing every single element from the stem wall, a blue material needs to get added to protect the components from natural factors, such as water, which can cause the stem wall to get corroded again.
After Stem Wall Restoration Procedure
As shown in this picture, the stem wall looks smooth, fresh, and ready to get painted again. Thanks to Arizona Foundation Solutions, this family will no longer have to worry about corrosion threatening their concrete stem wall for a very long time.