Before & After Photos

The concrete stem wall on this late 1970s home had a few areas of concrete cracking, flaking and crumbling.  

Mid repair, we confirmed the culprit - rusting rebar!

When moisture becomes trapped near the concrete stem wall of your home, porous concrete may absorb that moisture.  Once said moisture makes it to the rebar, oxidization, corrosion and rust may occur.

Another area of concrete stem wall repair on a Phoenix area home!

Rusting rebar caused this Phoenix home's concrete stem wall to begin crumbling, cracking and flaking. 

When planning for a remodeling project, it's important to take into account any foundation problems that may cause cracks in the patio, garage, or even inside the house. A family in Phoenix, AZ, recently faced this challenge when their concrete slabs in the patio cracked in all directions. However, they were able to turn this setback into an opportunity by seeking the assistance of experts in the field. With their help, the family was able to overcome this issue and ensure a safe and successful renovation.

In Phoenix, Arizona, foundation issues are common, and horizontal cracks on stem walls are a frequent problem. These cracks are often due to the oxidization of rebar within the concrete stem wall foundation, leading to expansion, spalling, and eventual splitting if left unaddressed.

Our client noticed small cracks forming on the outside foundation walls of their home. Recognizing the potential for these cracks to worsen, they contacted Arizona Foundation Solutions. Alysia, our customer care representative, promptly booked an appointment. Ted, our design specialist, conducted a thorough evaluation and confirmed the need for an urgent stem wall repair to prevent further damage.

Traditionally, stem wall repair methods such as patching, epoxy injections, standard rebar replacements, and waterproof coatings have been used. However, these solutions are temporary as they fail to address the recurring issue of oxidization. More advanced solutions like electrical cathodic protection systems, although effective, are prohibitively expensive for residential properties, costing between $20,000 and $30,000.

After evaluating the problem, our team at Arizona Foundation Solutions employed our innovative stem wall repair system. Unlike traditional methods, our system is designed to provide a long-lasting solution for residential homes.

Felix, our experienced foreman, oversaw the project, ensuring that every step was executed with precision. The advanced repair system we utilized prevents further oxidization and deterioration of the concrete stem wall, addressing the root cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

This reliable and cost-effective solution not only fixed the existing cracks but also fortified the stem wall foundation, ensuring the safety and stability of the building for years to come. Our client now has peace of mind, knowing that their home's foundation is secure and protected against future damage.

Why Choose Our Stem Wall Repair System?

Understanding the Problem: Foundation wall cracks in concrete stem walls are primarily due to the porous nature of concrete that allows moisture to accumulate and oxidize the rebar within. This leads to expansion, cracking, and spalling.

Traditional Solutions and Their Flaws:

• Patching the cracks - Temporary and doesn't address underlying oxidization.
• Epoxy injection/coating - Provides short-term relief but fails to prevent recurring oxidization.
• Standard Rebar Replacement - Vulnerable to the same oxidization issues over time.
• Rebar Replacement with Epoxy Coating - Slightly better but still susceptible to long-term failure.
• Waterproof Coatings - Ineffective in addressing internal oxidization.
• Electrical Cathodic Protection Systems - Effective but prohibitively expensive for residential use.

Our Superior Solution: Our stem wall repair system stands out by offering a durable, cost-effective solution that prevents rebar oxidization and extends the lifespan of the concrete stem wall. It is specifically designed for residential use, making it an ideal choice for homeowners facing foundation issues.

In Phoenix, Arizona, a residential homeowner noticed concerning horizontal cracks forming along the exterior foundation walls of their property. Aware that these cracks could signify serious structural issues, they contacted Arizona Foundation Solutions for a comprehensive assessment and repair.

Initial Concerns:

The homeowner's primary concern was the integrity of their foundation, as they had read that such cracks could lead to further damage if left untreated. Additionally, they were aware that many traditional stem wall repair methods, such as patching and rebar replacement, often fail over time due to recurring oxidization, leading to further cracking and potential foundation instability.

Design Specialist's Evaluation:

Stephen, the Design Specialist, conducted a thorough evaluation of the property. He confirmed that the cracks were caused by oxidizing rebar within the stem wall, a common issue in the area due to Phoenix's climate. Stephen explained to the homeowner that traditional repair methods might provide temporary relief but wouldn't offer a long-term solution, as they are prone to re-oxidization and further damage.

Solution Implemented:

After a careful assessment, Stephen recommended Arizona Foundation Solutions’ innovative Stem Wall Repair System, which offers a reliable and cost-effective solution designed specifically for residential properties. Unlike traditional methods, this system addresses the root cause of stem wall failure by preventing further oxidization and ensuring long-term stability.

Project Execution:

Under the supervision of Foreman John AKA Bo, the Arizona Foundation Solutions team implemented the advanced Stem Wall Repair System. This cutting-edge approach included:

Rebar Replacement with Protective Coating: The rebar was replaced and treated with a specialized protective coating to prevent future oxidization.

Concrete Treatment: The concrete was treated to enhance durability and prevent moisture penetration, which is crucial for avoiding future cracks.

Final Curing: A careful curing process was followed to ensure the longevity of the repair.

Outcome:

The project was completed successfully, with the homeowner expressing satisfaction with the results. The repaired stem wall is now structurally sound, with a significantly reduced risk of future cracking or deterioration. The innovative system used by Arizona Foundation Solutions provided the homeowner with peace of mind, knowing their foundation is protected for years to come.