Stem Wall Repair in Arizona: What Homeowners Can Expect

August 10th, 2025 by Sterling Smith

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When you notice cracks along the bottom of your home’s exterior walls, chipping concrete, or exposed rebar, it’s a clear sign your stem wall may need repair. Stem walls are the portion of your foundation visible above the ground, and they play a critical role in supporting your home’s structure. Damage here isn’t just cosmetic — it can compromise the integrity of the entire foundation.

Stem Wall Repair in Arizona: What Homeowners Can Expect - Image 1

1. Identifying the Problem

In the image above, you can see a section of stem wall with spalling concrete and exposed steel reinforcement (rebar). This type of damage typically occurs when moisture reaches the rebar through small cracks in the concrete. Over time, the steel rusts, expands, and forces the surrounding concrete to break apart.

Signs that your stem wall may need repair include:

Horizontal or vertical cracks in the wall
Flaking, chipping, or crumbling concrete
Rust stains or exposed steel
Uneven or sagging areas near the foundation

2. Site Preparation

Before any repair work begins, the crew will prepare the area around the damaged section. This may include:

Clearing dirt away from the stem wall to expose the full damaged area
Laying down protective plastic sheeting (as shown in the photo) to keep debris contained
Ensuring utilities and irrigation lines are safely out of the work zone

3. Removing Damaged Concrete

The first major step is removing all loose or deteriorated concrete. Using power tools such as grinders and chipping hammers, technicians carefully break away damaged material until they reach solid, healthy concrete. This ensures the repair is built on a stable surface.

4. Treating or Replacing the Rebar

Once exposed, the steel reinforcement is cleaned to remove rust. In cases of severe corrosion, sections of rebar will be cut out and replaced with non metallic composite rebar. The remaining steel and area of oxidation is then coated with a protective rust inhibitor, which helps prevent future corrosion.

Stem Wall Repair in Arizona: What Homeowners Can Expect - Image 2

In the photo, you can see sections of rebar removed and replaced with composite — an essential step in preventing the same problem from recurring.

5. Rebuilding the Stem Wall

After the composite rebar is put into place, the crew rebuilds the missing sections of the wall. This is done with a high-strength repair mortar designed for structural use. The mortar bonds securely to the existing concrete and is shaped to restore the original profile of the stem wall.

6. Sealing and Finishing

Once cured, the repaired stem wall is coated with a protective barrier to shield it from moisture intrusion. Depending on the homeowner’s preference, the finish may be left as a protective sealant or painted to match the rest of the foundation. We recommend whatever is put on the stem wall for decorative purposes should not be waterproof, but one that gives the new structure an opportunity to "breath."

7. How Long Does It Take?

Most stem wall repairs can be completed within a few hours to a few days, depending on the extent of the damage. Larger repairs or multiple damaged areas may take longer, but crews work to minimize disruption to your daily routine.

8. Preventing Future Damage

To keep your repaired stem wall in good shape:

Maintain proper drainage around your home
Avoid overwatering plants near the foundation
Inspect the stem wall annually for signs of cracking or chipping
Address small cracks promptly before moisture reaches any remaining steel

Bottom line: Stem wall repair is a straightforward process when handled by professionals, but it’s essential to address the problem early. With proper repair and prevention, your home’s foundation will remain strong and stable for years to come.

If you’ve noticed cracks or chipping in your stem wall, contact us today!