Concrete Repair Before & After Photos

This wonderful home built in 1974 was showing signs of stem wall failure. The Homeowner has lived in the house for 10 years and absolutely loves living there!  A horizontal crack began in the stem wall and you can see the rebar inside the concrete. The Homeowner was concerned that the house would fall in around them. Our outstanding stem wall repair team came out and was able to fix the problem. The team cut out the existing rebar and replaced it with our non-ferrous composite.

In Glendale, AZ, a homeowner noticed horizontal fissures widening along a 5 ft section of their stem wall, directly beneath a sliding window. Each morning revealed new paint chips on the concrete slab and small fragments of CMU aggregate where the parge coat had spalled away. Frustration mounted as drafts crept through the cracks, and anxiety over property value crept in with every visible gap. Daily life was disrupted by the constant worry that an unstable foundation could lead to larger structural failures—and larger repair bills.

2. The Search for a Solution

After attempting a DIY epoxy injection kit found online, the homeowner watched as the crack reappeared within weeks. A generic contractor patched the surface with polymer-based fill, but the repair failed less than two years later. Research revealed that stem wall repair isn’t just cosmetic—it demands specialized diagnostics, engineering expertise, and a warranty that guarantees long-term performance.

3. Why Arizona Foundation Solutions?

A neighbor’s five-star review led the homeowner to Arizona Foundation Solutions. The promise of a free, no-pressure inspection stood out. During the on-site evaluation, an AZFS specialist deployed a laser level to confirm uneven settlement and a moisture probe to detect chloride ion penetration. In clear, jargon-free terms, the specialist explained how rusting rebar—fed by migrating chloride ions—was the true culprit behind the recurring cracks. That transparent approach built trust before any work began.

4. The Repair Process

Solution chosen: 5 ft Stem Wall Patch + 2 Concrete Removal & Replacement (R&R) + 1 Moisture-blocking Application (MOB)

Set-up – The crew erected safety barriers and tarps to protect the landscape and window.

Install – They removed the damaged parge coat and fractured rock to expose the rusted rebar. Sandblasting restored the steel to a pristine condition, then an ion-blocking epoxy coating sealed the rebar against future chloride attack. Technicians applied anodic-based repair mortar to rebuild the stem wall segment, followed by two precise R&R sections on the adjacent slab joints. Finally, a moisture-blocking polymer membrane (MOB) was installed at the slab-wall interface.

Verify – Laser readings confirmed the wall was perfectly aligned, and cure-time checks ensured the mortar reached full strength. The entire process took less than two days and left the yard and utility access undisturbed.

5. Transformation – The After

Before: Jagged, ½ in-deep spalls 2 in below the window sill; chronic drafts; water stains on the slab; a loose control joint crack leading directly into the foundation.

After: A seamless, 36 in × 4 in patch with smooth trowel finish; walls true within ± ⅛ in; no visible gaps or water intrusion points. Doors close without binding, and drafts have vanished. The homeowner now reports increased confidence in their home’s structural integrity—backed by a transferable, 25-year warranty and clear documentation of chloride mitigation steps.

6. Emotional Engine – Why Act Early?

Ignoring even hairline cracks allows moisture and soil shifts to exacerbate rusting and concrete decay. Industry data shows repair costs can escalate by up to 50 % when corrosion is left unchecked for over a year. Arizona Foundation Solutions combats surprise fees by offering transparent pricing, certified crews, and lifetime service policies—ensuring small symptoms don’t spiral into major headaches.

7. New Era – A Win for Everyone

By addressing the stem wall at its root cause, the homeowner’s property appraisal increased by an estimated $8,000. Neighbors in Glendale, AZ 85304 noticed the clean, professional site and have since booked free inspections themselves. Arizona Foundation Solutions continues to safeguard homes across the Valley, reinforcing community property values and peace of mind.

The stem wall on this Glendale, AZ was cracking and flaking. Our expert stem wall repair came out and replace the existing rebar with our non-ferrous composite system.

A single-family residence built in 1973 down in Glendale was facing some concrete crack problems. The Homeowners were remodeling so decided to repair the floor since they were investing in the house, so, they decided to fix the concrete crack. The Homeowner called Arizona Foundation Solutions to go and visit the owners to see the problem. The concrete repair experts concluded that the best solution for the problem would be to do some concrete crack stitches.

The new owners of this Laveen home wanted to address issues with their home's stem wall before they got worse.  Our Composite Stem Wall Repair System was the right solution!