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In Phoenix, Arizona, a homeowner reached out to Arizona Foundation Solutions with a recurring problem: cracks in their stem wall, despite a repair conducted less than two years ago. Amanda, our Customer Care Representative, booked an initial consultation with John, aka Bo, our Design Specialist, to assess the situation. Upon review, Bo identified significant issues, with rusting rebar being the primary culprit behind the cracks. The previous repair methods used by other contractors had only provided a temporary fix, failing to address the root cause—rust-induced expansion caused by chloride ion migration within the concrete.
The homeowner was frustrated, as the horizontal cracks had reappeared, potentially threatening the structural integrity of their home. They needed a long-term solution to prevent future damage, something more than just patching the cracks. Bo outlined a comprehensive plan following industry-standard methods, ensuring that the repairs would not only fix the visible damage but also halt the rusting process within the stem wall.
After Project Description:
Following Bo’s assessment, Arizona Foundation Solutions implemented a thorough stem wall repair strategy under the supervision of Greg, our Foreman. The team started by removing the deteriorated concrete, exposing the rusted rebar, and sandblasting it back to its original, clean state. A specialized ion-blocking epoxy coating was applied to the rebar, followed by the use of an anodic-based repair mortar to seal and protect the wall. This advanced technique, endorsed by the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), ensures a lasting solution by targeting the root cause of the cracks—rusting rebar—rather than just masking the symptoms.
The homeowner, relieved to finally have a permanent solution in place, can now rest assured knowing their stem wall is fortified against further damage. Arizona Foundation Solutions’ expert approach, led by Bo’s precise evaluation and Greg’s meticulous execution, has restored the foundation’s integrity. By using industry-standard methods, this stem wall repair will stand the test of time, providing long-term security and peace of mind.
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This early 1970’s home had interior cracks in the kitchen and the living room. The homeowner inherited the home from his parents and isn’t sure it was last worked on. He contacted us to get his foundation issues fixed. Our team of professionals did an outstanding job, you can’t even tell work even done! The cracks were filled with a two-part poly.
Horizontal cracks in a stem wall are never a good sign. When the rebar inside the concrete gets wet it oxidizes and weakens the stem wall. Luckily, we have the solution, our patented non-ferrous composite.
The Homeowner of this Phoenix home was concerned about their cracking stem wall. Most stem walls fail because the rebar inside oxidizes. This oxidization causes expansion and cracks which gradually grows and worsens over time. Our crew replaced the rebar with our non-ferrous composite.