I have a problem with large chunks of cement flaking off my foundation wall (chunks of 1/2″ thick and 4″ long).
I have a poured foundation and my house is approx. 30 years old. The problem is only ocuuring on the north side of the house. The cemnet is flaking off about 6-8 inches above the soil level.
Beacuse it is the north side of the house the soil is usually moist but it is graded OK.
I live in Ohio where there is a fair amount of freeze/thaw
Why is this ocuuring? What can I do to fix it? What type of contractor is best suited to handle this?
Replies
you might need someone there who really knows his building science inside and out.
If this were just a new house, I would suspect that the crete was a bad pour, but from the location, age of house, and way it is happening, I am suspecting that moisture is getting in the wall and freezing hard enough to blow the scabs off.
When I ask myself where that moistuer is coming from, I imagine condensation, especially since it is in a north wall. Another possibility is splash back off the ground from roof dripping.
Can you describe more details of the entire wall assembly to the roof, inside to out? Is there plumbing in the upper wall over the blowouts?
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It is a two story house with alumimun siding. There is approx 2 foot of exposed concrete between the soil and the aluminum siding.
There is no plumbing over the problem area.
It is very possible that there is splash back from the soil from the roof (the gutters are clear and free flowing though). The soil is moist in the spring/fall and the concrete is also frequently wet.
Any ideas on how to treat the concrete so that it resists the moisture?
Vynal CC patch is one.
Make sure you remove all loose and flaking CC and follow the MFG's instructions closely. 'poxey base would be even better...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
Over vibrated and sand mix rich / pourous??? Then add the freeze thaw cycles...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
Is the rebar being exposed? -- if so, are there signs of corrosion on the rebar?
IanDG
No visible rebar at this time. The walls are approx 8" thick and so far I have lost approx 1" in the worst area.
Any ideas on how to treat the concrete to keep it from getting any worse?