Porous concrete

Homeowners effected by porous concrete problems will have a concrete foundation, and it's an issue that can effect a home of any age. This situation can occur if the materials for the poured concrete material weren't mixed properly, or if the wall wasn't built using the right construction techniques. Eventually, the foundation wall is going to start to flake, chip, or deteriorate in a spot or two where the damaged concrete exists. While this may seem like only a problem with the aesthetics of a wall, it can eventually start to let water into the basement of the home.

Porous concrete has a very unique appearance, and it often falls apart in a honeycomb pattern. This is why the problem is sometimes referred to as "honeycomb concrete." Furthermore, the problem is also sometimes referred to as spalled concrete. All terms refer to the same foundation problem. If left untreated for too long, moisture will begin to seep into the home.

Water in the Basement

Water in the basement of a home is never a good sign. Moisture here can lead to a variety of serious problems, including damage to wooden materials, including: support beams, floor joists, staircases, banisters, and to anything made of wood that may be stored here. When these materials start to rot, it will also eventually endanger the structural integrity of the home. This can lead to many additional expensive and serious problems.

This moisture may also contribute to the growth of harmful mold, mildew, and bacteria. When these things start growing under a home, they can significantly effect the air a family breathes. Contaminated air with mold spores can lead to a variety of serious medical conditions, including respiratory problems or cold/flu-like symptoms. You will know that you have mold growing if your home smells musty, or if you can actually see the dark green or black fungus growing on your walls, floors, ceiling, or boxes.

Where Will I See Porous or Honeycomb Concrete?

Typically, this problem can be seen along areas like the junction of beams to beams or columns to columns. Also, wherever there are rods placed in the concrete, the problem can appear here, as well.

Fixing Porous Concrete

To take care of the problem, a simple patching job will not work. The entire spalled area of concrete will need to be chipped out, and replaced with freshly poured concrete materials. Also, since often times a honeycombed area of concrete could indicate a problem with the load bearing capacity of the wall, it is also recommended that additional rods be set into place to add more support to the home's frame. At places of junctions, such as from beam to beam, additional concrete or rodding may be necessary.

It may also be necessary to have an exterior waterproofing membrane installed to protect against additional water seepage or pressure on the foundation walls, This can prevent leaks into the home through cracks in the concrete foundation wall.