Built in 1966, this Payson Utah home shows a few narrow, vertical cracks along the back and left sides—minor on appearance but worth a closer look. We determined that these are not signs of shifting or settlement, but the result of rebar corrosion inside the concrete. In the 1960s, rebar was often left uncoated, and after decades of irrigation and moisture exposure, rust has slowly expanded within the wall, creating small, clean splits in the surface.
Drainage around the foundation is also part of the problem. Water tends to collect near the corners instead of flowing away, slowly feeding the same moisture cycle. We recommend extending gutters, tying downspouts into drainage tubes, and carrying the runoff at least ten feet from the house. Once that’s done, the cracks can be patched for appearance, and the structure should remain sound for decades to come.
A poorly cut window on the left rear wall also shows stress around its opening—an overcut from a past remodel that weakened the concrete. The solution is to add a 4x4x1/8-inch steel lintel spanning the window, anchored with construction adhesive and overlapping at least four inches on each side. With these small but important corrections, this mid-century home can continue to stand sturdy, its foundation once again protected from time and water.
