House stumps fail because of rot, corrosion, and rust. Timber stumps can break down and weaken from rot when they get too damp. Meanwhile, concrete stumps might face corrosion issues, and steel ones can rust, especially in wet environments.
It’s best to consult an expert in Shepparton restumping to get help when you notice your house stumps are starting to degrade.
In this post, we’ll expand more on the causes of house stump failure based on whether the stumps are made with timber, concrete, or steel.
What Causes House Stumps to Fail?
Timber house stumps fail because of rot, concrete stumps to corrosion, and steel stumps to rust. Let’s take a closer look at each one below.
Why Timber Stumps Fail
Timber stumps often fail because they’re prone to rotting. This happens when they’re consistently exposed to moisture, which allows fungi to grow and break down the wood’s structure. This process weakens the stump, making it less reliable for supporting weight.
Additionally, termite infestations can worsen the situation, as they tend to target and eat away at the damaged timber.
Why Concrete Stumps Fail
Corrosion of internal steel bars is a common reason for the failure of concrete stumps. Moisture can seep through cracks or the porous material, reaching the steel reinforcement inside and causing it to rust. This rusting process forces the steel to expand, which puts pressure on the concrete, creating further cracks and weakening its structure.
These issues can affect various types of footings, impacting their overall durability.
Why Steel Stumps Fail
The main issue with steel stumps is rust, which undermines their strength and stability. Over time, exposure to moisture and oxygen leads to the oxidation of steel, progressively corroding the metal. This reduces its ability to bear loads effectively.
In places with lots of humidity or salt in the air, like near the coast, this corrosion can happen even faster, making the stumps less reliable much sooner.
Lifespan of Different Types of House Stumps
The following are the lifespans of stumps according to material:
Lifespan of Timber House Stumps
Timber house stumps can last 20 to 40 years. However, they have the shortest lifespan of the three types of stumps due to their vulnerability to rotting.
Lifespan of Concrete House Stumps
Concrete house stumps are quite durable, often lasting over 50 years. They’re less likely to decay but need to be checked for signs of internal steel corrosion caused by moisture.
Lifespan of Steel House Stumps
Galvanized steel house stumps generally have a lifespan of about 70 years. To reach this age, they need regular upkeep and rust protection, particularly in places with lots of humidity or salt in the air.
