Sinking Porch

Have you started to notice a slope in your porch? You’re likely not imagining it. A sinking porch is more than just an eyesore. The uneven slope can lead to trips and falls, especially for children and elderly visitors.

Porches sink for several reasons, such as soil erosion and settling. If ignored, these issues can lead to severe damage and costly repairs.

Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists, with its advanced technology and specialized services, offers the ideal solutions for all your sinking porch concerns. We leverage our state-of-the-art PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting method to address these issues efficiently, ensuring the longevity and safety of your porch and home.

This page provides valuable insight into common concrete problems like a sinking porch and why professional repair is the key to long-lasting protection.

What Is a Sinking Porch?

A sinking porch is a common problem characterized by the visible settling or lowering of the porch compared to its original position.

This phenomenon usually occurs due to underlying soil or foundation stability issues, which can lead to the development of cracks, tilting, and misalignment in the porch’s structure. This issue can certainly cause cosmetic damage, but the real risks are in the realm of safety. An uneven porch can cause trip and fall hazards as well as weight bearing issues.

A sinking porch can accompany other concrete problems, such as:

These problems require immediate attention and professional intervention to prevent further damage and maintain the structural integrity of the home. Contact Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists when you notice any of these issues.

Why Your Home Has a Sinking Porch

A sinking porch isn’t just an unfortunate coincidence. Various factors contribute to this unsettling problem:

Soil Dynamics: Over the years, the soil beneath parts of the porch compresses, while other sections remain undisturbed. This uneven settling plays a significant role in causing porches to sink.
Water Runoff: The role of water in soil erosion is pivotal. If rainwater is not directed away from the porch, it can hasten soil erosion, leading to parts of the porch sinking.
Weather Extremes: Floods can swiftly erode the soil foundation, while recurrent freeze-thaw cycles, particularly in expansive soil regions, can cause uneven sinking of the porch.
Nature’s Influence: Trees near a porch may absorb moisture, leading to soil settling. Additionally, growing roots can displace soil, adding pressure on the porch’s foundation.
Construction Shortcomings: If the concrete was not poured or cured properly during the porch’s construction, it becomes susceptible to cracking, shifting, or sinking over time due to inadequate support.

Tackling these issues head-on ensures that they don’t progress, leading to further damage to both your porch and your home’s foundation.

Can You Fix a Sinking Porch?

Absolutely, it’s not only possible but important to address your sinking porch promptly.

It’s crucial to adopt a holistic approach to such repairs. A thorough inspection will reveal the underlying issues, and a comprehensive solution can then be tailored to address them.

Simple patch-up jobs or DIY attempts might offer a short-term fix, but they rarely address the root of the problem. Instead, professional intervention ensures that the solutions are both effective and enduring.

At Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists, we prioritize understanding the root cause – be it soil erosion, pressure from tree roots, or any other factors. Our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections are meticulously designed to provide targeted, long-lasting support to sinking porches.

Based on the nature and extent of damage, additional foundation repair solutions, such as installing foundation piers, might be recommended.

How to Fix a Sinking Porch

Fixing a sinking porch requires expertise, specialized tools, and a methodical approach. Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists have a tried-and-true process to address this common but concerning issue:

Comprehensive Inspection: Initially, our experts will conduct a thorough evaluation of the affected porch area. This helps identify the root cause, whether it’s soil erosion, water damage, or other foundational issues.
Preparation Phase: The area surrounding the porch is prepared, ensuring that there’s minimal disruption to the rest of the property. This includes clearing any obstructions and ensuring safety throughout the process.
Precision Drilling: Small, inconspicuous holes are strategically drilled into the sunken sections of the concrete, serving as injection points for the PolyRenewal™ foam.

Injection of PolyRenewal™ Foam: Our specialized polyurethane foam is carefully injected through the drilled holes. As the foam expands, it fills the voids beneath the concrete, providing the necessary lift and stabilization.
Monitoring & Adjustments: As the foam expands and the slab rises, our technicians continuously monitor the process, making real-time adjustments to ensure the porch is even.
Sealing & Finishing: Once the porch is stabilized and leveled, the injection holes are sealed, leaving behind minimal evidence of the repair process. If there were existing cracks, these are also sealed to prevent future water intrusion.
Post-Repair Assessment: After the concrete lifting process, our team assesses the results, ensuring the porch is not only level but also stable and secure for the long haul.
Maintenance Tips: Homeowners are provided with guidance on how to maintain their newly lifted porch and protect it from future sinking issues. This may include recommendations on drainage improvements, soil maintenance, and more.
Follow-Up: At Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists, our relationship with homeowners doesn’t end once the job is done. We schedule follow-up checks to ensure the porch remains in top condition and address any concerns homeowners might have.

By leveraging the advanced PolyRenewal™ system, we ensure that porches are lifted with precision and care, eliminating the need for extensive demolition or replacement. Reach out to Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists today to discuss this cutting-edge solution for sinking porches.

Why Address a Sinking Porch Now

Delaying porch repairs can lead to a cascade of problems:

Safety First: A sinking porch can become a tripping hazard. Ensuring a level surface is crucial, especially to ensure the safety of seniors or those with mobility challenges.
Escalating Damage: An uneven porch increases stress on specific sections, accelerating wear and tear. Addressing the problem early on can save you from expensive repairs down the line.
Water Woes: A porch that leans towards the house can direct water towards the foundation, increasing the risk of leaks and potential structural damage.
Aesthetics and Property Value: A well-maintained porch enhances your home’s curb appeal and plays a role in property valuation.
Foundation Care: The reasons behind a sinking porch can often affect the broader foundation of your home. Timely repairs can preempt more significant foundation issues.
Usability: A sinking porch is not just unsightly but also less functional. Proper repairs restore your porch to its prime, making it a welcoming space again.

At Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists, we are dedicated to offering state-of-the-art solutions that are both effective and durable.

Contact Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists for Expert Porch Solutions

When your porch shows signs of sinking or other structural concerns, you deserve nothing but the best in concrete lifting solutions. Dry Pro Foundation & Crawlspace Specialists are here to provide the expertise, technology, and customer care that your home needs. Call us today to schedule a complimentary inspection and receive an obligation-free quote. Let our experts help you get your sinking porch back to its prime.