Sinking Porch

A sinking porch presents more than a visual flaw. The uneven structure results in trips and falls, posing a significant risk, particularly to older guests.

Various factors contribute to a porch sinking, including soil erosion and settlement; left neglected, these issues can escalate to significant damage and expensive repairs.

AFS provides optimal solutions for your sinking porch problems. Our advanced PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting technique ensures the durability and safety of your porch and residence.

Keep reading to learn crucial insights on common concrete issues like a sinking porch, highlighting the importance of professional repair for enduring protection.

What Is a Sinking Porch?

A sinking porch is commonly recognized by the sinking or settling of the porch from its initial position.

This issue is commonly caused by instability in the underlying soil or foundation, leading to visible cracks, tilting, and misalignment in the structure of the porch.

Aside from being unsightly, it introduces safety hazards like tripping. A sinking porch can also accompany other concrete-related issues, such as:

These concerns demand prompt and expert repair to stop further damage and uphold your home’s structural integrity.

Reach out to AFS for assistance when you observe any of these issues.

Why Your Home Has a Sinking Porch

Multiple factors can lead to a concrete porch sinking, including:

Soil Settlement: Over time, soil compression varies across different areas beneath the porch, resulting in uneven settling, a significant cause of sinking porches.
Soil Erosion: Water flow beneath the porch can wash away soil, leading to sinking in certain sections. Rainwater from downspouts directed too close to the porch can worsen erosion.
Excessive Rain or Flooding: Flooding can erode soil beneath a section of the porch, causing it to sink.
Tree Roots: Trees drawing moisture from the soil near the porch’s foundation can cause uneven settling on one side, while roots can displace soil and exert pressure on the porch, weakening support.
Poor Concrete Pouring/Curing: If concrete is improperly poured or cured during construction, vulnerabilities may develop. Over time, this can lead to the concrete shifting, cracking, or sinking due to insufficient support.

Neglecting these issues can escalate the damage, impacting both the porch and the home’s foundation, leading to extensive and costly repairs. Quick action is vital for long-lasting repairs and protection.

Can You Fix a Sinking Porch?

Yes, a sinking porch can be fixed.

However, this issue demands a comprehensive approach to home repair. A thorough inspection and a comprehensive home solution are essential to effectively address the underlying causes. A temporary fix or DIY repairs, such as mudjacking, are not recommended and do not provide a long-term solution.

AFS utilizes a proven proprietary solution targeting the root cause, be it eroding soil, tree root damage, or other issues. Our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections are meticulously designed to precisely lift a sinking concrete porch, ensuring enduring support.

Depending on the severity of the damage and the type of your home’s foundation, we might also implement foundation repair solutions such as foundation piers.

How to Fix a Sinking Porch

AFS’s exclusive PolyRenewal™ system is designed to gently lift and stabilize your concrete without the need for a complete replacement. Here’s our process:

Our specialists conduct a thorough inspection to identify the damage’s cause and devise a repair plan.
We drill small, penny-sized holes in the affected concrete sections.
Custom ports are inserted into these holes for foam injection.

We blend two unique polyurethane foam components.
The foam is injected below the concrete through the valves, where it expands swiftly.
Within 15 minutes, the high-density foam solidifies, lifting the slab in the process.
After removing the valves, we patch the holes.
We seal all cracks to prevent future water infiltration.
Consistent maintenance ensures the longevity of the repairs.

PolyRenewal™ allows for precise concrete lifting without extensive demolition, offering a superior solution to conventional mudjacking methods.

Contact AFS today to schedule your free inspection and learn more about this innovative technique.

Why Address a Sinking Porch Now

Addressing a sinking porch promptly is crucial for numerous reasons:

Immediate Safety: A sloped porch presents a tripping hazard, particularly for elderly visitors or those with mobility challenges. Repairing it eliminates this risk.
Prevent Further Damage: Ignoring an uneven porch leads to quicker deterioration, as the settled section bears more weight. Early intervention can avert extensive damage and expensive repairs.
Avoid Water Intrusion: Damage causing the porch to slope towards the house can lead to water damage on the siding and interior leaks. The porch should facilitate water runoff away from the house.
Maintain Property Value: Addressing the issue enhances your home’s entrance aesthetics and helps preserve property value.
Protect Your Foundation: The factors causing a porch to sink, like soil erosion, can also affect your home’s foundation. Prompt and appropriate porch repairs help safeguard your foundation.
Enhance Functionality: A sloping porch loses its utility. Concrete lifting and other repairs restore its functionality.

AFS’s proprietary solutions for sinking porches offer a comprehensive and lasting fix, utilizing top-tier products that surpass the options available at general retailers or from other companies.

Contact AFS for Dependable Concrete Lifting Solutions

A sloping porch is more than just a visual concern. Trust your porch and home to AFS for premium concrete lifting solutions. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation inspection and put an end to your sinking porch issues.

Homeowners across the region have depended on us to repair and protect their homes for over 20 years. They trust in our established repair techniques and commitment to customer satisfaction. We ensure dependable, effective, and durable solutions tailored to your specific needs.

FAQs

How long does it take to fix a sinking porch?

Repairing a sinking porch typically takes about a day, though this can vary based on damage severity, the type of foundation your home has, and the selected repair solution. For instance, your porch might need polyurethane injections and/or foundation piers. Reach out to AFS for a free inspection and a precise estimate of the project’s timeline.

How much does sinking porch repair cost?

The cost to repair a sinking porch depends on various factors including the porch’s size, the damage extent, and the best-suited solution for your specific situation. AFS provides financing options as well as free inspections and estimates, allowing for an accurate and transparent quote tailored to your unique requirements.

Is it safe to use my porch while waiting for repairs?

Using a sinking porch while awaiting repairs is not advised due to the potential for further damage and safety risks. A sinking or sloping porch can be unstable, and usage might exacerbate the issue. Prompt repairs are essential to restoring your porch’s safety and functionality.

_{Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. AFS does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}