Sinking porch? What should I do?

by ken » Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:34 pm

**Sinking porch? What should I do?

http://primalkey.com/_blog/img/porch-sink1.jpg

http://primalkey.com/_blog/img/porch-sink2.jpg

http://primalkey.com/_blog/img/porch-sink3.jpg

by ken » Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:36 pm

There could be some non-compacted backfill or drainage problems occurring prior to the sign of floating slab separation from the adjacent wall. A mud-jacking or using push-pier method should be working if the site soil conditions are verified.

by Bruce Pooley » Sun Sep 03, 2006 3:52 pm

Has the owner checked their structural warranty? Have them check to see if they do indeed have a warranty, and if so, they should file a claim.

Since the roof is supported by the porch slab, it appears that the roof is under some distress. Mud jacking or other such repair methods may cause damage to the roof if sideways or upwards movements are substantial.

by ken » Tue Sep 05, 2006 2:33 pm

The structural warranty was ruled out of the scope for this particular case.
The roof framing was part of the structural repair consideration and may become an important one.

Mud jacking usually works if the soil conditions are known and the soil behavior can be predicted. Other than that a better method should be used because the piers may go up (or down) as stated by Bruce.