Sinking Porch

A sinking porch isn’t just a cosmetic concern. The uneven slope can be a hazard, increasing the risk of trips, especially for the elderly and children. 

Porches may sink due to various reasons like soil erosion and settling. Neglecting these can lead to significant damage and expensive repair bills. 

Foundation Systems of Michigan, armed with the latest technology and specialized techniques, offers the perfect concrete lifting solutions to your sinking porch issues. We utilize our unparalleled SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting approach to address these concerns, guaranteeing your porch’s durability and your home’s safety. 

This page sheds light on familiar concrete challenges, such as sinking porches, and highlights why professional intervention is vital for enduring protection. 

What Is a Sinking Porch? 

Many homeowners notice their porches visibly descending or shifting from their original placement, signifying a sinking porch. 

This issue often stems from complications in the soil beneath or foundation instabilities. These can give rise to various structural concerns like cracks, tilts, and misalignments in the porch. Beyond being an aesthetic concern, this poses genuine safety hazards, including tripping risks. 

A sinking porch can often be linked to other concrete-related issues like: 

• Cracked concrete 
• Sinking steps 
• Sinking concrete slab 
• Cracked sidewalks 
• Cracked driveway 
• Cracked pool deck 
• Concrete pitting, flaking, and staining  

Addressing these issues promptly and seeking professional expertise is essential to stop further damage and ensure your home’s structural safety. Should you observe any of these signs, contact Foundation Systems of Michigan. 

Why Your Home Has a Sinking Porch 

Several factors can lead to the sinking of a concrete porch: 

• Soil Compression: As time progresses, soil beneath a segment of the porch may compress naturally, contrasting with other parts that remain stable. This differential compression often results in many porches sinking. 
• Soil Wear: The flow of water beneath the porch can gradually wear away the soil, leading to the sinking of certain sections. This erosion is intensified when downspouts direct rainwater close to the porch. 
• Heavy Rainfall or Flooding: Intense rains or floods have the potential to remove the soil beneath the porch, causing depressions. 
• Freezing and Melting Patterns: The constant cycle of the ground freezing and subsequently thawing, especially in soils that expand, can cause certain areas of the porch to lower. 
• Tree Root Displacement: As trees absorb moisture from the soil close to the porch’s base, there can be uneven settling. The tree roots can disturb the soil, placing pressure on the porch and affecting its foundational support. 
• Substandard Concrete Processing: If the concrete isn’t poured or set correctly during the building phase, it becomes susceptible. With time, such vulnerabilities may result in concrete cracking, displacing, or sinking due to lackluster foundational support. 

Overlooking these factors can amplify the deterioration, jeopardizing both the porch and the home’s foundational structure. This can result in the need for comprehensive and costly repairs. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly for durable and effective solutions.  

Can You Fix a Sinking Porch? 

Yes, correcting a sinking porch is entirely feasible. 

Addressing this concern requires an all-encompassing home repair strategy. A thorough inspection and a comprehensive solution are essential to effectively tackle the root causes. 

Quick fixes might offer a temporary solution but will fail to ensure long-term stability. We advise against DIY methods or mudjacking as solutions. 

Foundation Systems of Michigan employs a time-tested proprietary solution addressing the core problem, be it eroding soil or tree root interference. Our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections are crafted to delicately and accurately lift a sinking concrete porch, guaranteeing sustained support. 

Depending on the damage level and your home’s foundation, we might also incorporate foundation repair techniques like foundation piers. 

How to Fix a Sinking Porch 

Foundation Systems of Michigan’s exclusive PolyRenewal™ system can lift and level your concrete without a complete overhaul.  

Here’s the procedure: 

• Our team performs an inspection to pinpoint what’s causing damage and plans the repair. 
• Tiny, penny-sized holes are drilled into the sunken sections of the concrete. 
• Custom valves are inserted into the holes to inject foam underneath. 
• We mix two proprietary polyurethane foam components. 
• This foam is pumped below through the valves, expanding rapidly. 
• The high-density foam hardens within 15 minutes, lifting the slab as it solidifies. 
• The valves are removed, and the holes are patched. 
• All cracks are sealed to prevent future water issues. 
• Regular maintenance maximizes the longevity of repairs. 

PolyRenewal™ lifts concrete precisely without extensive demolition. Our tailored foam approach offers more advanced repairs for sinking porches than traditional mudjacking.  

Why Address a Sinking Porch Now 

Several compelling reasons underscore the importance of promptly addressing a sinking porch: 

• Safety First: A descending or tilted porch poses significant risks, particularly to the elderly and those with mobility challenges. Correcting the tilt mitigates tripping hazards. 
• Prevent Escalation: An unattended, uneven porch may develop accelerated wear and tear, intensifying cracks and decay. Addressing this early can stave off severe damage and expensive fixes. 
• Guard Against Water Damage: A porch that tilts towards the house can redirect water towards the home, potentially damaging house siding and causing leaks. Ideally, water should drain away from the porch. 
• Uphold Property Worth: Tackling the unsightly problem not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also helps in preserving its market value. 
• Safeguard Home’s Foundation: Factors causing a porch to sink, like soil erosion, could also jeopardize the foundation of your home. A timely porch repair indirectly bolsters the foundation’s integrity. 
• Regain Usability: A slanted porch detracts from its utility. Through concrete lifting and related repairs, you can restore its functionality. 

Foundation Systems of Michigan stands out with its unique solutions for sinking porches. Our top-tier products and methods offer unparalleled results, outclassing options available in regular retail outlets or from other providers. 

Contact Foundation Systems of Michigan for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions

The sinking porch is more than just an aesthetic issue. Place your trust in Foundation Systems of Michigan for concrete lifting solutions. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation inspection and put your sinking porch concerns behind you. 

Homeowners throughout Michigan have relied on us to repair and safeguard their homes. Our reputation stands on our proven repair techniques and exceptional customer service. We promise dependable, effective, and lasting solutions tailored to your specifications. 

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