Sinking Porch

A sinking porch can be unsightly and may pose safety risks, especially for elderly visitors. When porches sink, it’s usually due to soil erosion and settling. If left unattended, this issue can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.

At Indiana Foundation Service, we specialize in addressing sinking porch concerns. Our team utilizes cutting-edge technology and our SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting method to efficiently resolve concrete issues, ensuring your home’s safety and durability.

On this page, we aim to provide valuable insights into common concrete problems, such as sinking porches, and stress the importance of seeking professional repairs to ensure long-lasting protection.

What Is a Sinking Porch?

A sinking porch is a common issue that occurs when the porch visibly settles or lowers from its original position. This can happen due to soil problems or foundation instability, resulting in structural cracks, tilting, and misalignment. Sinking concrete affects your home’s appearance and poses safety risks, such as tripping.

A sinking porch can be accompanied by other concrete problems, such as:

Concrete problems should be addressed promptly with professional assistance to prevent further damage and ensure your home’s safety.

Why Your Home Has a Sinking Porch

Causes of a sinking concrete porch include:

Soil Settlement: Over time, the soil under one part of the porch naturally compacts, while the ground under another area remains firm.
Soil Erosion: Water flowing under the porch can erode the soil, causing one section to sink.
Excessive Rain or Flooding: A flood can wash away soil under a section of the porch, causing it to sink.
Freeze-thaw Cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing of the ground—especially in expansive soils—under uneven porch areas can cause it to sink.
Tree Roots: Trees soaking up moisture from the soil near a porch’s foundation can cause uneven settling on one side.
Poor Concrete Pouring/Curing: Improper concrete pouring or curing during construction can create vulnerabilities, and over time, the concrete can crack, shift, or sink due to inadequate support.

Ignoring these issues can escalate the damage, affecting the porch and the home’s foundation and requiring extensive repairs. Swift action is vital to lasting repairs and protection.

Can You Fix a Sinking Porch?

Fixing a sinking porch requires a comprehensive approach. A thorough inspection and whole-home solution are needed to address the underlying causes effectively.

Avoiding piecemeal repairs or DIY methods like mudjacking is crucial for long-term stability and safety.

At Indiana Foundation Service, we use our proprietary PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections to gently and precisely lift a sinking concrete porch. These injections address the root cause, such as eroding soil or tree root damage, providing lasting support.

How to Fix a Sinking Porch

Indiana Foundation Service offers the PolyRenewal™ system to raise and stabilize concrete without complete replacement. Here’s how it works:

Inspect and plan the repair.
Drill holes into the sunken sections of the concrete.
Inject foam underneath through custom valves.

Mix and pump polyurethane foam below the slab.
Foam expands rapidly, lifting the slab.
Foam hardens within 15 minutes, solidifying the lift.
Remove valves and patch holes.
Seal cracks to prevent water issues.
Regular maintenance ensures long-lasting repairs.

PolyRenewal™ lifts concrete accurately without major demolition. Our foam solution repairs sinking concrete porches better than mudjacking. Contact Indiana Foundation Service for a free inspection and to learn more about this innovative process.

Why Address a Sinking Porch Now

There are several advantages to prioritizing sinking porch repair, including:

Safety: A sinking porch is a safety hazard, especially for older visitors and those with mobility issues.
Prevent Damage: An uneven porch leads to accelerated cracks and deterioration.
Avoid Water Damage: A sloped porch can cause water intrusion into the house, damaging siding and causing leaks.
Maintain Property Value: Repairing the porch improves the aesthetics of your home’s entrance and helps maintain property value.
Foundation Protection: A sinking porch can impact your home’s foundation.
Improve Functionality: Lifting and repairing the porch makes it usable again.

Indiana Foundation Service offers superior solutions for sinking concrete porches.

Contact Indiana Foundation Service for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions

We understand that the sloped appearance of your porch signifies more than just a cosmetic concern. That’s why we are here to offer premium concrete lifting solutions for your porch and home. Bid farewell to your sinking porch worries by entrusting your home to us.

Indiana Foundation Services offers free, no-obligation inspections, so contact us today to schedule an appointment. With 30 years of experience, homeowners have trusted us to repair and protect their homes. Our time-honored repair methods and exceptional customer care have made us a reliable choice. Rest assured that we will provide efficient, custom-tailored solutions.

FAQs

How long does it take to fix a sinking porch?

Sinking porch repair can usually be completed in a day. The timeframe may vary depending on factors such as the extent of the damage, the type of foundation, and the repair method chosen. Contact Indiana Foundation Service for a complimentary inspection and an accurate project timeline.

How much does sinking porch repair cost?

The cost of sinking porch repair can vary based on factors like the porch’s size, the severity of the damage, and the most suitable solution. Indiana Foundation Service provides free inspections, transparent pricing, and financing options.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover sinking porch repairs?

Homeowner’s insurance generally does not cover sinking porch repairs because it is considered gradual settlement damage, a type of maintenance issue often excluded from policies. We recommend reviewing the details of your policy with your insurance carrier. Indiana Foundation Service offers free inspections, estimates, and flexible financing options to assist you with repair costs.

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