Lifting and stabilizing an existing covered porch

Challenge

This customers porch was settling due to inadequate footings.  The porch started as a simple deck which later was enclosed with a roof and walls.  The existing 8" concrete footings also were not deep enough and were subject to uplifting from frost conditions.  Windows and doors were racking and not operating properly.  The porch was settled up to 2 1/2" in 16'.

Solution

The solution employed was to install three EZ Posts with a new carrier beam.  This was done by cutting three 13"x13" holes in the porch floor after rolling back the stapled down carpet.  The porch was then lifted using three hydraulic lift cylinders under the existing beam.  The EZ posts were installed through the floor using a portable drive head rack that bolts to the floor and a gas powered hydraulic power pack.  A laser level was set up below the porch and the 12" HP237's were advanced to a depth of approximately 5.5' so the tops were all at the same level.  Adjustable caps were installed with a new double 2x8 beam along side the existing beam.  The lift cylinders were then removed and the porch was leveled to within 1/16".   The existing beam was then removed so as to prevent any uplifting issues from frost.  The holes cut in the floor were then restored and the carpet stapled back down.  Total time at the job site: 5.5 hours employing 2 installers.

Project Summary

Installing Contractor: Adirondack Basement Systems

Product Installed: HP237 EZ Posts