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Examples of
Porch Damage
CRACK AT BASE OF STEP
No isolation joint between the stairs and the sidewalk. Cracking at the base of steps is common.
ISOLATION BETWEEN STRUCTURE AND PORCH
The porch should be properly isolated from the foundation.
SETTLEMENT OF BACKFILL
A void has been caused by the settlement of the backfill, which supports the stairs. In time, the stairs will separate away from the porch.
CRACK IN PORCH
Without a proper isolation joint, stresses between the porch and an attached sidewalk can cause cracking.
SEPARATION BETWEEN PORCH AND STAIRS
Large stair structures can settle if not properly supported by their own foundation.
LARGE CRACK IN STAIRS AT PORCH
It is important to support the weight of large stair structures, independently from the porch, by constructing them on their own foundation
STRESS CRACK
Stress crack in porch. No isolation joint between the porch and other flatwork.
STRESS CRACKS IN CONCRETE
Stress cracks can be caused by construction defects, specifically the means and methods, such as improper curing temperature or the use of a concrete mix that does not have enough strength.
CRACKING AND SEPARATION
Horizontal or vertical movement of flatwork is common. Without an isolation joint between the porch and the sidewalk, the movement of the sidewalk causes stress on the porch, causing cracks.
ISOLATION JOINT
Isolation joint between the sidewalk and stairs allows movement between the two elements.
SEPARATION
Separation between stairs and sidewalk at the isolation joint caused by the settlement of the stairs. Isolation joints allow for the independent movement of concrete elements related to each other.
PROPER ISOLATION AT PORCH
The isolation joint is properly constructed between the sidewalk and the porch. If the sidewalk moves horizontally or vertically, it will not affect the porch.
SIDEWALK SETTLEMENT
Separation between stairs and sidewalk.
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