[Joeychgo]

Im trying to figure out the best way to replace the footings on my front porch. (see pic)

As you can see the side footings are sinking / detoriating. What I am trying to figure out is what is the best way to jack up and support the rest of the roof, etc while I replace the outside footings?

I have a hyd jack, its just how to jack it up specifically and how to support the roof safely while I remove and replace the footings.

The side posts appear to run from roof to footings. There is a center footing that only supports the floor.

 

[oh'mike]

Have you looked to see if the footings have really sunk or are the post ends rotting?

I was born and raised in your town---Small world!

 

[gregzoll]

I would start by playing detective first. that means removing the siding on the porch to expose all the wood. You might want to get some Pressure treated 2x4s to support the roof, or better yet, pay a contractor for that part, until you can get it stabilized with new footings or new wood.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

I agree with previous posters, do not assume that the footings have sunk, you need to measure the elevation of the footings with a level, which means exposing the footings. You may not even have real footings, you need to see exactly how the construction was done before formulating a plan.

Assuming you do need to install new footings, there are a number of options for supporting the roof, including removing the roof completely, then reinstalling it after you have rebuilt the footings. Supporting the roof on temporary posts is also possible, but trickier than it sounds, and potentially fatal if you do not get it right. But making plans to support the roof seems to be well ahead of where you are right now.

 

[Joeychgo]

Post ends do not appear to be rotting. I wont know for sure til I can really get in there and look. The footings appear to be crumbling on top from what I can see.

Ideally - what I would like to do, Is support the roof -- Then new footings and a reinforced or new floor -- then have columns on top of the floor to support the roof.

And no - I dont want to remove the roof. Might as well just tear it all down and start over if I did that.

 

[oh'mike]

Does the roof need to be lifted up to correct the footing problem?

Propping the roof while the repairs are done is one job---lifting it back to level is another---

Much more tough of a job ,lifting the roof.

 

[Wildie]

I dealt with a similar problem on a 100 year porch once.
I used a 4X4 fitted in at an angle and resting on a short piece of 2X6. Once it was in place, I drove the bottom of the 4X4 in towards the porch and lifted the weight of the roof off the post.
I was then able to remove the post and rebuild the footing.

 

[Joeychgo]

Does the roof need to be lifted up to correct the footing problem?

Yes - the columns on the sides support the roof - and they run to the footings.

I dealt with a similar problem on a 100 year porch once.
I used a 4X4 fitted in at an angle and resting on a short piece of 2X6. Once it was in place, I drove the bottom of the 4X4 in towards the porch and lifted the weight of the roof off the post.
I was then able to remove the post and rebuild the footing.

I thought about that, and also using bottle jacks. My bigger concern is how to safely support the roof while I work on the porch floor and footings.

 

[Ron6519]

From the picture the left side has dropped. The right side looks pretty good.

 

[oh'mike]

You are going to need to remove some trim work to expose the structure---I can't tell you where to jack or prop without seeing what is supporting what.

 

[Joeychgo]

From the picture the left side has dropped. The right side looks pretty good.

No both sides are down. Angle of photo is what your seeing

 

[daazydawg]

job completed?

I live in Villa Park and have same problem. What did you end up doing to replace footings? Any info would be appreciated!