In this post, you will learn…

• If enclosing your existing deck can cause foundation damage
• How to prevent potential foundation damage from an enclosure
• How the experts at Patio Enclosures create porch, patio, and deck enclosures of the highest quality to ensure that you’ll love your addition for years to come

Adding an enclosure to an existing deck, porch, or patio is a great way to get more use out of your outdoor space. Enclosures keep the bugs out and offer protection from the weather while still letting in a cooling breeze. But, if not built correctly, porch enclosure additions can potentially cause foundation damage.

A home’s foundation can become damaged in several ways, including improper water drainage, hydrostatic pressure, and inadequate framing and supports.

Foundation Damage from Improper Water Drainage

If not properly directed away from your house, water can be detrimental to your foundation. So, if the slope or pitch of your porch enclosure causes water to drain toward your house, you may be in trouble.

To prevent your foundation from heaving up or sinking down, direct all water drainage and downspouts away from the home. All enclosure roofs should have gutters and downspouts on the overhang that guide water away from the foundation.

Foundation Damage Caused by Hydrostatic Pressure

Over time, pressure and moisture from soil can cause foundation damage due to hydrostatic pressure. When water enters the soil around your home, it wants to expand and, as a result, exerts pressure on your foundation, which could eventually cause your foundation to crack. Not only that, but because concrete is permeable, water can seep into your foundation causing unwanted moisture that can deteriorate the structural wood elements of your home. For these reasons, it’s vital to have your porch enclosure built with the proper support and foundation that considers potential hydrostatic pressure and moisture.

Foundation Damage Due to Inadequate Framing and Supports

When adding a sunroom or screen room on your existing deck, be aware that significant modifications will likely need to be made to the framing and supports of your deck to accommodate the extra weight of an enclosure. If the framing and supports aren’t sufficient, it could damage your foundation and even your new room.

How to Avoid Foundation Problems

You can easily avoid foundation damage if you take the proper preventative measures. Here are some things you can do as a homeowner to help prevent foundation problems:

• Keep your gutters clean – Clean your gutters often to remove leaves and other debris that can clog downpipes, causing overflowing or standing water that can result in a damaged foundation.
• Choose a sunroom company you trust – At Patio Enclosures, our team of experts will guarantee that your enclosed patio, deck, or porch is constructed correctly. We’ll ensure that water is properly guided off the structure and away from your house. Your existing structure will be appropriately modified to support the additional weight of your new enclosure.

Enclose Your Existing Porch, Patio, or Deck with the Patio Enclosures

If you’re interested in upgrading your existing deck, porch, or patio with an enclosure, you can trust that our expert team of technicians will build a quality enclosure that will be able to stand up to the elements. If you have questions about whether your existing deck can be converted to an enclosure, contact us today or schedule your free, in-home estimate.