Have you ever seen a porch look like it was melting into the ground? That’s exactly what happened to this homeowner’s dream of a screened-in oasis. The culprit? Liquefaction, a sneaky phenomenon that turns solid soil into a soupy mess.
Imagine the horror: your porch, once a sturdy platform for summer evenings, suddenly sinking and swaying like a ship lost at sea. The photos tell the story: gaping holes resembling caves, soaked earth, and concrete slabs floating precariously above the liquefied ground. It’s enough to send shivers down any homeowner’s spine. But fear not! This homeowner, along with a team of determined contractors, refused to let their porch dreams become quicksand. Read on to learn how they turned their swamp into sanctuary.
Facing the Flood:
The first step was to address the root cause – the excessive moisture. Letting the soil dry out was crucial, but sometimes Mother Nature needs a little help. Adding lime to the soil and using vibration techniques sped up the drying process, squeezing the excess water out and bringing the soil back to a solid state.
Plugging the Holes:
Remember those cave-like cavities under the concrete slab? They were like gaping wounds in the porch’s foundation. To plug these leaks, the heroes of this story called in a foam jacking company. Using a high-tech polyurethane foam, they filled the voids, creating a stable base for the slab to rest on.
From Concrete Canvas to Flagstone Oasis:
With the ground stabilized and the slab secured, it was time to rebuild. The salvageable concrete was kept, its imperfections hidden beneath a beautiful flagstone patio. Universal Stone Imports’ flagstone design pack provided the perfect finishing touch, transforming the once-sinking deck into a stunning outdoor haven.
The Takeaway:
This story is a testament to the power of perseverance and ingenuity. Faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, this homeowner and the hardworking hardscaping contractor at Hardscapes of Holly Springs refused to give up. He assessed the situation, took decisive action, and ultimately turned a liquefaction nightmare into a flagstone dream. Think your sinking ship is a lost cause? Contact us today for a free consultation!
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