Cracks appearing in porch

[SpecialK]

Hi, I'm after some advise on my porch!
This porch was built well before I moved into this property so im not sure about the construction details or date.
There are cracks in the wall and the front door is not shutting properly (hinged side dropped)
Just wondering what might be causing this and how I might stop it happening and repair the damage?
Thanks in advance!

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[ree]

When did you first notice the front door sticking?

Any indications of movement inside the porch?

The LH cheek wall to the porch appears to be slightly dropping.

Have you examined the RH cheek and return wall?

Does the RWP drain into a gulley?

Has the main elevation wall been knocked-thro to open up into the porch?

There's possibly a very slight differential settlement between the porch foundations and the house foundations.

Note: your porch DPC is being bridged as the GL (ground level) rises to the right.

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I'm fairly sure the door was sticking when we moved in end of 2010.
There are no signs of movement inside the porch other than the door out of alignment.
The RH wall appears fine, no cracks.
When we first moved in the guttering was not correct and was running down the wall, this has been fixed for about 2 years now.
I think overall the porch was a pretty poor build! I dont think the concrete goes over the DPC but its too close!
cheers

 

[ree]

I presume then that you have a gulley?


Clean out the gulley trap, and lift the cover of the manhole that the gulley drain runs to. Then discharge water down the gulley and observe the effect in the manhole.

Does the gulley drain appear to run under the porch?

Has the wall been knocked thro?

If you go to the Windows and doors forum on here they will advise on adjusting your door if you supply details/pics.

FWIW: your main elevation only has a limited area of brickwork panels, and is therefore vulnerable to the slightest movement/pressure. Nothing to worry about but be aware that it is slightly more fragile than traditional brick build.

Keep your eye on the cracks and if any more movement takes place over the next, say 24 months then come back here.

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks ree
I will check the water from the roof makes it into the drain this weekend.
I'm looking to make sure this doesn't get any worse now, would I need to dig around the foundations on that side and make them bigger? Then repoint the mortar?
Door is at max adjustment on its hinges so the frame needs removing and refitting! Wife is worried the porch is going to fall down :-]
Cheers

 

[SpecialK]

I ran the hose into the porch gutter and the water appeared at the drain after a short delay and appears to be working correctly.

Just seen the question about the doorway - it is just a door sized hole, not the whole porch size...

how come only one wall has dropped? would this porch be on a concrete slab or would it just have foundations for the walls? I'm guessing this side of the porch is sinking at the front and causing the cracks?

 

[ree]

Its hard to advise when you dont answer all the questions. However, the way to determine if the porch is "dropping" is to use a long straight edge and spirit level both ways on the floor.

You could dig test pits at the main elevation, and at the porch wall, and check for the depth and condition of the foundations? Dont dig massive craters merely accessible holes.

Its quite possibly simply Thermal Expansion in the brickwork thats causing the cracks - nothing to worry about.