Footer question

[dorlando]

Hi, I have a 30 x 13 foot porch that I would like to enclose with glass windows. The porch already has a real roof and a concrete knee wall. It looks like it has a 2" slab and 4" footer.

If I want to enclose with windows will I be required to have a deeper footer? I live in orlando, Florida and I'm told that room additions must have an 8" deep footer but someone told me that since I already have a structure out there with the roof and knee wall that my existing footer may pass.

Another question, if I do have to have a deeper footer is it possible to dig out and pump in the add'l xxxx inches I need? Being that I have the knee wall and roof I can't cut the slab and pour a new footer.

Thanks

[Rich]

I would say that you would probably be alright.. but it may be worth it to take a trip to your building department to double check. It could very well be grandfathered in.
It'll be very difficult to dig around the existing footer and pump anything in there. Injection came to mind - but doubt it will work under a footing.

[dorlando]

Thanks, Rich. I did call the city and he mentioned that I will want to get an engineer to analyze the integrity of the existing structure and he will document his findings and opinion and more than likely the city will agree with him. Does this sound right?

The inspector I spoke with also said that if I ended up needing a deeper footer that I could dig and pour a little more in there. WHen you have an existing structure like that how else can you expand the depth of your footer?

[Rich]

Yep.. that sounds about right. The cool thing about inspectors versus engineers is that engineers can overrule an inspector. Inspectors are not engineers no matter what they tell you. Well maybe a couple of them used to be engineers.
I've only removed part of a footer once and dug deeper then replaced that portion. We had to put temporary pad footers back in the structure to temp brace the floor loads. If the inspector will sign off on it then I say go for it by digging it deeper. I would suggest you write up a little letter and make up a story about your contractor not buying off on it so you need a letter that it's ok. I always say cover you a** whenever you can.