I have some columns built with CMU’s and topped with 2″ thick limestone caps.
The column caps are at about 36″ above a deck surface. The deck joists tie into the columns.
I want to build a roof over this deck (deck is actually the front porch). I need to get from the caps up to the header which will support the rafters. I was planning on using PT 4×4’s and later wrapping them into decorative tapered columns.
How do I tie the 4×4 into the cap?
I’ve thought about using a masonry blade to cut out for the 4×4, but the column is hollow and I would not hit solid ‘crete for about 36″ or so.. There is also the worry about cracking the caps when I cut them ($$$$)
Do I just let Gravity do its thing? Do I bed them in a blob of thick epoxy? The blog in my sig has not been updated in a long time, but the first page you see does show some pics of what I am talking about.
THanks in advance for any ideas.
Adventures in Home Building
An online journal covering the preparation and construction of our new home.
Replies
Since you have gone most of the day without an answer, I'll give you a no answer "bump" to keep your question in the list.
I would not just hope that friction will hold the wood post to the top of the column though--maybe drill a hole (in the column cap) and epoxy in a steel rod and drill a matching hole in the bottom of the post. Maybe set the post in some sort of adhesive when placing it on the cap and over the dowel.
I would go with gravity. Gravity is about all that's holdig that cap onto the cmus anyway.
I think that I would remove the caps.
Then fill core and reinstall the caps.
There there are several different bases that you could attack to the cap and/or the cap and base.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I suppose I have not thought much about how the load of the post could crack the cap. . . .
I'll have to think about this a bit more. There are plenty of projects ahead of this one, so I have time. .
Thanks for the bump and the replies.