I’ve got a 6×6 doug fir porch support column resting on an old Simpson post base, sitting on plain concrete, that is exposed to all the elements. Over the years the bottom of the post has begun to decompose due to rot and fungus and it needs repair. I thought I would ask the experts in this forum about the best way to repair this old post without having to purchase a whole new wooden column. The column supports the entire end of a rather substantial porch overhang and must be repaired before I can pass inspection to sell this home.
My plan at this point is to take the weight off the column with temporary supports then move the column over slightly, cut off the bottom one and one half inches, coat the bottom with preservative, install new Simpson adjustable post base, move the post back on top of the new base and tighten the whole thing down and remove the temporary supports.
Any suggestions for this operation would be welcome. What are your thoughts on my present plan of action? Good? Bad? Or workable but Ugly?
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I cannot tell if the extg simpson post base is ajustable or not...because if you intend to put a new one in, how will it go into the concrete.?What I've done, and this may bring howls of disapproval, is remove the rotted area and replace with new stuff - as you suggest - then wrap a 'plinth' of 2x8 all around, bevelling it to look attractive. Make sure that all nails secure all the components to each other - especially the plinth to the saddle - to stop uplift. Finish all other posts the same for a classy effect and to provide protection for the future.
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
Wrapping with 2x stock is a good idea and I was thinking of some cover similar to that but made of plastic wood such as Trex. My thought was to take the weight off the post with temp. supports then move it to one side slightly to allow removal of the old post base. Then, drill down into the concrete and install new post base over the original location and tighten it down with concrete anchor bolt. Reinstall the post atop the new base and apply the "skirt" around the old post at the bottom such as you suggested. Then remove the temp supports and that should do it.
Sounds like a plan.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Can't see it from here, but from the sound of it I'd say you've got a pretty good plan there. Just be sure to adequately temporary support whatever it is that the post in question is holding up. Also, sometimes epoxy is a better route than expanding wedge anchors for securing the new base to the old concrete. The last thing you want to do is go to cinch down that bolt and crack the whole footing.
If you're still planning to wrap the base, might i suggest a product such as Azek or Koma pvc trim boards as a suitable material?View Image
Thanks all for the review of my sometimes weak ideas. I gained some different approaches that I will try in place of my original thoughts on the subject. I have decided to keep the old post base and cut off the rotten end of the column then slip in a piece of pressure treat material for direct contact with the concrete walkway/pier. I plan to use a piece of 2x6 pressure treat layed in flat on the concrete and then two addtional metal straps to sucure the old post and new wood together. Once in place, I'll look into Azek or Koma for final wrap around the repair and possible use of something like Gorilla Glue and finish nails (galvanized)to make sure it stays, at least until the house sells and the new buyer is 3 to 5 years down the road with the sale. I'll hold the wrap trim material off the concrete by about an eighth of an inch to give it some air and drainage. If it's turns out well, I'll leave my name and address with the new owner so he/she can contact me later. If it's not all that hot, I won't tell anyone my new address!
Even with the PT filler on the bottom, I would use some type of metal base to keep the wood off the concrete.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Hey FastEddie,
My sis lives in Krum, Texas and moved there about 2 yrs ago to be close to the cutting horse world. Horses never did much for me so I've stayed in California where we get lots of rain for drinking water.