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Replacing wood Ionic columns in front…

| Posted in General Discussion on

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I have a 72 yr old home with columns holding up the porch roof. They are wood and need to be replaced because they have badly split and are rotting. I plan to replace them with fiberglass columns. Has anyone tried this? Do they contain a steel pole in the center or are they solid (I can’t see that far in – yet)? What steps do I need to take to replace them? Note – this is a glass-enclosed porch.

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  1. Guest_ | | #1

    *
    Tom -

    There are quite a few different kinds of replacement post that are load bearing. Some are plastic, fiberglass, Fypon, etc. Your best bet is to hire a professional experienced in jacking, supporting, and other structural repair work. Glass doesn't react well to movement, so whoever does the work will need to be experienced and careful.

    1. Guest_ | | #2

      *Sounds like good advice - I have a _lot_ of glass. One window -s ~6'x6' - I would hate to have to replace that guy!

      1. Guest_ | | #3

        *Tom,

        These are some photo's of a recent porch replacement. The entire porch, the three columns and railing were replaced. We framed the new porch with P.T. lumber, rebuilt the column piers and installed split wood columns. The columns were split because we also installed hollow steel columns to help with the support. There was lots of "jacking" and "supporting" in the process. This might give you a bit on insight as to what your about to undertake.

        Click to enlarge Images.

        Joseph FuscoView Image"The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." -- Plato

        1. Guest_ | | #4

          *Outwater Plastics carries all kinds of bearing and non columns. Their # is 1-888-outwater. Online:http://www.outwater.com

          1. Guest_ | | #5

            *Appreciate the help! And nuthin' beats seeing it!

          2. Guest_ | | #6

            * Tom,

            Anytime. If you have any other questions just post them.

            Joseph Fusco View Image

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