Camera PV 2007 » Digital Camera » Replace Architectural Pole
Replace Architectural Pole
Question:
I want to replace an architectural pole in my house that is deteriorating, and contains lead paint. It is not structural, so removing it should pose a problem. I will most likely hire a carpenter, but I am wondering how big a job this is. I am guessing that there is a bolt coming up from the concrete and going into the center of the pole, and that it is probably toe-nailed at the top. Would someone familiar with construction techniques view the photo and tell me how they think it is installed, and what replacing it would entail? Thanks much. http://www.mycgiserver.com/~jcman/pole.jpg
Response:
>I want to replace an architectural pole in my house that is >deteriorating, and contains lead paint. It is not structural, so >removing it should pose a problem. I will most likely hire a >carpenter, but I am wondering how big a job this is. I am guessing >that there is a bolt coming up from the concrete and going into the >center of the pole, and that it is probably toe-nailed at the top. >Would someone familiar with construction techniques view the photo and >tell me how they think it is installed, and what replacing it would >entail?
If you mean that 4×4 post, it’s structural alright. It’s supposed to hold up those two 4×8 beams which look like they’re holding up the roof. If it’s loose now it’s probably because the post shrunk or the porch sank. The new post should fit snugly. Nevertheless, it’s not a difficult job. You’ll need a pair of jack/lally columns on either side of the post to take the load off the 4×4, raised just enough to cut it out safely. Then slide in a new one, release the jacks and nail it in place. You want to keep the end of the post from direct contact with the concrete to reduce rot. There are metal post anchors for this purpose. Steve Manes, Brooklyn, USA www.magpie.com
Response:
It sure looks structural to me. If you mean that there is a steel column inside, and the woodwork is decorative – maybe, but I doubt it. To do this project safely, you must first carry the load of the roof rafters some other way. You can probably shore the porch "header" next to the existing column. If the existing column has let the rafter tails down, this shore can involve a hydraulic jack to raise as required. It does not look as if it has settled much at this time. The jack also helps "unload" the existing column. Remove and replace the original column. Remove temporary shore. Caulk and paint as required. I can’t see the deterioration in the picture. If it is limited to the very bottom of the post, you may be able to rework the bottom of the column with an appropriate plinth block of Wolmanized lumber. — @@@@@@@@ Keep the whole world singing . . . . . . . Dan & Dee Griffin
Response:
I am much obliged for the responses. The column is rotted throughout, and the photo doesn’t do it justice. I have a neighbor with the same style house, and he had his front porch bricked over with pavers. He removed his column and has never replaced it. That’s why I assumed it isn’t structural. His house is still standing… Does this photo still convince you that it’s structural? I am very grateful for you taking the time to download these. Gosh I love my digital camera… http://www.mycgiserver.com/~jcman/house.jpg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It sure looks structural to me. If you mean that there is a steel column > inside, and the woodwork is decorative – maybe, but I doubt it. > To do this project safely, you must first carry the load of the roof rafters > some other way. You can probably shore the porch "header" next to the > existing column. If the existing column has let the rafter tails down, this > shore can involve a hydraulic jack to raise as required. It does not look > as if it has settled much at this time. The jack also helps "unload" the > existing column. > Remove and replace the original column. Remove temporary shore. Caulk and > paint as required. I can’t see the deterioration in the picture. If it is > limited to the very bottom of the post, you may be able to rework the bottom > of the column with an appropriate plinth block of Wolmanized lumber. > — > Keep the whole world singing . . . . . . . > Dan & Dee Griffin
Response:
>I am much obliged for the responses. The column is rotted throughout, >and the photo doesn’t do it justice. I have a neighbor with the same >style house, and he had his front porch bricked over with pavers. He >removed his column and has never replaced it. That’s why I assumed >it isn’t structural. His house is still standing… >Does this photo still convince you that it’s structural?
To my eye, yes, but you would need an engineer to make sure. Without that post you’ve got a cantilevered corner carrying the unsupported weight of what looks like at least five feet of roof line. I would also expect that post to be a bit more decorative if it was intended strictly as ornamentation. Don’t go by neighbors. One of my neighbors just installed a large, above ground swimming pool a couple of feet away from a crumbling, 3′ retaining wall backing on to a neighbor’s property. The wall didn’t collapse. But in a few short weeks, it’s developed some scarey looking cracks. If you remove that post I wouldn’t expect your roof to fall in immediately either. But it will overstress other support members, which have to carry add’l load at vectors they weren’t designed to handle. That can lead to at least a sagging roof and leaks. Steve Manes, Brooklyn, USA www.magpie.com