Porch Column Repair

mpt1123

Hello:

While this isn't exactly a historical restoration, I kind of look at it that way since I would prefer to repair what I have rather than just cut it out and replace it with something new.

Here's my recent challenge. I have 2 columns supporting a front porch. The columns are only 15 years old and sit on a porch which is concrete. I suspect the columns are hollow, but they may be solid. They're tapered with a flare out at the bottom. The base of each column is surrounded by a decorative flange that's about 3 inches high.

The porch roof is sagging on one end. I suspect that one of the columns is rotted at the bottom. The flange at the base is likely allowing water to penetrate and get to the base of the column.

I'd appreciate any tips to repairing rather than replacing the column.

Here's the plan.

Remove the flange at the base of the column. I'll use my multimaster to make 2 cuts so that I can remove it - hopefully intact - and replace it when I'm done.

Build a 'T' out of 2x4's, then using a bottle jack, raise the corner of the porch about an inch or two then support the porch with 2x4's.

Cut off the bottom inch (hopefully that's all that's rotted) of the column.

Repair any of the damaged wood with Conserve600 epoxy.

Build a round base for the column out of pressure treated wood. Lower the porch on to the pressure treated wood.

Fill in any crevices with Conserve60 epoxy.

Sand and finish the column.

Caulk the base with heavy duty waterproof marine caulk.

Reinstall the base around the column.

Paint.

Sound like a plan?

Thanks,
Mike

Chris G

They make replacement bases out of aluminum or fiberglass, that would be preferable to making your own wood one.

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RenaissanceR

Here's a link to a porch restoration I did back in 2007, that has some notes
on column work...

http://www.renaissancerestorations.c...een/jgreen.htm

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ChrWright

You'll find some good info here:

http://www.contractortalk.com/f102/r...nt-easy-55880/

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PrestigeR&D

Hat's off to you- nice work- did you do the columns? nice job!

loneframer

If you don't allow the column to vent, it'll rot out again in no time. Find a way to allow airflow from top to bottom to create a "chimney effect"

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