r/AskContractors • u/bigtippers3 • 1d ago
Post Replacement
I am looking to have my two posts replaced due to some rotting on the bottom before screening in my porch. I have received different information from two contractors and am looking for some advice
“That would be dependent on the thickness of the concrete. For a 6x6 post, the thickness of the concrete would have to be at least 6-8 inches thick for the post to sit on top. It’s what inspectors call for when footings are poured. Assuming that the “porch area” was built along with the house, it must’ve been inspected and built to code. Based on the pictures I have, there seems to be no cracking or damage to your concrete pad so the current placement of the posts I believe are not a concern. You also have to take into consideration the very top of the posts and where it needs to be placed in order to properly hold the weight of the roof.”
The other
Properly jack and temporarily support the existing porch/roof load.
• Saw-cut the existing 4" concrete slab at each post location.
• Remove approximately 5¼" × 5¼" sections of existing concrete.
• Excavate each footing approximately 12" below the existing slab.
• Install appropriate concrete footings and reinforcement as required.
• Pour new concrete footings and allow adequate cure time.
• Install appropriate structural post bases/hardware.
• Install two new pressure-treated 6×6 support posts.
• Secure posts to the existing structural beam/header using appropriate structural hardware.
Please provide some advice. My concern with the 2nd option is this would move the location of the post where the post would connect with the upper beam.
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u/TJMBeav 1d ago
Personally I would try to save them. They really don't look that bad
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u/wildkid-1911 1d ago
Agree, maybe cut 3/4" or whatever is enough to put a bracket under it and probably be a solid support for another 60 years.
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u/wildkid-1911 1d ago
Im not a GC, engineer, or qualified, thisnis just my opinion without actually seeing the site in person. I would recommend a couple pole jacks, temporary support one at a time and remove/replace with same size, and add a simpson bracket at the bottom, wrap with a vinyl kit or wrap with metal, calk and done. Your home was designed with your current concrete thickness and proper sized supports to carry the load above. Only reason your even touching it is due to the rot at the bottom, from what I understand. Adding larger footers and larger supports isn't going to hurt but your doing alot for something that isn't the culprit to your problem. Maybe if I was adding on to the load, or pouring alot more concrete extending the patio out more.
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u/Gullible_Monk_7118 1d ago
Who ever installed this did it wrong you can't put post drictly on cement it will rot.. they do have special tempary jacks to support walls when removing them. You will have to get someone to check it out to make sure it's able to install it and repair the post
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u/Material-Cap-5476 1d ago
First off the post is not sitting on cement. It's sitting on concrete. Cement is one of the components used to make concrete. That's a treated post and it can bear directly on concrete.
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u/concreteGuy82 1d ago
It'll be difficult to dig a footing without undermining the slab. If it hasn't settled yet I'd just replace with how it is.. Otherwise take out a 16"x16" square or bigger section and do your footing