replacing front porch columns

rayrgdx · 07-22-2008, 04:20 AM

Hi, i want to replace my porch columns, they are 8 inch round wood columns. I want to replace them with fiberglass columns.
Now, it seems like it would be a simple job..but i have never done this before.
So could anybody tell me how to do this?
There are 4 columns..so do i change 1 at a time? and do i need to brace the front of the house? and will any old bottle jack work? or floor jack?
Thanks,

Renovator,LLC · 07-22-2008, 10:01 PM

When changing porch posts/column, I may, or may not, do more than one at a time, it depends on the structure and available means of temporary support. Maybe a picture of what your porch looks like would help.
Although replacing them yourself can be done, think hard if you want to take the risk. This involves setting up temporary posts to support the beam(s) that the current posts are supporting.
I use a combination of screw jacks and bottle jacks (anywhere from 5 to 20 ton capacity) coupled with 4x4 posts and, if necessary, a temporary beam. Jacks should be set on solid material and the posts dead plumb and tied to the structural member that is supported by the post to be replaced.
On one porch, where 4 posts needed to be replaced, I set a jack/post near each of two adjacent posts and replaced both at once. Don't jack it up too much; just enough to take the weight off the posts so they slide out. You might have to run a sawzall where the post is tied to the beam, if the post is nailed, ditto at the base.
If your columns are supporting the house, seek professional help. Usually porch columns just support a porch roof above, but it's not unusual for a room to be built above the porch, and the load of that room (and roof above it) could be transmitted thru the columns to the foundation. If this is your case, again, find someone that knows what they are doing.
Good luck.

FrankTheTorontoRealtor · 07-22-2008, 10:13 PM

Replacing those colums is considered structural and requires a city permit where I'm from. If you decide that you will skip that step, make sure you never take credit for the nice new colums

fj

rayrgdx · 07-23-2008, 05:43 AM

hey, thanks for the reply..Here is a pic of the front of the house

rayrgdx · 07-23-2008, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankTheTorontoRealtor

Replacing those colums is considered structural and requires a city permit where I'm from. If you decide that you will skip that step, make sure you never take credit for the nice new colums

fj

wow never thought of that..thanks for the heads up! I live in Alabama..I'll have to call and check this out...

07-22-2008, 04:20 AM	#1
rayrgdx Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3	replacing front porch columns Hi, i want to replace my porch columns, they are 8 inch round wood columns. I want to replace them with fiberglass columns. Now, it seems like it would be a simple job..but i have never done this before. So could anybody tell me how to do this? There are 4 columns..so do i change 1 at a time? and do i need to brace the front of the house? and will any old bottle jack work? or floor jack? Thanks,

07-22-2008, 10:01 PM	#2
Renovator,LLC Licensed Contractor Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New England, SE Conn Posts: 78	replacing front porch columns When changing porch posts/column, I may, or may not, do more than one at a time, it depends on the structure and available means of temporary support. Maybe a picture of what your porch looks like would help. Although replacing them yourself can be done, think hard if you want to take the risk. This involves setting up temporary posts to support the beam(s) that the current posts are supporting. I use a combination of screw jacks and bottle jacks (anywhere from 5 to 20 ton capacity) coupled with 4x4 posts and, if necessary, a temporary beam. Jacks should be set on solid material and the posts dead plumb and tied to the structural member that is supported by the post to be replaced. On one porch, where 4 posts needed to be replaced, I set a jack/post near each of two adjacent posts and replaced both at once. Don't jack it up too much; just enough to take the weight off the posts so they slide out. You might have to run a sawzall where the post is tied to the beam, if the post is nailed, ditto at the base. If your columns are supporting the house, seek professional help. Usually porch columns just support a porch roof above, but it's not unusual for a room to be built above the porch, and the load of that room (and roof above it) could be transmitted thru the columns to the foundation. If this is your case, again, find someone that knows what they are doing. Good luck.

07-22-2008, 10:13 PM	#3
FrankTheTorontoRealtor x/builder Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central Toronto, Ontario Posts: 10	replacing front porch columns Replacing those colums is considered structural and requires a city permit where I'm from. If you decide that you will skip that step, make sure you never take credit for the nice new colums fj

07-23-2008, 05:43 AM	#4
rayrgdx Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3	replacing front porch columns hey, thanks for the reply..Here is a pic of the front of the house Last edited by rayrgdx; 07-23-2008 at 05:46 AM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

replacing front porch columns