Deck Posts replacement with load bearing columns from Pacific Columns, Inc

11272 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Bruce Wilson, May 24, 2009

Bruce Wilson

Discussion Starter · May 16, 2009 (Edited)

May 16, 2009

Deck Posts Replacement:

We have and existing 8' by 16' deck off the second-story master bedroom. It is attached to the second story by a ledger board and supported at the outer edge by posts and beam.

The beam is a 6" by 12" timber by about 18' long. The two supporting post are 6" by 6" by 7'-3-1/4" tall.

I rebuilt everything but the post and ledger about three years ago. The ledger and posts were still hard, so I just re-painted them and left them in place. I used composite decking (Heavy Stuff), railing and pressure treated joists. I also installed a new beam on top of the old posts.

Here is my problem: The original builder (20 years ago) installed the posts on the footings and poured a concrete slab around the posts. This allows water to settle between the slab and the base of the posts. The posts now have dry rot at the base—soft spongy in a couple of areas. I don't want to watch the fruits of my hard labor come crashing down... I need to somehow support the beam/deck and replace the posts with new load bearing columns. Can this be done without tearing down the deck???

My email address is [email protected]

Any help with my dilemma will be greatly appreciated.

The web site pasted below has the type of columns I plan to use. I haven't decided whether I will use the square fluted or the round, tapered, fluted yet. How should I attach these columns--they are load bearing (10,000 Lbs each).

www.PacificColumns.com

Thanks,

Bruce Wilson

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1 - 8 of 8 Posts

Gary in WA

· #2 · May 17, 2009

I would temporarily support the beam, then take out the old posts. Cut the old flush with the slab, drill or remove the wood. Drill new post anchors into the piers, fastening with epoxy and wedge anchors. Attach new posts, with post caps from Simpson.

http://www.strongtie.com/products/categories/post_bases.html

http://www.strongtie.com/products/categories/post_caps.html

These will elevate the posts to keep water away.

Also add bolts to bring the ledger/house attachment up to code, as per local Building Department.
Be safe, G

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Bruce Wilson

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 17, 2009

What about these type of columns?

Hi GBAR,

Thanks for your suggestion,

The web site pasted below has the type of columns I plan to use. I haven't decided whether I will use the square fluted or the round, tapered, fluted yet. How should I attach these columns--they are load bearing (10,000 Lbs each).

www.PacificColumns.com

GBAR in WA said:
I would temporarily support the beam, then take out the old posts. Cut the old flush with the slab, drill or remove the wood. Drill new post anchors into the piers, fastening with epoxy and wedge anchors. Attach new posts, with post caps from Simpson.

http://www.strongtie.com/products/categories/post_bases.html

http://www.strongtie.com/products/categories/post_caps.html

These will elevate the posts to keep water away.

Also add bolts to bring the ledger/house attachment up to code, as per local Building Department.
Be safe, G

Save

Gary in WA

· #4 · May 17, 2009

With those columns, the bearing base is quite wide, without knowing how wide the footing is. I have no idea, though the amount of weight there is for a deck, plus the slab between. Replacing just the post, I would say ok. The one (first) directions I downloaded had a simple little L-bracket to attach to the concrete. Be safe, G

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Bruce Wilson

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 17, 2009

Column Reply

Thanks,

The company that sells these is about a half an hour away, so I think I will drive down there tomorrow. I might be able to insert a square galvanized pole--it would be nice if I could find them with a square 5-1/2" diameter. That would be the same dimension as the rotten posts I will be replacing. I can't help it--I like things to be bullet proof...

GBAR in WA said:
With those columns, the bearing base is quite wide, without knowing how wide the footing is. I have no idea, though the amount of weight there is for a deck, plus the slab between. Replacing just the post, I would say ok. The one (first) directions I downloaded had a simple little L-bracket to attach to the concrete. Be safe, G

Save

Bruce Wilson

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 24, 2009

What Next???

Okay, so I go down to Pacific Columns with pictures of my beam--twisted, warped, not plumb--and they tell me I should replace it. This will ensure a square/even load over the columns. If I use a steel beam and posts, I won't have to cut the 8' columns as much--thus, the base won't cover up the fluting.

Where do I get a 17'-to-18' steel beam strong enough to support a 16' wide deck? I will need steel post (round or square) to insert in the columns also. How would I join the posts to the beam?

Any help would be great.

Thanks,

Bruce

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Aggie67

· #7 · May 24, 2009

Schorr Metals in Placentia should have what you need. They can weld up plates for connections as well, and probably hook you up with someone that can help get you through the sizing and any D1.8 supplemental code requirements.

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Bruce Wilson

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 24, 2009

Thank You Aggie67

Wow, thanks for the information. I need a contact that will help me ensure that I stay within any code requirement--this sounds like a good contact.

Thanks again,

Bruce

Aggie67 said:
Schorr Metals in Placentia should have what you need. They can weld up plates for connections as well, and probably hook you up with someone that can help get you through the sizing and any D1.8 supplemental code requirements.

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