[m_ridley]

We are looking to replace the only basement support post/column because it has a bit of previous rot (dry now). The house is 50+ years old, small, one storey, and all other bearing points for joists and the beam (with a lap connection at column) are on the foundation wall. Our issue is that where the existing support column is, the floor above is higher, causing a hump in one area. The foundations must have settled a bit, but not the footing at this column. We are wondering if there is anything we can do while we swap the post out to try and even it out. We don't want to drop it significantly and have a ripple effect throughout the rest of the house, we understand that.
Any suggestions?

 

[Bud9051]

I would first do a lot of measuring and determine what has moved. This would be a great application for an inexpensive water level. Drag it around and note joist elevation everywhere you can. If you set the reference at 12" below the reference point then all other measurements will be plus or minus from that 12"

You are correct in being concerned about the effects of moving just one spot. Once an older house has settled into where it wants to be, moving it is difficult.

There are concrete filled metal posts that you can cut to fit, but there are also heavy duty adjustable columns. I wouldn't recommend a lighter weight adjustable and even the heavy duty should ultimately be replaced with a permanent column. But the adjustable would allow you to ease it down over time.

It would be nice and safer it you could keep the old 6x6 positioned somewhere next to the new post while you work, just in case.

Also, you need to be sure the support under the post was originally as strong as it should be. Hard to determine, but a question that needs to be answered.

Bud

 

[Msradell]

I think you are looking for information how to lower the area where the post rests not really information about the type of post to use. The concrete could be ground down, it would be an extremely messy process and probably not worth it.

 

[Bud9051]

Hi Msradell, I had to go back and reread the op's post, but I think the bump is with the floor above the post in question. Thus a shorter new post might allow the floor to come down. "Our issue is that where the existing support column is, the floor above is higher, causing a hump in one area."

I don't think it is the concrete that is the problem, but could be wrong.

Bud