Split in post supporting porch...
#1
10-19-10, 09:02 AM
Split in post supporting porch...
I am wondering if I need to be concerned with the split in one of the 6x6 posts supporting our
screened in porch. I've posted a few pics. If you look at the wide view of the porch, it's the
post on the right (in front). This split is only happening on one side (the side shown). There is
a small, hairline crack on the opposite side, but it's hardly noticeable. The deepest cracks are 2".
The house was in built int 2001, so I'm guess they're original posts. Any thoughts? Do I need to replace this post, or is there some way to reinforce it?
POST pictures by hikerguy1 - Photobucket
Thanks,
Andy
screened in porch. I've posted a few pics. If you look at the wide view of the porch, it's the
post on the right (in front). This split is only happening on one side (the side shown). There is
a small, hairline crack on the opposite side, but it's hardly noticeable. The deepest cracks are 2".
The house was in built int 2001, so I'm guess they're original posts. Any thoughts? Do I need to replace this post, or is there some way to reinforce it?
POST pictures by hikerguy1 - Photobucket
Thanks,
Andy
#2
10-19-10, 09:28 AM
Super Moderator
Those are completely normal for larger pieces of wood like that. The fibers expand and contract as they get wet and dry out. A good quality exterior stain/sealer should help...though since they are already that old..I would expect them to be pretty much stressed out by now...lol.
You could probably put a couple of carriage bolts though the split...but I wouldn't worry.
I'm kinda wondering about the overall structure of the deck...doesn't seem to have much bracing?
You could probably put a couple of carriage bolts though the split...but I wouldn't worry.
I'm kinda wondering about the overall structure of the deck...doesn't seem to have much bracing?
#3
10-19-10, 09:49 AM
Thanks for the feedback Vic. I'm hoping it has split as much as it's going to, but I wanted to get some advice from people more knowledgeable than myself.
We bought the house a year ago, and before we closed the deal, we required the owners to have
cross-bracing installed on the porch. I think you can see from the one pic the two pieces in an "X". There's a similar bracing on the right-hand side of the porch (it's not shown in any of the pics). Isn't that enough?
The porch itself is supported by six 6x6s (four posts in the corners, then two in the middle (on the
sides).
Thanks,
Andy
We bought the house a year ago, and before we closed the deal, we required the owners to have
cross-bracing installed on the porch. I think you can see from the one pic the two pieces in an "X". There's a similar bracing on the right-hand side of the porch (it's not shown in any of the pics). Isn't that enough?
The porch itself is supported by six 6x6s (four posts in the corners, then two in the middle (on the
sides).
Thanks,
Andy
#4
10-19-10, 10:23 AM
Super Moderator
No expert on the construction side...one of the Pro's will probably weigh in. Part of the problem that I see is that theres only one bolt visible through the brace..it could still just shift around the bolt and fall over...see what I mean? Not that I think it will if the support posts are solidly anchored...I may just be being over thinking it. I probably would have just used some 45 degree braces from the post to the support joist at every post. Would have allowed easier access under the deck also.
#5
10-19-10, 02:36 PM
As Vic said, "checking" is normal in larger pieces of wood. Look at log homes. All the logs "check" in time. It doesn't go all the way through, but stops at the core. Now, if you want to feel warm and fuzzy, you can run a 3/8" x 6" carriage bolt with a 1/2" washer on the head and a 3/8 washer on the nut end through a 7/16" hole and tighten it up a little. It may not close the check but will give added strength.
