Attaching Bottom Plate and Posts to Brick Porch
I would like to convert a small part of my brick porch into a mudroom. To do so I will need to remove 2 porch posts and replace them with wood posts. The columns that are currently there are hollow structural columns that are just resting on the brick.
My question is what is the best way to attach the new wooden posts, as well as the eventual bottom plates, to the the porch floor? I am assuming I will need to attach through the brick and into the slab below using an anchor bolt.
I was also questioning if I needed the posts at all, or if the new wall that would be build would be enough to carry the load of the roof above. (There is only a roof above, no second floor)
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
PS uploading photos from phone and the seem to upload sideways.
Replies
The wall should be more than enough to hold up the roof.
You probably do not need anchor bolts. A couple tapcons should hold the bottom plate in place.
Assuming the porch is inset, and the roof is attached to structure on both sides of the porch. (and you have no special wind uplift requirements)
Do you plan to get a permit? the local building department may have guidance for you.
Thanks for the information. Yes I am getting permits for everything, but doing the work myself. Does the building dept usually help answer questions like that?
Sometimes, if you approach at a slow time of the day, and are really nice. Most importantly have a sketch of what you are doing and give them choices (ie Tapcons or anchor bolts). Unfortunately, these days, especially big city (urban and suburban) departments will just say talk to an engineer and get his stamp of approval.