I am building and connecting new 5×5 columns to new limestone sills on a rebuilt stone and brick porch/stairs. The old columns were not primed on the inside and were directly connected to the old brick deck. Obviously weather destroyed the bottom 12″. Is there a bracket or nylon plate that would hold off the column from the sill? And is it best to prime the inside surfaces of the new columns? How about ventilating the core of the column? I remember seeing some postings about this type of work but don’t recall anything about these particular questions. Thanks.
Edited 6/30/2008 11:22 am ET by nailnhamr
Replies
From what I remember ventilation is the key. Everything else you mentioned sounds good also. Painting wood on all sides encapsulates it. A barrier between the wood and the stone keeps the wood from wicking up moisture from the stone.
But from what I read somewhere a long time ago ventilation was really important. Moisture can find a way inside the collums and you want to vent it. That means holes at the bottom and the top.
My front porch has five 4x4 white pine posts........I bought aluminum brackets made specifically to raise the bottom.........5x5 may have a size also, but I can't see why couldn't buy the undersized ones and pare down the posts to fit...........
My posts seem to be quite fine and they are not treated or painted...just weathered (under roof)
You definitely need venting
Here is what I recall of the wood ones we've used.
They came with a bituminous coating - asphaltum - sprayed on the interior and pre-primed on the exterior.
The trim collar at the base was fibreglass about 4+" inches tall that covered the venting base.
The base item was a PT Plywood donut that fit the bottom of the column separated from its twin by about 4-6 ( depending on diameter of column) blocks of wood 2x2, all stapled together.
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I like the donut idea and am definitely going to use ventilation. I started this sole proprietorship this spring and have been relying heavily on the BT conscience. It has preserved my sanity. Got tired of working for the "man" and after 16 years he basically booted me to the curb. Thanks, to all of you.
You are definitely on the right track, that is understanding what you need to do and learning the best practices. Many are just making it look pretty but the product lasts just years. Good luck.
One of the many creative ways builders here thought up to cause what was known as the "Condo Crisis" (which bankrupted our warranty programs), was to use vented columns as downspouts. Dump the gutter in the top, and hey, it's open at the bottom right? The water will find its way out. Nice clean look, no ugly aluminum downspouts. Win-win situation.
Yes yes and yes.
http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/CPS-PBV_APG.asp