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I have a 39 year old home in Colorado. It has a roof overhang of about 8 feet extending out from the house supported by 4x4 post resting on a prefab cement pier. Probably misguidedly I have added a number of heavy additions supported ( not entirely, but at least partially) by this post. Several louvered wooden screens and one corner of a 20 x 20 wood deck. The post appears to be pulling away from the roof. Looks like about 1”. I need advice on what I should do about this at this point. Thanks.
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It sounds like your post-and-beam support system is experiencing some stress from the additional weight, and this could potentially lead to more significant issues if not addressed. Here’s a step-by-step approach you might consider: 1. Assess the Damage and Stability- Visual Inspection: Check for any visible signs of damage or instability in the post, pier, and surrounding areas. Look for cracks in the cement pier, warping or splitting in the post, and any shifting or misalignment.
- Level Check: Use a level to check if the post has shifted or if the roof overhang is no longer level. This can help determine the extent of the movement.
- Load Calculation: Assess the load supported by the post. Consider the weight of the roof overhang, the additional wooden screens, and the deck. If you're unsure, consulting a structural engineer can provide a precise load calculation and determine if the post and pier are adequate.
- Professional Assessment: Given the potential complexity and safety implications, it’s wise to consult a structural engineer. They can assess the current load capacity, the condition of the post and pier, and recommend the necessary repairs or reinforcements.
- Reinforcement Options: If the engineer determines that the post is salvageable, they might suggest reinforcing it with additional bracing or a stronger post.
- Replacement: If the post is severely compromised, replacing it with a new, stronger post might be necessary. This might involve temporarily supporting the structure while the old post is removed and a new one is installed.
- Inspect the Pier: Ensure the cement pier is not cracked or deteriorated. If the pier is unstable, you might need to reinforce or replace it.
- Foundation Work: In some cases, it might be necessary to improve the foundation under the pier to provide better support.
- Alignment: Ensure that the roof overhang is properly aligned and that the additional weight is evenly distributed. If necessary, adjust or reinforce the overhang to relieve stress on the post.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect the post, pier, and roof overhang to catch any early signs of movement or stress.
- Weight Management: Be mindful of adding more weight to the structure in the future. If you do make modifications, consider consulting with a professional to ensure the changes are properly supported.
Taking these steps will help you address the current issue and prevent potential problems in the future. Safety is the top priority, so involving professionals is crucial in situations like this.
It have been a while since you posted this, I hope you found a reliable solution for it! -
Hey original poster, hope you got that post situation sorted safely!
That 1-inch pull-away is a classic sign of overload, especially after adding screens and a deck corner. In Colorado with freeze-thaw cycles, even small movement can open gaps that let water in fast. The advice above about bringing in a structural engineer is spot-on; temporary shoring while you reinforce or replace the post is the safest route.
If you (or anyone reading this) are in New Jersey and ever notice similar separation on a porch roof, covered deck, or carport, we see it a lot here from snow load and ice dams. We can reinforce the structure and make sure the roof itself stays watertight so you don’t end up with leaks on top of the movement issue. We’ve been handling these kinds of repairs across NJ for over 23 years—feel free to check out our full range of services at Fix Roof Leak NJ.
Stay safe and keep those overhangs solid!Comment
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