Pole on front porch is loose - how urgent is this?
Question:I live in an early 1980s ranch style (approx 1100 sq feet) home with a carport on the side and a small eve over a small concrete front porch. The front porch and carport are supported by 5 cedar posts - 3 on the side of the carport and two on the front porch.
Recently (within the last year), I had one replaced (cedar).
I just walked out there and realized it's barely attached!
I don't know if this is very recent or has been this way since I got it "fixed" - - but either way I am going to call the fix-it company on Monday and ask them to make it right.
Until then, how urgent is this? Like, should I freak out and try to get it fixed urgently or can it wait for a bit?
Thanks,
Summer
Answers:
Not that big a deal. If it bothers you a lot, and your are going to worry about it, just tap a wood shim under it to make it tight, but it is obviously not load bearing.
fix now
Since it has been a year I would say it is not load bearing , it is probably cosmetic . Still I would make that call for piece of mind .
rule 1: calm down dear.
remember wood is a natural product and will expand and shrink, especially when new, it might be that it was a tight and good fir originally when new but now its shrunk, hence loose at both ends. Id call the company and explain whats happened and you'rs concerned about the fixings at either end as well since its so loose. Its is important, and something needs to be done, but this hasnt happened overnight either, so as long as you call them and they come round you'll be fine.
Have it repaired ASAP regardless of whether it's bearing a load. It's a hazard to you, your family or anyone that comes onto your property. Make sure the new post is on an elevated post base so that no water can come into contact with the bottom of the post. Also be sure to treat or paint the post once it's installed. Have your maintenance person also inspect the other posts for dry rot while he/she is there. If there's a problem with the others, you may as well have it addressed while they're there.
Well you have five posts right? If this pole is one that supports a lot of the weight of the structure then yes have it replaced now. If its a pole that is near the other poles around it then it can wait until monday. I hope
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