Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 11/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a covered patio built by the prior owner of my recently purchased home.  One of the two support beams (4"x4") is substantially warped. I assume this jeopardizes the structural integrity of the beam. My two-part question is (1) am I correct about the support, and (2) what is the best method to repair this problem? I am a novice, so please let me know if further information will help you answer my question.

ANSWER: Hi MARK, I guess we need to clarify what you are calling a beam.  Is it the vertical post that goes from the slab up.  Or the horizontal "beam" that the roof system sits on?  Write me back..thks..bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am referring to the vertical beam.

Answer
Hi MARK, okay you are referring to the post that holds up the beam.  The post should probably be replaced if it is bowing outward.  This outward bowing will only increase over time and the more it bows out the shorter it gets in height which will cause the roof to drop in that location.  Repair is simply a matter of disconnecting the fasteners that hold the post to the concrete and to the beam, remove the bad post and install a new one.  You can take a couple of 2x4's or another 4x4 and prop them up under the beam to shore it up while you replace the bad post.  Try to shore it up as close to the one you are replacing but leave yourself enough room to get the old post out. Be sure and use Pressure Treated wood since this is an outside application. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com