Expert: Dave Johnson - 12/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear expert,

I am trying to decide who is responsible for problems with my Porch Columns.  The core is 4x4 treated wood and are surrounded by PVC.  The columns fell to significant angles.
The issue is that the builder is stating that the supplier is at fault because the columns are warped and bent.  The supplier is stating that there is nothing wrong with the columns, they are not warped- they were just not installed properly.  I please need your expertise in answering the following:

1.  What are the chances that a column with a treated wood core warps after 3 years of installation? 1 in ??
2.  If columns fall to an angle and are too short, what can be done to fix them?
3.  Is the solution above a short-term solution?
4.  What can cause columns to fall at an angle after installation?
5.  is this a common occurance?

Regards,
Robert--


ANSWER: Hi Robert,

First, I am not sure what you mean by "fall at an angle". Juast not a phrase I've heard.
However, I don't think after 3 years you should be seeing twisting/warping. That usually happens in the first few months.

1  The chances are fair that they would twist after 3 yrs is slim.
2 If they are too short, you could replace them, or add a base or a capitol to make up the difference. (how did they come to be short?)
3 If you make a capitol or a base it should be permanent.
4 Again, explain "fall at an angle"
5 Please mnail me back with the added info, and we'll sort this out.

Dave

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

QUESTION: Thanks Dave.  When I stated "fall at an angle" I meant that the columns shifted to a 3 degree or so angle.  The only thing touching the floor is the edge of the wooden post.  The main issue is that the builder is claiming 0 responsibility and is blaming the warped wood inside the column.  The company who made the column actually came out and looked at it stating that no way are the columns warped and that there is a 1 in 100 chance for each column to warp and be replaced within 3 years.  This makes the probability of 3 warped columns 100X100X100= 1 in a million chance.  I suspect that the columns barely touched the floor, they probably wedged the bottom with untreated wood splints and they rotted causing no support and the posts to shift to an angle 3 years later. What is your opinion on what happened and do you have any advice for me?

Answer
Hi Again,
I get it.  Either the support under the columns settled (doubtful after 3 yrs) or they were installed as you said.

Now that they are too short, I would get a decorative base of either pressure treated or solid vinyl and cut off enough column to get them under.

If you do this, make sure and take enough weight off the columns
so that when the bases are installed there will be a good amount of weight on the posts.

Alternatively, you could get your hands on the neck of the builder and convince him to do the work properly.

Dave