Expert: Daniel Humphrey - 12/17/2008

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
Dear Robert,

Hopefully, you can hire a structural engineer or contractor to come do an inspection and tell you what went wrong and how to fix it. I wish I could take a look at it and give it a good analysis, but I think the best I can do from here is answer your questions in a general way and perhaps help you know what to look for.

1. Treated 4x4 material from the lumber yard is quite prone to warping, even in the best conditions. It is not always made form the best material, and it is soaking wet. Warping is partially due to applied stress and moisture changes, but also to the nature of the particular piece of wood. In treaded 4x4s, I would say 7 out of 10 would warp visibly as they dried, and if a post were to beat those odds, it must be selected carefully.

2. Assuming that the connections at top and bottom are intact, if a column tips over and appears to be too short, it means that the roof of the building moved in relation to the foundation. This means removing the columns, fixing what moved, and replacing the columns.

3. I would not settle for any fix that is not permanent.

4. I have seen columns on old buildings lean out of plumb because of foundation failure, or the incremental creeping of the entire building toward collapse. In new construction, it is due to faulty installation or the builder's misunderstanding of the structural needs of the building. A warped post can also be visibly out of plumb, even though all else is fine.

5. Posts installed not perfectly plumb are actually common. Posts warping are also common, but it is not usually a problem because the spans are short or the posts are hidden.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask a follow-up any time you have new info.

Daniel