Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/5/2009

Question
My husband and I just bought a home in El Paso, TX this past September.  The house has a back porch that has a porch roof that is not attached to the home but on 4 posts.  Well, now that spring has arrived my husband is getting a better look at it and thinks it may not be safe.  We contacted a contractor who said it was NOT safe.  We contacted our realtor and home inspector.  He says that the porch roof is ok, not up to code but that it will be fine.  I have a newborn that I would like to spend some time with outside but am too afraid...what do I do.  If you would like I can send pictures of what my husband and contractor feel are concerns  (Some are obvious, like if given a good push will wobble.)  I think it should be rebuilt at the inspectors cost since he did not warn us of this as he should have.  Please help.

Answer
Hi Kelly, a free standing roof set on posts needs lateral bracing.  This can be easily accomplished withe knee bracing.  Basically a knee brace is a piece of wood that goes from the post up to the beam at a 45 degree angle..By doing this both directions at each corner you should solve the wobbly part of the problem.  Send me some pictures and I can look for other potential problems.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com