Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/6/2009

Question
Hi Bruce,

Thanks for taking the time for this question. I have a attached garage that has a lolly column set in concrete that holds up a wooden beam for the 2nd floor. The garage has no drain and water accumulates around the lolly column at the base. It has started it rust about 3 inches up from the floor. It appears to be just surface rust for now. I read your other answer to a similar question, and will apply the rust inhibiting paint and stop the water from accumulating at the base. My question is should I chip away some of the concrete floor to see if the rust had traveled below the floor level, or is this overkill? How do you know if the rust has damaged the structural integrity of the lolly column? Are they usually filled with concrete?

Answer
HiChuck, residential columns holding up wooden beams are not generally filled with concrete.  Most base plates are at least 1/2" thick so it would take a lot for rust to damage the column base drastically.  If anything the concrete will have preserved the column below finished floor grade.  Take an ice pick or a sharp screwdriver and push it into the column where it is rusted.  It will push through if the column is too far gone.  You can also take a grinder or a wire brush and remove the rust down to bare metal.  This will show you how deep the rust has penetrated..I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com