You are here:

Building Homes or Extensions/repair or replace pole foundation

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/5/2009


Question

house, may 2009
Hi Bruce,
About 30 years ago I built a house on 9 6x6 treated poles on a steep mountainside.  The poles were placed deep below grade on concrete pads; the holes were filled with gravel. It's held up well. But I can see that there's a little rot at ground level. I would like to replace or repair the poles soon. What would be the best way to go about this.
Thanks for your consideration.  Patrick

Answer
Hi Patrick, Generally if there is rot at ground level then the problem may be deeper.  The best way to replace posts of this nature is to do one at a time.  Once you uncover the pad you can use the pad to support a temporary post while you remove and replace the old post.  Sawzalls are good for cutting nails etc to make the removal easier.  If you dig out a post and find that the rot is very minimal and only at ground level then you can possibly use a product called Git-Rot..it is an epoxy type material only very thin, like water.  The kit comes with a syringe for injecting the liquid into the rotten wood.  The epoxy fills in the rotten cells of the wood and then hardens.  You can retreat the post with a copper or zinc post dip, recover it with your gravel and move on.  An ice pick is a good tool for checking the stability of a wood post.  If you can easily push the ice pick into the wood more than say an inch then you should probably replace it.  I wouldn't cut and splice the posts unless there is just one or two that need replacing.  You need the entire post for lateral stability but a minimal number can be spliced by digging out the old post, cutting it above grade, removing the bad section, putting in a new piece and then using some heavy gauge nail on straps on all four sides  or bolt on straps.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for the prompt and helpful response. I obviously sent the wrong photo. I wanted you to see the situation of the house. Patrick


  • Add to this Answer
  • Ask a Question

Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.