Is this post still ok?

[gagecalman]

I built a porch roof about 32 years ago when I was young, had lots of energy and wood was cheap. I noticed one of the outer 6X6 posts has some rot. The other two are fine. The decay is about 1/4" deep. I guess that's not too bad for the time it's been there. I went down a little further and it doesn't get any worse. I can't push a screwdriver in it. The horizontal 4X4 it just cosmetic so I'm not concerned about it.
We're planning on selling the house in the next year or two and I was wondering if this would be an issue. I don't think there’s any way to fix it.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!

 

[laser3kw]

The upper part looks good but where the post meets the ground looks iffy.
Could you put in temporary supports and re-do the post? maybe put in some concrete piers for the post?

 

[jkeyser14]

An inspector will likely want it replaced. The buyer may or may not care, but if it we me I would want it repaired (one less thing to worry about later).

 

[Tom Sestito]

It's fine, lots of life left. If you're concerned, dig down a little and put some brush-on sealer on it to preserve it.

 

[PWC Repair]

Right before you sell, fix it like any other seller does. With strategically placed pea gravel.

 

[gagecalman]

Might be tough to replace.
Added some pictures.

 

[jpaw]

You could always pour a concrete pier and use a saddle.
If it's still solid, I agree with a combo of Tom and PWC's approach.

 

[65ranchero]

Quick way is to wrap it and leave or if you are like me do a dutchman repair
Or as laser3kw said some kind of pier,

 

[Kaizen]

Did you tennon it up into the structure? Hard to tell by pics.
Either way I’d support that corner and pull it out and replace. Put a pier under it with proper connector that keeps it dry. They were not very common when you did it the first time.
Even the worst home inspector will spot a cover up so don’t waste time in it. Just the type of thing buyers try to gut you on.


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[gagecalman]

Yes I notched the post on both sides for the 2x10's. There are 2 bolts holding it together.

 

[jd_1138]

Right before you sell, fix it like any other seller does. With strategically placed pea gravel.

Or some nice looking mulch.

 

[gagecalman]

That area is usually mulched. I pulled it back for the pics.
I assumed an inspector will do the same to check the posts.

 

[timewarp]

A couple 2X4's or whatever you have handy, brace it up, cut the post a little above ground level(I'd probably go a foot) dig out bottom part of post from the ground. Bolt galvanized saddle to bottom of post that is made to go into concrete, put 6 or 8" sonotube into hole in ground post was removed from mix up some concrete and fill sonotube and hole with concrete. Sonotube needs to go up to the bottom part of saddle. Let harden, remove sonotube, repeat 2 more times, you'll have nice concrete supported posts and no worries about a failed inspection for rotten posts when selling.

On edit, I relooked at pictures, may want to use a slightly larger sonotube and notch it so part of it sits over the concrete next to post. Or if you don't want round concrete supports you could use some wood to make a form and have square or rectangular posts.

 

[rawen2]

Here's an interesting video from This Old House:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/porches/21016944/how-to-repair-a-rotted-porch-post

Maybe you could cut off the bottom of the post and replace a section without disconnecting it from the top.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

A 4x4 is plenty of post for that porch. So your 6x6 is still way over built even with the little bit of rot. As someone else has said hit it with some kind of preservative. Used oil, diesel or antifreeze brushed on will work in a pinch.

And remulch the area with cedar mulch or stone. I would be real surprised if a inspector takes the time to pull back mulch or stone to check a post.

Glen

 

[dreamingmuscle]

A couple 2X4's or whatever you have handy, brace it up, cut the post a little above ground level(I'd probably go a foot) dig out bottom part of post from the ground. Bolt galvanized saddle to bottom of post that is made to go into concrete, put 6 or 8" sonotube into hole in ground post was removed from mix up some concrete and fill sonotube and hole with concrete. Sonotube needs to go up to the bottom part of saddle. Let harden, remove sonotube, repeat 2 more times, you'll have nice concrete supported posts and no worries about a failed inspection for rotten posts when selling.

On edit, I relooked at pictures, may want to use a slightly larger sonotube and notch it so part of it sits over the concrete next to post. Or if you don't want round concrete supports you could use some wood to make a form and have square or rectangular posts.

The only thing I would add to this is drill holes thru the post in several places and directions then run some rebar thru the the holes to tie it together. The rebar will help support the weight. You wouldn't even have to dig to the bottom of the post this way.

 

[nadogail]

After determining that the post remains structurally sound, I would apply a preservative followed by a cosmetic repair.

 

[KansasArt]

After 32 years that’s all it’s rotted? And you can’t push a screwdriver into it? Do like others have suggested...coat the area with a sealant and call it good. Good for another 30 yrs.

 

[Sumboodie]

With the housing market how it is, I wouldn't touch it.

Buyer doesn't like it, tough ****, deal with it or find another place... and good luck.

Places have been going for above list around here, selling in less than a day or two of listing.