Question for siding guys...

[hockey88fan]

Should I install the structural vinyl porch columns before I wrap the porch beams in aluminum or the other way around? If I elect to wrap them in aluminum first, I will have to move the temporary supports out to the facia board. If I install the posts first, I could do it with the supports in place but it might be a little trickier to wrap the aluminum around the beams because I'd have to notch it for the posts. What do the professionals usually do? Thanks

 

[rockchucker]

Posts in place. Notch the material. That is what I would do.

Those 3 2x4's do not look sufficient to hold the weight of the overhang. I could be wrong but it does not look safe at all.

 

[hockey88fan]

They're 2x6 and yeah I'd like to get them in before it snows

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Tack a square of aluminum trim in the place where each post goes. Install the posts, then wrap the beam and notch around the posts. If your notch is a little big, then the wood is still covered. Plus lots of columns have caps that can be slid up into place after the installation.

 

[Ajwelds]

Why not use Afco structural columns? Good look and easy to install. Like Big Bad said they have a slide up trim cap. I think Lowes sells them, won't buy from gay hd. I get them at my local lumber yard. A 5" column is rated for ridiculous load like 13K