Rotting posts sunk in concrete fix?

[chase237]

May or may not be garage related but there's some knowledgeable people here so here goes.
We have two load bearing posts supporting the breezeway over part of the driveway. The posts are 6X6 pressure treated, wrapped in an engineered wood trim, ie truwood, miratec, etc. it's not hardie. Anyway the post and trim are both buried in the concrete and hence the trim is rotting on the bottom couple inches.
What I'm considering is cutting off the rotten trim, probably about 2" above grade, dig out all the rot which seems to be about 2" below grade. At this point I want to fill the gap with some backer rod and fill with something like Sikaflex sealant, then wrap the bottom with about a 12" apron around the bottom, similar to what's on top.
Would this keep my posts from deteriorating? Would Sikaflex be the right choice here? Is there another preferred product that would be better?
Thanks for the free advice.

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[CNGsaves]

Better solution would be setup temporary supports and take out post (cutoff at ground level).

Remove/dig out stub of wood in ground and auger hole deep enough to be below frost line. Put in sonotube and pour concrete column that will protrude above ground a few inches. Install post holder in the wet concrete.

When concrete is cured, cut away the sonotube and re-install post after cutting it to length. Let pressure down from temporary support so now resting on post on top of concrete column. Screw the post holder to the post.

Essentially you'd be doing what is done for wood deck supports.

Also, I'd paint or stain/treat the bottom of post so that it absolutely won't deteriorate any, which now will be much less likely since elevated off the ground.

 

[Average_Joe]

Since its only the trim that's rotten, your plan is a good one. Just make sure you use a no-rot composite, treated wood or hardi type trim.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Have a look at what I did...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197962

 

[PetesPonies]

Better solution would be setup temporary supports and take out post (cutoff at ground level).

Remove/dig out stub of wood in ground and auger hole deep enough to be below frost line. Put in sonotube and pour concrete column that will protrude above ground a few inches. Install post holder in the wet concrete.

When concrete is cured, cut away the sonotube and re-install post after cutting it to length. Let pressure down from temporary support so now resting on post on top of concrete column. Screw the post holder to the post.

Essentially you'd be doing what is done for wood deck supports.

Also, I'd paint or stain/treat the bottom of post so that it absolutely won't deteriorate any, which now will be much less likely since elevated off the ground.

I like this solution best. Wood in concrete will work in some areas, so soils, but you need drainage. Obviously in your situation, it doesn't work. Bring the concrete footer above grade with a bracket to attach the wood post, keeping of teh concrete is the best solution.

 

[Professur]

One of the mistakes people often make with sinking wood into concrete is sinking it all the way through to where the wood pokes out the bottom. They don't last long that way.

 

[chase237]

Thanks for the replies. The best fix is as described in the first reply. We've been talking about it and we may end up taking out all the concrete to deal with a small drainage issue. If we do it would make the most sense remove and reset above grade.

Gahrajmahal, Holy you-know-what, if we have to get that involved we may put up a for sale sign. All kidding aside, thanks for sharing you are quite the craftsman.

I hate these posts planted below grade, there's six more out back supporting a giant deck

 

[fteufert]

Support the roof near the bad posts, and dig out the rotted wood. Fill it with concrete and install anchors and a new base for a post.

 

[ez-duzit]

CNG is on the right track. Remove the post entirely and fill the post-hole to above grade with reinforced concrete and top with post anchor; cut original post to fit.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I guess I could have given the short answer and say that here in Ohio you can no longer sink the posts for a deck into the ground. What you will loose is the rigidity provided by the dirt and concrete holding three feet of the posts. If placement is not a problem, move the posts to a new spot rather than trying to remove what is there (as shown in my thread).

Don't leave us hanging. Update us with your solution. It is a common problem.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What I'm considering is cutting off the rotten trim, probably about 2" above grade, dig out all the rot which seems to be about 2" below grade. At this point I want to fill the gap with some backer rod and fill with something like Sikaflex sealant, ...

If you are certain that the posts are solid in the enter with just a bit of surface rot, your plan is fine. I might only last another 10 years.

I don't know how well Sikaflex will stick to the wood, but it sticks great to concrete ! After the "tar strips" gave out on my driveway, I used their backer rod and sealant. The stuff looks almost new after 5+ winters.