Columns use the gravity and friction method

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Is there any code which says that a column should be secured at the base? The wood 4x4s on this carport (an addition) were held in place by gravity and friction only...no fasteners at the base.

[Michael Larson]

Who cares about a code. You're being paid for your opinion

First time the wife or kid bumps the post the roof falls down.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Who cares about a code. You're being paid for your opinion.

My thinking too.

Recommend securing carport posts, top and bottom, as needed to maintain structural integrity.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I would mark it up for safety as Michael said ,It is a small repair but a important one IMO

[Richard A. Hetzel]

How do you know the columns don't have internal pins locating them?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by Richard A. Hetzel

How do you know the columns don't have internal pins locating them?

I kicked them and they moved.

[Ian A. Niquette]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

I kicked them and they moved.

There's your answer Joe. The first time dad gets loaded and runs into after closing time, or a bunch of kids decide to swing around on it, it's gonna fall. Safety issue, don't worry about code.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Well, I figured if a 4x4 post gets a tap from the truck, even if secured, it will break. But everyone confirmed what I was thinking and I wrote it up as needing to be secured. Thanks.

BTW, you guys ever kick those hollow metal columns on the front porches of new homes? They wiggle around too.

[Gerry Beaumont]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Is there any code which says that a column should be secured at the base? The wood 4x4s on this carport (an addition) were held in place by gravity and friction only...no fasteners at the base.

Attachment 26656 Attachment 26657

Joe, IMO they should not only be secured, but also elevated of the patio area so moisture can't wick into the post bottoms, there is a "Simpsons "strongtie" fitting which does both.

Regards

Gerry

[Richard A. Hetzel]

...or often, cast aluminum column bases are used, which look a little nicer than the Simpson product, and also anchor the column and allow it to ventilate. Difficult to retrofit, either, though.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Is there any code which says that a column should be secured at the base?

There is in CA. . .

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by Richard A. Hetzel

How do you know the columns don't have internal pins locating them?

How do you know that they do (without invasive inspection)?

• The posts are structural.
• They do not have footings.
• They are not secured from lateral forces.
• All of which are easy to see without invasive inspection.

When in doubt, call it out. Put the burden of proof on the builder to PROVE it is right.

Not just to the MINIMUM standards of local codes.
Nuff said!

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by gbeaumont

Joe, IMO they should not only be secured, but also elevated of the patio area so moisture can't wick into the post bottoms, there is a "Simpsons "strongtie" fitting which does both.

Regards

Gerry

Ditto.

I missed that one.

Thanks, Gerry!

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by jpope

There is in CA. . .

And in common sense.

Codes are BARE MINIMUM standards, and ONLY that.

Local buiding codes, ONLY, serve to answer one question, and ONLY one question only.

What is the BARE minimum standard that has to be met to get paid?

Posed by the builder.

Hope this helps;

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Richard A. Hetzel

Difficult to retrofit, either, though.

Zackly...yes it is.