I have a house from '69 with a brick façade on top of aerated concrete. In the later part of the 80s, the house was extended, including a patio with a carport underneath. This is constructed with 4 H-beams that act as girders under the framework that the decking and railing rest on. On one side, these beams rest firmly on pillars, and on the other side, they rest on 95 x 95 angle irons that are bolted into the façade.
Reportedly, this construction settled during a party 15 years ago, after which it was supported with a post. The reveals in the window niches have given way, and I guess that's the extent of the settling. Plus, one might have opinions about mounting above a window.... but....
Anyway, we have now bought the house and want to modify this as it doesn't feel safe, even though nothing has happened in recent years. The alternatives I'm considering for a solution are:
Buy I-beams, cut up the asphalt, pour foundations and create props to transfer the load from the beams. It won't be an aesthetic solution as a beam will protrude outside a window, for example.
Get 200x100 angles that are wider and create the same solution as now - just doubly dimensioned with more mounts. The basic solution has lasted at least 25 years before...
Lay a pressure-treated wooden beam along the entire length and fasten with sturdy concrete anchors or similar.
...but now I'm here on the forum and want to check if anyone has any thoughts on these solutions or any other ideas?
Of course, I understand that there are significant downward forces with the patio, railing, snow load, or a bigger party on the deck. It's material + a couple of tons that need to be supported on four attachments...
