As you can see in the picture above, the column has almost rotted. The plan is to replace both and at the same time replace the outer/visible beams and lay new decking.
Questions:
1. Is there any reason the posts rest on the lower beam (170x45) or is it just a design choice? I would prefer to have the new ones on top of the decking.
2. How do I best avoid rot on the new posts? How do I treat the end grain? Should I place a sill gasket between the decking and the end grain of the post?
3. I'm considering how to safely carry out the replacement and whether I can manage with one support. Are the posts the only things bearing the load of the roof structure, or are there likely additional load-bearing elements in the actual construction?
I am planning to set up a 145x45 crossbeam, anchored in the rectangular frame that is part of the roof structure. Against these and the ground, I plan to position two props to support the roof structure so that I can remove the columns, build new ones, and install new columns.
Bought a third support and placed it in the middle. Three in total felt secure and the replacement went well, took the opportunity to lay new decking and build a new fence!
Any thoughts/ideas?
