SUPPLIES
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Four 2x6 pine boards (length of post)
- 16 p nails
- Hammer
- Two 2x8 boards, each 18 inches long
- Extension ladder
- 3-lb. hammer
- Reciprocating saw
- Woodcutting blade
- Posthole diggers
- Replacement post (treated)
- Rock bar
Overview
A rotted post in a pole building can occur whenever that post was either improperly installed or it was not treated against rot. Generally most rotted posts occur underground or make themselves apparent at the ground level. By constructing a set of 2x6 wooden tees, you can replace the rotted post by following a basic procedure.
Step 1
Identify the rotted post and measure the overall length from the ground to the top support plate of the pole building.
Step 2
Cut the four 2x6's to this length with the circular saw.
Step 3
Nail two of the 2x6's together with the 16 p nails and the hammer into the design of the letter "T." Find the center of one of the 2x6's and nail the other one perpendicularly onto the other. The nails should be approximately driven every 10 to 12 inches on center.
Step 4
Make up another "T" from the other two 2x6's. You should now have two support T's ready to be installed on either side of the rotted post.
Step 5
Lay the two 18-inch-long 2x8's on either side of the rotted post, approximately 12 inches from the post.
Step 6
Set the extension ladder in a comfortable position so it can reach the top plate of the pole barn.
Step 7
Place one of the support tees to the right of the post with the aid of your assistant. Use the 3-lb. hammer to wedge the tee into place in a solid vertical position. This will force a little upward pressure on the top plate. Perform the same for the support tee placed to the left of the post.
Step 8
Toenail a couple of 16 p nails through the tee and into the top plate to temporarily hold them in place.
Step 9
Cut off the rotted portion of the post now that the weight is taken from it by the two support tees on either side. Use the reciprocating saw to make a clean horizontal cut. Be sure that the blade is a woodcutting blade and long enough to cleanly go through the post.
Step 10
Use the posthole diggers to remove the dirt from around the rotted post and pull the old post from the hole.
Step 11
Find the length of the new post by measuring from the bottom of the hole to the bottom of the fresh cut, made on the now-hanging post. Add about ¼ inch to the above measurement and cut the new post to this length.
Step 12
Install the new post into the hole and use the 3-lb. hammer to wedge the new post under the hanging portion. Toenail the old post to the new post with the 16 p nails.
Step 13
Backfill around the new post and tamp the dirt into place with the flat end of the rock bar. Remove the support tees and move on to the next rotted post.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : You can add two side supports to an old post (connecting with the new supports) by cutting two 2x6's 18 inches long and nailing them to the joint with the 16 p nails.
- WARNING : Replace only one post at a time as you may place unknown stress on the pole building, creating further damage.
