Replacing support post
The back storage addition to my new home has a post supporting the central beam that worries me. The post is out of alignment, with the bottom of the post about a half inch offset from the top. In addition, the post cap is far too small for the load it's carrying and is causing the wood above it to become noticeably compressed.
The plan is to support the beam (3x 2x12s nailed together, warped slightly in the 13ft section due to the post initially being placed 15 feet from the right wall) above with two temporary jack posts while the old post is removed and for the week or two while the new pillar is curing. The new pillar is planned to be 12x12 brick pillar filled with cement and an central threaded reinforcing rod that is secured into the slab. I was planning on using concrete brick instead of masonry brick for cost reasons.
Due to the beam being warped, I was planing to reinstall the old post that is removed with a new cap about 5 feet from the right wall to help reduce stress on the beam and eliminate the 13 ft stretch.
Some questions:
What would make good cap material for the brick pillar to distribute the load? I was thinking a single 2x12x12 with the wood grain perpendicular to the beam.
Are there any structural reasons to use wood or metal for support instead of brick? I do not live in an area with earthquakes. Any issues with using concrete bricks instead of masonry in a structural situation like this?
What would be the best way to lift the beam enough to remove the old post? Planning to get a 12ton bottle jack and a 4x4 to lift with, placing the jack on the side of the post with the longer span, and just keep tightening the jack posts up as it's lifted the 1/4 or so until the post is free.
Any input would be appreciated, and have a safe labor day!
The back storage addition to my new home has a post supporting the central beam that worries me. The post is out of alignment, with the bottom of the post about a half inch offset from the top. In addition, the post cap is far too small for the load it's carrying and is causing the wood above it to become noticeably compressed.
The plan is to support the beam (3x 2x12s nailed together, warped slightly in the 13ft section due to the post initially being placed 15 feet from the right wall) above with two temporary jack posts while the old post is removed and for the week or two while the new pillar is curing. The new pillar is planned to be 12x12 brick pillar filled with cement and an central threaded reinforcing rod that is secured into the slab. I was planning on using concrete brick instead of masonry brick for cost reasons.
Due to the beam being warped, I was planing to reinstall the old post that is removed with a new cap about 5 feet from the right wall to help reduce stress on the beam and eliminate the 13 ft stretch.
Some questions:
What would make good cap material for the brick pillar to distribute the load? I was thinking a single 2x12x12 with the wood grain perpendicular to the beam.
Are there any structural reasons to use wood or metal for support instead of brick? I do not live in an area with earthquakes. Any issues with using concrete bricks instead of masonry in a structural situation like this?
What would be the best way to lift the beam enough to remove the old post? Planning to get a 12ton bottle jack and a 4x4 to lift with, placing the jack on the side of the post with the longer span, and just keep tightening the jack posts up as it's lifted the 1/4 or so until the post is free.
Any input would be appreciated, and have a safe labor day!