8x8 CEDAR POST SPLIT

[Spushor]

I have a patio cover built from cedar that has (2) 8x8 cedar posts supporting the outside of the cover. One of the posts have an 1/2 inch wide split from top to bottom and seems to be getting bigger. The builder of the cover is saying that is normal and only cosmetic. On the other side of the post there is also a small crack that is obviously the backside of the wide crack. Should I be worried? They are telling me they'll only charge $800-900 to change it out. Thoughts on this? Please see attached photo.
Additional note, three 3 large bolts at the top are in direct line of the crack, would that not directly impact the integrity of the structure?

 

[slownsteady]

Can you see light through the crack?
I might try pre-drilling and setting in a couple of bolts. Go all the way through and put washers on both sides. You could countersink them for a more "finished" look. Do both posts to make it look planned.

 

[Spushor]

Wouldn't the fact that the crack extends all the way to the top where three 3 large bolts are lined up put the integrity of the structure in jeopardy?

 

[Snoonyb]

Welcome.

Only if it is allowed to continue, unchecked.
Melding of lumber is a traditional method of repair. View it in the context of having a 4x8 and need to meld a 2x8 with it.

 

[slownsteady]

Wouldn't the fact that the crack extends all the way to the top where three 3 large bolts are lined up put the integrity of the structure in jeopardy?

Wanna give us a close-up pic of the top? I'm not seeing the bolts that you mention.

 

[slownsteady]

You could replace it yourself. Jack up the corner, cut out the old post and put in a new one.

 

[slownsteady]

Melding of lumber is a traditional method of repair. View it in the context of having a 4x8 and need to meld a 2x8 with it.

Please explain "melding"

 

[Snoonyb]

Melding is the integral joining of.

 

[Junto]

Is it safe to say that the post is not supporting a lot of weight? Also, what do you attribute the cracking to? Do you see any sagging in the structure? Would water freezing/thawing cause something like this?

 

[mabloodhound]

Don't worry about it. It is just like having 2, 4x8 posts instead of one 8x8. No strength is lost and it's only cosmetic.

 

[bud16415]

I agree with mabloodhound.



If it were mine I would fill the crack with a flexible latex caulk that is colored to

match the wood stain. It is not structural just to seal it up and improve the look.