Pergola sinking

dhodson · Jun 25, 2022

I’m looking to fix my pergola. As you can see from the photos, the pole that’s in the ground is sinking after about a decade.

Any thoughts on how to raise it and potentially avoid this issue (as much as possible) in the future?

Lake Placid · Jun 25, 2022

What’s the vertical column resting on? Is it just dirt or is there any type of concrete footer underneath?

dhodson · Jun 25, 2022

Dirt I believe
I havent dug it completely but minor digging didn’t find concrete

Lake Placid · Jun 25, 2022

You can raise the corner with either a Lally column, or with a 4x4 and a 12 ton bottle jack. If you raise with a Lally column you could likely use it as a temp support otherwise frame a temp support for the corner with a temporary column or wall. Then excavate under where the original support column lives to frost depth, drop in a sono tube and fill with concrete. When setting the concrete install hardware for the appropriate simpson style column anchor. When concrete is cured, reassemble original column on foooter with appropriate simpson anchor and remove temporary supports.

dhodson · Jun 25, 2022

Thx for that in depth explanation

dhodson · Jun 26, 2022

Well it looks like I was wrong and it either sits on concrete or placed in concrete. I’m guessing some of the wood rot. As can be seen I can place shovel at least under a part of it.

So I’m thinking of using a lally to raise it and see what comes up? Then either trim off the rot or replace the post?

Lake Placid · Jun 26, 2022

I’m thinking a post replacement will be the cleanest move. Trying to cut the rot and scab together a support with some kind of strong tie is possible depending on the severity of the rot. I would question the strength of the repair when complete though. Definitely investigate fully how the column is currently anchored before trying a lift. You don’t want to do more damage to the structure trying to raise an anchored column unknowingly.

dhodson · Jun 26, 2022

So this is what it looks like with the lally elevating it back to level. I was thinking of putting a post immediately adjacent with the below base. Placing concrete. Wait a few days then screw it in. Then cut the old post off near the top. The old screws appear worn and just not sure how easy it will be to remove them. Bad plan?

Toxophilite · Jun 26, 2022

That post sure rotted out way early, so I wonder about the others. If it's too much work to dig out the concrete of that one, setting a new one to the side seems fine.

Lake Placid · Jun 26, 2022

Not a bad plan at all If the aethstetic doesn’t bother you. From the amount of rot, setting a new cement base slightly proud of the dirt with the tie that you have will slow down future rot In the new column.

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