I can replace this rusted post but before I do I have questions!
This is the context:
This construction is about 30 years old. I live in a coastal city so there’s plenty of salt in the rain. The ground level was level with the place it’s rusted through completely. However, it was probably painted down to that level and no further. My assumption is that it’s galvanised steel, but only because that’s what’s commonly used for this type of construction.
Firstly I just want to confirm that this is likely to be caused simply by being in the ground for 30 years. It’s possible that in the past there was water ingress through the screw holes in the roof panels. I had someone replace those fixtures 4 years ago, so those seals are new.
My second question is, am I supposed to use some sort of footing to avoid the same thing happening again in another 20 years ? Should it be in some kind of stirrup like this or are these only for timber:
My third question is, the current top plate / bracket is custom made with welded parts. I don’t have a welder nor any experience with that. Should I expect to find a purpose built standard top plate from wherever I buy the post? I could use 3x right angle brackets but that just doesn’t feel like the right approach. Presently it looks like this:
Thanks!
I’m no specialist, but I’ll give my two cents. Anyone feel free to correct me if I’m wrong or a better approach is available
Yes, even galvanized steel will eventually rust when directly in contact with the ground and it was accelerated by the salty air from the coastal region. It also rusts faster in high humidity air/soil. Even after sealing the roof, it will rust again from capillary humidity from the soil if laid directly against it
Concrete or rock footing around 10-20cm above ground level is what I usually see, make sure the water drains and it isn’t pooling between footing and post. Those stirrups are usually galvanized steel, but if your post is already galvanized steel, I guess it wouldn’t make sense in your case
Based on the first image, if you were to use a concrete footing above ground, you might even be able to salvage this post, as the two screw holes look unrusted on the picture, and they seem to be around the level you’d need to cut. You might need to grind down the area and look on the inside to confirm it. If it is, you won’t even need new brackets
Otherwise, yes, a local shop will probably have some 90° brackets and bolts too. Keep in mind to accommodate the requirements for hurricane/flood/frost if your region is prone to it
Thanks.
All great stuff.
Now you mention it, of course you’re correct that the rusted part can probably be cut off and replaced with a stirrup.