Each summer, it\u2019s a good idea to inspect the condition of your porch \u2013 a part of your house that is particularly vulnerable to attack from moisture and insects.\u00a0 Small problems, if not corrected, can soon lead to more expensive repairs.<\/p>\n
The first part of your inspection is likely to be the least pleasant, as you\u2018ll need to crawl beneath the porch to check out the supporting structure.\u00a0 Look first at the piers<\/b> that hold the weight of the porch.\u00a0 These piers can be made from wood, brick, stone, or concrete.\u00a0 Ideally, they should be supported by concrete footers<\/b> that extend below the frost line, but in all too many older homes you\u2019ll find them resting directly on the ground.\u00a0 Especially in these cases, you may see signs of rot and water damage.<\/p>\n
Wooden piers are in need of repair if you can push a nail by hand more than 1\/4\u201d into the wood.\u00a0 If the damage is not too extensive, you can reinforce the original piece by \u201csistering\u201d two pieces of sturdy lumber alongside it, bolting them in place.\u00a0 If you are dealing with a severely deteriorated wooden pier, replace it with a new piece of pressure-treated lumber of the same size.\u00a0 Be sure to install a concrete footer beneath the new pier, to keep it from coming into contact with the ground.<\/p>\n