When thinking about upgrading your porch, as with any home improvement project, one of the major considerations is cost. Checking your porch columns for structural damage is a sound way to evaluate whether they can still be repaired or you need to have them replaced.
Replace porch columns if there are structural problems that will be impractical or very costly to repair. Consider the following points when deciding between repair and replacement.
What kind of columns are they?
Are the columns supportive or just decorative? If the porch connects with a second level area such as a balcony or a terrace, it’s critical to safety that the porch columns are strong enough to support the weight above. Therefore, it’s recommended to replace weak porch columns with a type that is stronger and more durable and to make sure columns are always in mint condition.
The cost to replace porch columns may be expensive, but it’s the safest option whenever there’s a need for extra stability. Relying on repairs is a suitable option if the columns are decorative or they support a lighter load like a small roof.
What kind of damage do they have?
Wood rot, insects, and drastic temperature changes can cause damage to porch columns. Find out the extent of the damage, if any, to determine whether the problem can be fixed by repair work or if replacement is in order.
If there is damage only in one particular area, then resolving the localized issue is the best course of action. However, it would be safer to remove the whole thing and replace it with a new one if its integrity has already been compromised.
Counting the Cost
Obviously, the cost to replace porch columns would be greater than making a local repair or touch-up. However, you must weigh the consequences of trying to save on the cost of upgrading your porch columns when you know they are no longer structurally sound.
Porch columns in such a condition would only worsen in time, not only costing you more in repair, but also putting you and your family’s safety at risk. If you’re on a tight budget and cannot afford a complete porch column replacement at the moment, then consider repairing and reinforcing the existing columns.
However, regardless of the cost, replace porch columns that already have large cracks.
Get Professional Help
Still not sure what to do with your porch columns? Get a professional opinion. Use Seva Call to connect with a qualified handyman in your area who can evaluate whether the columns need repair or replacement. Try our free service now and get in touch with local pros in minutes!
