These best practices will help prevent rust or rot in columns and involve the necessary steps to tackle these problems:
- Sealing and weatherproofing the column: choosing the right materials, using high-quality sealants, and ensuring proper caulking and flashing.
- Conducting proper maintenance and regular inspection: detecting cracks, peeling paint, soft spots, discoloration, and insect damage early.
- Addressing issues immediately: once you discover the problem, start repainting, repairing, or replacing the damaged column promptly.
Protection of porch columns is more critical than that of columns in other areas, as they are in an open space and exposed to various destructive factors, including dampness, UV rays, pets, and other similar elements.
In this blog, we’ll explore this issue and its solutions in depth.
Common Materials Used for Porch Columns
Porch column materials not only serve aesthetic purposes, but also impact how easy or difficult maintenance and repairs will be. Our years of experience in Canada have shown us that most people want to strike a balance between the two.
Simply put, customers usually want something that’s both beautiful and resistant to environmental elements like moisture and harsh Canadian winters.
The following are the most common materials used for porch columns in Canada:
Wood
Builders use various types of wood, from cedar to poplar, for porch columns. The beauty and versatility of wood make it a favourite among many Canadian homeowners.
However, this particular material presents several challenges that cannot be overlooked. Wooden columns are especially susceptible to rot, decay, and insect damage.
Steel
Steel columns can be both decorative and load-bearing. This strong material can be shaped to meet individual beauty preferences and resists pest damage, eliminating a common problem in Canada.
However, steel is vulnerable to rust and is costly. Its heaviness requires expert installation with specialized equipment.
Fiberglass (FRP)
The demanding climate of Canada has made fiberglass a desired material for constructing porch or structural columns in recent years.
FRP columns are highly resistant to rot, moisture, and insects. They won’t absorb water and are significantly strong, which enables them to act as load-bearing columns.
Occasional cleaning and repainting are the only maintenance fiberglass columns need.
PVC
Like fiberglass, PVC resists dampness, decay, rot, and insects. It’s cost-effective and withstands extreme Canadian temperatures.
In general, PVC requires minimal maintenance. It can be painted to match the structure’s design. However, be aware that PVC columns may be susceptible to yellowing due to exposure to UV rays.
Do You Need Porch Column Replacement?
Is the damaged column in your porch beyond repair? Then, probably, there is no choice but to remove the old column and replace it with a new one. Contact us now to discuss the replacement project.
Risks and Damage to Unprotected Columns
Canada’s harsh climate, heavy precipitation, and freeze-thaw cycles expose porch columns to serious deterioration. Water intrusion poses the greatest threat to porch columns, causing wood to rot and steel to rust.
Freeze-thaw cycles accelerate column deterioration by allowing water to enter and expand inside the material, leading to cracks, spalling, and delamination. Persistent moisture also promotes the growth of mildew and mold, which can affect the column’s appearance and integrity.
In addition to moisture concerns, another major issue is the destructive role of insects, which are a particular threat to wood columns.
Apart from environmental and biological factors, installation methods also play a role. In some cases, poor installation of the column in the porch is the main problem. We’ve often seen this issue in older homes, where porch columns weren’t designed to transfer and carry the weight of a roof covered with snow. Improper foundation or footings are also considered structural failures and fundamental issues.
Unprotected column surfaces can suffer from peeling paint, cracks, and fading due to UV rays and moisture. If the protective coatings on steel columns are damaged, the metal is exposed to moisture and begins to corrode, resulting in rust.
How to Protect Porch Columns: Maintenance Tips
Protection of porch columns can be done through several methods, such as:
- Regular cleaning
- Inspecting for damage annually
- Resealing and repainting
- Checking flashing and caulking
- Addressing issues immediately
- Elevating the column base
- Managing water drainage
Additionally, if the porch roof is supported by wooden columns, we recommend checking for pests frequently, as insects are one of the most significant dangers to wood. For steel columns, it’s best to immediately repair the damaged coating and prevent rust and further corrosion.
When to Call a Professional
Major column issues aren’t DIY jobs and require skilled professionals. If a damaged column threatens structural integrity or risks causing the roof to collapse, hire professional construction companies like Roll the Wall for inspection and repair.
For example, leaning, sagging, and wobbly columns are clear signs that you should contact experts immediately. Furthermore, when seeing extensive rot or hearing a hollow sound when tapping on the column, you’ll need professional contractors on your porch to assess the damage.
Cracks, damage to load-bearing columns, or signs of pest infestation are critical indicators that demand urgent assistance from specialists in this field without hesitation.
Lastly, if the law does not allow you to perform the repairs yourself, or if they are historic columns you wish to repair and restore to their original beauty, you must hire professionals. Such columns demand special care and require specialized tools not commonly available.
Final Thoughts
In this blog, we explored various ways to protect porch columns. We also discussed different materials used to build these columns, whether decorative or load-bearing.
Fiberglass and PVC columns are more resistant to risks like decay, rot, insects, and rust. However, with proper maintenance as discussed in this blog, wood or steel porch columns can also last for many years.
Our experts at Roll the Wall are ready to resolve any complex problems you may be facing. If you believe the problem is beyond DIY care, contact us immediately, and we’ll send a team of experienced specialists to inspect and handle the issue on-site.
FAQs
- What’s the best way to waterproof porch columns?
Seal all gaps with exterior-grade caulk, then apply a high-quality primer and two coats of exterior-grade paint to create a moisture-resistant barrier. Additionally, ensure the column’s base is elevated to prevent water from wicking up from the ground.
- How do I protect porch columns from rot?
To protect porch columns from rot, ensure the base is elevated from the ground to prevent moisture wicking. Regularly seal all cracks and seams, and apply a fresh coat of exterior paint or stain to create a waterproof barrier.
- Can composite or fiberglass columns rot?
Neither fiberglass nor composite materials absorb water. Therefore, both of them are highly resistant to rot.
- Should porch columns be wrapped for protection?
Yes, wrapping porch columns is an excellent way to protect them from rot, pests, and the elements. Wraps, typically made from PVC, vinyl, or composite, create a durable, low-maintenance shell around an existing structural post.
- How often should porch columns be maintained?
Porch columns should be inspected annually, and maintenance like re-sealing or repainting should be done every 3-5 years, depending on the climate and material.
Share your experience with rot, decay, pests, rust, or other damage to porch columns. Did you fix the problem yourself or call in professionals? Tell us your story in the comments below!
