Hi,

I have a redwood pergola in my back yard. The support columns are poured in concrete, however the previous owner let the agapanthus plants get way too overgrown and the roots started using the columns for nourishment, taking about 1/2" deep x 2" high area on the beam. I have dug away the roots and removed the plants. The posts are right next to a faux-cobblestone patio, but the concrete that the posts are sunk in is about 2" below the level of the patio. The pergola is pretty sturdy as it stands now (doesn't sway in the breeze or anything), but I'd like to help shore it up. Is there a way to do this without replacing the entire column?

TIA,
Karen

If the columns are sound you could use an epoxy repair such as WoodEpox by Abatron.
http://www.abatron.com
Then you need to seal the redwood. I find the California Redwood Assoc. is a great reference on all things redwood.
Here is a link to their "finishes chart".
http://www.calredwood.org/homeown/exfnchrt.htm

If the columns bottoms are gone, and the true way they are being held up is by the structural bracing and rafters, you can still save it and get an even better look.
Shore the pergola up with with temp. wall such as an A frame, that us contractors use when we remove walls.
Cut the posts off at 2', and bore a 1" hole 1 ft deep in the end, seal and treat the post bottoms.
Insert a 1" rebar treated or 1" zinc all-thread and epoxy those into the post for uplift. Place a concrete 1'6 x 1'6 x 2' high in a form to the post bottom use some 5/8 rebar to shore it up, maybe 4 verts w/ a 3/8 stirrup @ 10" o/c (your contractor can help you with that). Use the faux cobblestone or faux river rock to cover the concrete standards.
That would save the redwood pergola and give you a fantastic look.



Alter Eagle Construction & Design

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Thanks for the reply. I think the expoxy repair should do the trick...I appreciate the link!
Karen