Eve of Destruction
Before we started work, this is what it looked like.
Donna with Crowbar
Railings gone and starting to pry off the deck.
East Corner
Starting to find the source of some of the issues.
East Corner, First Look
Let's see, carpenter ants and probably termites eating an old deck that has been covered with a new deck.
East Corner Damage
Sure, that looks solid.
The Face Comes Off
We just took of the facing... a disturbing lack of support on the front.
Width: For the Record
Just in case the inspectors come. Prove that I am not changing the dimensions of the porch.
Length: For the Record
16 feet and 4 inches. the new porch will be a bit narrower.
Down to Plywood
Plywood under the pine T&G decking. Talk about trapping water... And there is another layer under this one.
Trash Builds Up
Demolition continues and the pile starts growing.
Uglier as we Go Deeper
Under the first layer of plywood there was a second layer, sort of. Note the fine quality of the decking around the post.
East Corner Rot
So what was holding that part of the deck up?
Sawsall is My Friend
Bwaaha ha ha!!! My new favourite tool. Couldn't haved cut through all those nails without it.
West Side Support
It was disconcerting that when the last layer of plywood was removed, the two main support beams fell down. Hmmm...
Demolition Continues
The deck is all gone and I am working on the main beams. We found that the centre post was hanging from the roof and not supporting any load. I jacked centre to provide some support.
Look Ma, No Posts!
Moment of truth. All the posts taken out and roof supported by my rigged braces.
No Posts, Still Standing
Slightly better view. Look the roof hasn't fallen in yet!
Centre Footing
Nice cement job. Must have been part of that $2000 repair job the previous owners had done. All of 5 inches thick.
East Footing
On the other hand, the original footing was a bit deeper! This post did not want to come out.
Demolition Complete
All the old porch is gone except the middle main beam. It is part of the house foundation so it will remain. Time for cement.
Donna, Princess of Stain
The new look for fall is "Redtone."
West Footing
Maybe we won't try and remove that one.
New Footings
The sonotubes are in, waiting for concrete.
Under the Door
The footing looks ok, but that foundation is looking a bit dodgy.
Yikes!
Looking a bit scary after all the really loose stuff is taken out. Time for another concrete form.
A Bit of New Foundation
Mental note: always have enough concrete to fill your form (and avoid emergency drives to Rona) and always shore up the form BEFORE you put the concrete in.
Real Support
The new posts are in! What a shock, the roof is now supported in three places instead of just two.
Andrew as Pigpen
A non-flattering picture of the dirty one. Dad wanted me to shower outside to provide more fill. Thanks Dad.
Cutting Lots of 2x6's
Donna playing with the compond saw. How many of these do we need?
Stringers
We are starting to take shape. I think 2by6 on 12 inch centres will be strong enough? Russ would be proud.