We have two large exterior exposed cypress beams/posts, that are part of th e structural wall and roof support of a breakfast nook area (back patio are a) that have developed rotted bottoms. I've been putting off this repair because I'm not sure, exactly, what might be the best/proper repair. Obvi ously, moisture has wicked up the posts for some time, and the bottoms are rotten. Left and right side posts, scroll left:
We've started demolition of part of the back patio, for the construction of a pergola, spanning this breakfast nook wall area. I need to repair the se posts, soon. I'm not sure how far/deep, into the wall, the rot goes, bu t I suspect maybe half way through the cross section of the post. I'll pr obe it, later. Before I probe (gouge out, cut into) the post, I would like to know what possibly might be best for the repair..... I wouldn't want to have removed something, if it could be part & party to the repair.
It would be very difficult to remove and replace the beam, since they are p art of the support structure, but if need be, that will be done. I'd pref er to repair at least the bottom, for now, unless sunsequent discovery of v ery extensive damaged is found. There is no plinth under these beams.
I had thought of epoxy, since I more recently learned some of the virtues o f epoxy use; I've thought of bondo; THought of patch-replacing parts of the beam.
I've thought of the wood hardening products, for rotted wood, like this one :
I'd appreciate any and all input, for this repair.
We have other posts on an side porch, that are supported on plinths, that h ave bottom rot, also. These posts can be easily replaced, but I'd prefer, for now, to repair the bottoms. They are stained with a paint-like stain, so bondo may be an option for repairing/filling voids, if need be. The por ch roofing is cantelevered, but the posts do supply some support for the po rch, because of heavy tiles (1500 lbs/square) on the roof. Any advice woul d be appreciated for this repair, also. Scroll left for another pic.
Sonny