How to seal a leaky porch?
We can't afford to replace our porch yet, so I need to do something to stop leaks, potential rot, and whatever the heck else may be wrong. Thoughts?
The house itself is a 1909 build with an inset porch and corner wood support (rotting, and I hope to someone that it is decorative and not structural). The house was raised in the forties and a full concrete basement poured in. The porch itself is just plywood sitting on the concrete base. In looking up from the basement, I can clearly see daylight out of one hole, which I will be sealing with expanding foam.
But what can I do on the top side? Caulk all seams where vinyl siding meets the floor? Add another layer of plywood? Exterior paint? What would you do?
...and if you have any tips/tricks for dealing with the corner post above, I'd be especially grateful. Thank you!
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Hope Williams on Mar 30, 2015First, when sealing the hole with light through it, put some steel wool in there also to prevent rodent invasion. Second, go to big box store or machine shop and get a piece of sheet metal that goes the length of the porch. Bend it so that half goes up under the siding and the other under the plywood. Tack it where possible. Caulk or seal it with outdoor sealer. That should hold you for a while. As far as the rotting posts, be sure they are NOT support before installing just decorative columns. They do make gorgeous support columns too. Hope this helps, HopeHelpful Reply
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Handy Lady Red on Mar 30, 2015Without pics its hard to get a clear idea of the damage could you take some?Helpful Reply
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Darla on Mar 30, 2015If your roof gutters are good and not blocked, and you haven't had problems before, you should be fine. You should probably get that corner post replaced, though.Helpful Reply
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Duv310660 on Mar 30, 2015Figuring out where the water is getting in is key; in the meantime minimize the recent damage by using a dehumidifier.Helpful Reply
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