Building supports rusting
Rusting of building supports. Identified by Peter Weddell, owner/operator of Qld Home Buyers Inspection Service.
Another supporting steel column that has rusted way beyond repair.
Footings must extend at least 100 mm above the soil level, this is a building code of Australia requirement.
Water has accumulated around the base of this steel column causing significant rusting.
Significantly rusted steel column supporting part of a veranda.
Cause of problems:
Stormwater runoff from adjoining properties is causing ponding of water around the column bases.
- Water is ponding around bases of the columns causing them to rust
- The footings are also fracturing from the rusting columns within the concrete.
- This is a major expense to replace
It is highly recommended replacing the columns with hot dipped galvanized columns with concrete mounds around their bases. These have a far greater life expectancy.
This shows the importance of drainage and stormwater systems around buildings.
Recommendations on rectification:
All examples of rusting columns in these photos require replacing and most likely the concrete footings they are incorporated in.
- I would recommend creating a concrete platform with its top side being at least 100 mm above the soil level and bolt the columns to the platform.
- This will stop water from ponding around bases of the new columns and future rusting.
- Drains may also be required to allow accumulated water from low lying areas of the sub-floor. This allows water to escape beyond the sub-floor to a lower point on the property or to the street gutter.
Water must not pond around bases of steel columns this will accelerate rust.