February 2, 2019

Carport Repair: New Piers

Thanks to Violet and Jessie, it's been a while since I've given you an update on Dan's carport repair project, but he's been making steady progress. Last time I showed you how he replaced the old posts that held up the carport roof. After that, he started on an idea we'd discussed - adding an extension.

An extension will add firewood storage space and help stabilize the structure.

The first step involved making piers for the roof support posts that would be required. The forecast was for very cold temps, so he wanted to get his concrete work done while the days were still fairly mild.

First step: dig holes large enough for two cap blocks.

Step two: mix small amounts of concrete.

Step three: cement ready-made piers to the cap blocks.

Then they were left to cure. Every time it rained the holes flooded but that hasn't bothered the concrete. Several days later Dan filled in the holes.


They are supposed to be allowed to sit for at least a couple of weeks. In the meantime, Dan turned his attention to beefing up the existing roof in preparation for the metal roofing panels. More on that soon.

 Carport Repair: New Piers © February 2019

20 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

So far, so good!

Glen Filthie said...

I used those under my mega-garden shed/playhouse/villain’s lair Leigh. I’ve stored motorcycles, ATV’S and other heavy stuff in there for years and the wood floor in there hasn’t shifted an inch! And we didn’t beef them up like you guys did. Those pier blocks won’t be going anywhere. I suspect you will love them as much as we do.

Leigh said...

Gorges, here's hoping it stays that way!

Glen, you don't have any problem with frost heave? It's great to know they've served you so well. We need the same!

Love Affair with Food said...

Sounds like a good project.

J.L. Murphey said...

I was wondering how that project was going. I'm guessing the addition is for wood storage. Cockeyed Jo

Leigh said...

Love Affair with Food, I hope so! We feared losing the building if we didn't fix it.

Jo, yes. The addition will store wood and also Dan's log splitter. We're also discussing catching the roof rainwater runoff and making a little laundry area at the back of the extension. That should free up some space under the main roof for an outdoor cooking area. At least that's the plan.

Rain said...

This is going to make a great tutorial for me and Alex, thanks for posting! I'll be watching the progress!!

M.K. said...

Looking great, Leigh! I like the idea of an extension.

Sam I Am...... said...

Great work....I imagine there was a fair bit of measuring and leveling involved? You guys are so smart....I wouldn't know where to begin but now I do...thanks to you!

Leigh said...

Rain, the best place to go for help is YouTube! You can find out how to do absolutely anything there. Also how not to do things, LOL.

M.K. thanks! We have plans for the extension. :)

Sam, credit goes to Dan! Because I wouldn't know where to begin either.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Looks like your weather is to your benefit in working outdoors. Our? Not so much. But...we are warming up so who knows. Great progress by the way.

Leigh said...

Kristina, yes, we've been fortunate with our weather, and our cold or rainy spells don't last long. We don't really count on a lot getting done this time of year, so whatever we do is great!

Ed said...

The strongest concrete is that which has been poured and then flooded with water to slow evaporation/curing. So those should be strong supports for your extension.

Leigh said...

Thanks for that Ed! I knew from Dan that it had to stay damp while curing, and he certainly hasn't been concerned about the flooding. Maybe we should flood all our concrete.

Mama Pea said...

Love the idea of an extension! When we will all ever reach the point where we don't need extra storage space that's undercover?!

I know it's been a sacrifice financially for Dan to be home full-time now, but oh, my! Just look at how fast different projects are progressing! And I'll bet Dan is happier and healthier, too. :o)

Rose said...

That is sure a step towards getting it done!

Leigh said...

Mama Pea, that is so true about storage. And yes, Dan is so much happier being home full time now. Tightening our belts a bit more really wasn't so bad, especially since that has been a goal from the beginning. We eat well, pay our bills, and have enough to gradually work on our project goals. Who could ask for anything more!

Rose, it's rewarding to see. :)

Toirdhealbheach Beucail said...

Looks Great! And I like the way you think. Tightening one's belt is not the end of existence (contrary to what many people think).

The Wykeham Observer said...

It will be nice to have the extra storage for wood or anything else. A big improvement.

Leigh said...

TB, not having a lot of money truly simplifies things. It severely curbs impulse spending, which is always a good thing. It forces us to think creatively as well, another plus. At one time people assumed their retirement years would be leaner financially. By then kids were raised and on their own and the house was paid off, so it all balanced out in the end. Now folks think they are supposed to spend their retirement years as millionaires. How things have changed.

Phil, yes! For years we "stored" our firewood under tarps. Not a good way to keep it dry, for sure.