How to support a post over a foundation vent

**Jamey Tippens** · 02-17-2010, 06:19 PM

What do you think? Is this OK or does it need to be investigated by a structural engineer?
There's a jack post above this that supports a header over a bay window in an exterior load-bearing wall. The blocks in the vent can be moved easily about a quarter inch if you twist them by hand. The blocks are treated, at least. There is a tiny crack in the mortar joint above that is evident inside and out. No evidence of cracked drywall inside the house.

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Michael Garrity · 02-17-2010, 06:33 PM

Remove the vent and replace it with a concrete block or remove the 2 blocks above the vent and replace with a lintel.

**Raymond Wand** · 02-17-2010, 06:42 PM

No it does not need an engineered fix, an engineer will tell you what Michael did above.

**Jerry Peck** · 02-17-2010, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by Michael Garrity

Remove the vent and replace it with a concrete block or remove the 2 blocks above the vent and replace with a lintel.

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

No it does not need an engineered fix, an engineer will tell you what Michael did above.

If YOU want the LIABILITY ... sure go ahead, but ... one should open their thinking a bit and consider that ...

... IT IS LIKELY there is no steel in those top blocks
... IT IS LIKELY they are not 'U' block for lintels
... IT IS LIKELY there is no concrete in those top blocks either
... but if you want the liability ... sure, go ahead and recommend a fix without knowing what is there (or MORE IMPORTANTLY - NOT THERE)

Michael Garrity · 02-17-2010, 07:01 PM

That was funny,now I can go to bed with a smile

**Jamey Tippens** · 02-17-2010, 07:11 PM

Thanks everyone for your good comments.
I just showed the photos to my structural engineer friend. He says that since I could move the blocks, it's clear that they are carrying no load. He also said that the 1 1/4" OSB band joist is plenty strong to carry the weight of the post and header and their contributing loads. So do I still write it up as needing repair?

**Raymond Wand** · 02-17-2010, 07:12 PM

Yes right it up.

**Jerry Peck** · 02-17-2010, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Jamey Tippens

Thanks everyone for your good comments.
I just showed the photos to my structural engineer friend. He says that since I could move the blocks, it's clear that they are carrying no load. He also said that the 1 1/4" OSB band joist is plenty strong to carry the weight of the post and header and their contributing loads. So do I still write it up as needing repair?

No need to write it up if your structural engineer friend will sign and seal the letter stating it will be okay as it is.

**Jamey Tippens** · 02-17-2010, 07:28 PM

Jerry, Point taken.

chris mcintyre · 02-17-2010, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by Jamey Tippens

I just showed the photos to my structural engineer friend. He says that since I could move the blocks, it's clear that they are carrying no load. He also said that the 1 1/4" OSB band joist is plenty strong to carry the weight of the post and header and their contributing loads. So do I still write it up as needing repair?

I was going to suggest adding a 3 or 4' LVL across the vent with hangers on the I-joist as a possible solution, but since that is an engineered floor system the repair would need to be stamped by a PE.

Unless the homeowners can produce the original specs, you need to CYA.

**Matt Fellman** · 02-18-2010, 12:46 AM

That sill plate doesn't look like PT....

I'm surprised your engineer said that because you can move the blocks it's okay. As I see it, today you can move the blocks.... tomorrow, after someone moves in and puts a 900 lbs hutch over the area and masonry fails I'd bet you wouldn't be able to move the blocks.

Just because a structure is behaving one way on a given day doesn't mean it's designed correctly.

The same logic would be a bridge doing just great right up until it collapsed.