Dealing with rusted decking post

[joejoejoe]

Hi,

I have a decking post buried in soil. Initially I thought they didn't put an anchor beneath, but after digging a bit I found the stirrup anchor, although it seems not screwed. Looking at what it supports (only the decking) it seems not as critical as the adjacent ones which are supporting the roof as well. I'm thinking of several approaches:

- Bury it back and wait for it to break. It may last quite a few years, considering that it has been like this for 10-20 years.

- Remove the soil around it, do some paintwork, and leave it exposed.

- Pour concrete around it to stop it contacting with air.

What do you recommend?

Thanks,

JoeThe full pictureA good oneRusted post and anchor

[EricL]

Hello @joejoejoe 

It is difficult to tell how far the rust on the post has travelled. If it is only surface rust, I propose cleaning the surface of the post and using the White Knight Rust Guard system to repaint the post. This will include cleaning, preparation, rust conversion, primer and top coat. I propose leaving the post exposed after painting but making sure that there is a way for rainwater to flow out should the area get wet from rainwater.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Paint Metal

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @joejoejoe 

The post looks pitted but still solid, can you hit it with a hammer and see how it sounds? 

I wasnt sure whats stuck to the outside of the post, it almost looks like concrete but am presuming its rust pits.

Id clean the post up and if still solid fgo through teh steps @EricL has suggested. 

As to how its secured to the stirrup, maybe it was welded along the top of the stirrup? It should show up when you clean the post up. Wire brush or wire wheel on a drill.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @joejoejoe 

Going by the photos alone, the posts which appear to be welded to the stirrups look to be in good condition other than some surface rust beginning on the lower portions under the paint. 

However, since each post would be load bearing in some degree, all 3 of your suggested temporary fixes would be risky solutions at best. I highly recommend you engage a local domestic engineer to inspect and advise. 

Nailbag

would highly recommend you invest in a domestic engineer to inspect them.