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How to fix rusted decking post?

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

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Comments

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

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/61526#Comment_61526

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 go through the 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.

MitchellMc

I just wanted to add to the advice already given @joejoejoe and stress the importance of safety here. Even though this post may only be supporting the deck and not the roof, it is still a structural element and its condition and stability should be taken seriously. Rust at the base, particularly where posts meet soil or moisture, can be far more advanced internally than it appears from the outside. Any of the suggested temporary measures, such as burying it again or concreting around it, could potentially mask an underlying issue rather than address it.

At the very least, I would strongly recommend having a qualified builder inspect the post to confirm it is structurally sound. For complete peace of mind, engaging a domestic engineer, as @Nailbag suggested, would be the safest course of action, especially given the age of the structure. An inspection now could help avoid a much bigger and more costly problem later and, most importantly, ensure the deck remains safe to use.

Mitchell

joejoejoe

Thanks everyone!

I did some cleaning with a wire brush bit and the rust looked to be just on the surface. I applied rust guard on it and then sprayed 2 coats of metal pro 2 in 1.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/61763#Comment_61763

Hi @joejoejoe,

I'm sure it will help, but it is still worth keeping an eye on to ensure things don't worsen.

Fingers crossed it has solved the issue.

Jacob

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