Oopsie
Over the years though I noted that the base of one column was rotting away. Oh dear. I did a recent post that, as I learned, water was dripping into the hollow column via the big beam above. And THIS caused all this damage. But, HOW was water getting into the beam?
The big beam. Both columns are getting water inside. This is bad!
To ascertain the location of the leak, I had to see inside the beam, a view unseen since 1894.
In the process I made a mess of the 130-year-old board. Oh dear. But, I can glue this back together.
The fascia board removed. I was excited to see inside the beam. But….well…poo. An 1894 2×6 at the top prevented me from seeing how the water was getting in. So, I need to get above the dastardly 2×6, which means crawling inside the attic of the porch (not an inviting prospect), or….
….pulling away the curved metal cornice of the porch. I am not even sure I can do this. In short, please stand by. This is all quite vexing!
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How about a flexible scope similar to what is used by a Gastroenterologist?
yes, this was my thought. You would only need to drill a hole for the scope.
Don’t plumbers have a scope for looking inside pipes?
Some plumbers do. Might be worth to rent one? Although Jay Howard’s recommendation using a boroscope sounds more affordable.
Good hunting to you, Ross! 🫡
Sometimes, these massive issues can be caused by one tiny, previously unnoticed crack in a seemingly unrelated area.
Is everything connected to the built-in gutter lining the cornice, able to be viewed? 🤔 Not gonna say that’s the culprit but, it would certainly be a starting place.
I’m going to hope the damage is old and the issue has been unknowingly, previously delt with. 🫣 Pretty please? 🌻
I agree, get a camera, or check on top of the porch.
Might not be a bad idea to plug or dam the gutter shortly after where the columns sit below it, run a hose to the porch roof, fill ‘er up, and see if you can ascertain where the water leaks from that way?
Didn’t you have the gutters re-lined some time ago, or resurfaced in some sort of membrane or mastic? I would be anything that it’s failed someplace.
Boroscopes are often used in automotive diagnostics and are pretty cheap. You can get stand alone ones or an attachment and software for your phone.
Another tool that could help locate this is what is a leak detector, often referred to as a smoke machine. It is also used for cars stuff to find leaks in vacuum and air inlets. It burns baby oil and creates smoke, which is pushed into the chamber/area/hose.
I won’t link these, but they are available from the cheap brick and mortar (HF) or online all over. You tube videos of various products and methods are also out there.
Both would be handy to check for other issues in the Cross house and the carriage house.
Best of luck in tracking down and fixing your problems, and please give the kitties a pet from me.
White Dude For Harris.
I’m hoping you can find the leak quickly before more storms roll through. That last one was a doozy.