Pole foundations – pole damage/deterioration

Causes

Inadequately treated timber

Trapped moisture (typically where the pole is embedded into concrete)

Excess loading of poles resulting in fracture or splitting

Timber deterioration around rusty bolts

Earthquake damage

Listed under: timber and wood-based, earthquakes, timber, Subfloor, poles, moisture, durability, rust, fixings and hardware, fixings

Cause

Inadequately treated timber

Repair

  • the pole(s) must be strengthened or replaced to provide the level of support required for the loads

  • the structural elements and bracing of pole houses require specific engineering design. Consult an architect, designer or chartered professional engineer to do this for you

  • replacement poles must be treated to H5

  • repairing or replacing poles falls into the category of ‘restricted building work’. If you are paying a tradesperson to do the repair/replacement work, they must be a licensed building practitioner with a foundations licence

  • if poles being replaced have not met the minimum Building Code durability provisions applicable (50 years), a building consent will be required

  • the BRANZ Bulletin BU597 Timber pole house construction may be helpful

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Cause

Trapped moisture (typically where the pole is embedded into concrete)

Repair

  • as for first repair above. Ensure the replacement poles are treated to H5

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Cause

Excess loading of poles resulting in fracture or splitting

Repair

  • as for first repair above. Engage a chartered professional engineer to plan the replacements/repairs

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Cause

Timber deterioration around rusty bolts

Repair

  • as for first repair above. Ensure the replacement poles are treated to H5

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Cause

Earthquake damage

Repair

  • if the house was insured, contact your insurance company for advice. Don’t carry out major repairs until you have been in touch with them

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