Early Craftsman Construction and Poor Repairs

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While drinking my coffee on the porch this morning I noticed something a little unnerving. Rather than try to explain everything I've taken a few pictures with short explanations:

Unlike today, back in the 1920s they revealed the structural members which became part of the style. In this case it's craftsman so take note of the low slope roof, exposed rafter tails and exposed supporting beams. I would guess this front section of roof weighs between 200 and 400 lbs.

Poor%20Los%20Angeles%20Construction%202.jpg

For clarity I have circled the location where the porch roof is attached to the house. Notice that small block under the 4x8 structural beam?

Poor%20Los%20Angeles%20Construction%203.jpg

Now, here's a view of the side of that block holding up the beam that supports the whole east side of the porch roof assembly. The block is secured to the window trim by two nails which you can see working their way out of the block over time. In addition, please note the 1/4" of contact remaining between the beam and block.

No, I don't think there are any other attachments (but pray there are). If you press your face against the wall and look up you can see between the front of the house and the rear of the porch roof as seen here:
Poor%20Los%20Angeles%20Construction%204.jpg

In the event of an earthquake I don't think I'll be running out the front door.

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This page contains a single entry by dom published on January 3, 2010 11:40 AM.

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