168 Huron Street

The rotting wood is in contact with the foundation. Water is collecting on the masonry instead of dripping off as intended, leading to the water related problems (peeling paint, rotting wood, spalling at column foundation)

Background
100 year old house The wood is contact with the masonry, this often results in decay. For decay to occur, the moisture content of the wood has to be >20% which corresponds to the relative humidity sustained above 80%.

Causes
The wood column is being wetted by rainwater splashed onto the surface from the masonry pedestal, as well as by water wicked up from the masonry by capillary action. Unfortunately the many coats of oil-based paints hinder drying of the wood, and therefore the moisture content in the column rises to the point where decay can occur.

Solution
A metal cap flashing could be installed over the masonry and sloped so that water will run away from the column and drip free of the masonry pier. Such a cap will also act as a capillary break. The decayed column should be repaired or replaced, and the paint on the column should be maintained.