Ivy League of Doom

One minor project was to seal up a couple of loose bricks on the back steps. While I was out there, I decided to take a look at the ivy growing up against the brick. Sure enough, the ivy was pushing its way into the mortar and coming out again a few inches or feet later.

I began ripping out the ivy and discovered a second set of steps 180 degrees from the first. They are now blocked by a railing and had been sodded (can you sod non-grass?) for the ivy to grow.



With the ivy gone, I was able to see the crawlspace beneath the steps and porch. I don't think these boards are meant to hang down.

Hmmm. The top of the steps are supported by a couple inches of this loose stone and the sodden toothpick you see that was once a solid 2x6.  The weather has been getting cold and I decided I did not have time to fix this right. I did spend half a day under the crawl space putting insulation back into place, removing piles of wood that would invite termites and eventually, rigging some support that I think will suffice until spring.

Poor Cav. The front wheels were practically coming off the ground. At least, it felt that way. No pics of my fix; I forgot to take any as darkness descended. Just as well, I suppose, since I'll want deniability when the whole thing comes crashing down this winter.