Porch Stringer Raised Off AC Line in New Rochelle

In New Rochelle, NY, the homeowner had a porch stair stringer that had settled over time and was resting directly on the exterior AC refrigerant line running along the foundation wall. The weathered, pressure-treated stringer bore down on the insulated copper line, which was visibly deformed and corroded at the point of contact. The stringer itself showed moisture exposure where it met the stucco foundation, and where it met the rim joist, the connection was a loose gap covered with peeling tape rather than any structural fastening. We lifted the stringer off the AC line to create clearance between the framing and the line below, then secured the stringer in its raised position with a through-bolt and washer plate at the bearing point against the rim joist, replacing the taped gap with a hardware connection. The stringer now sits clear of the AC line along the foundation wall, and the rim joist connection is bolted and square where the loose, taped gap used to be. This New Rochelle porch's stair framing is now properly supported and off the mechanical line it had been resting.