Patent ID: 7421770

Claim:
A method for replacing a defective column that supports a service station canopy, said canopy including a horizontal framework and a roof, said service station canopy being supported by plural columns above a service station base, said method comprising the steps of: (a) cutting a hole in said roof of said service station canopy to form a roof opening around said defective column, said roof opening exposing a top end of said defective column and a releasable connection between said top end of said defective column and said horizontal framework; (b) forming a base opening in said service station base around a bottom end of said defective column, said base opening exposing said bottom end of said defective column and a releasable connection to a foundation; (c) lifting said canopy using at least one crane; (d) disconnecting said defective column from said releasable connections to said horizontal framework and to said foundation; (e) removing said defective column from said framework and said foundation; (f) fastening a new column to said framework and said foundation; (g) filling said base opening around said new column with material to cover said foundation around said new column; and (h) replacing roofing removed from said roof opening around said new column.