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how deep should porch footings be

by Marcelino Heller Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Depth of Footings
Footings should extend to a minimum depth of 12 inches below previously undisturbed soil. Footings also must extend at least 12 inches below the frost line
frost line
The frost line—also known as frost depth or freezing depth—is most commonly the depth to which the groundwater in soil is expected to freeze. The frost depth depends on the climatic conditions of an area, the heat transfer properties of the soil and adjacent materials, and on nearby heat sources.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Frost_line
(the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) or must be frost-protected.
Apr 29, 2022

Full Answer

How deep do footings need to be?

Footing depth - varies based on frost line and soil strength (some footings can be shallow, while other must be deep) Concrete Calculator - Figure out how much concrete you'll need for your footings.

What size footings do I need for an 8 inch wall?

As you can see, heavy houses on weak soil need footings 2 feet wide or more. But the lightest buildings on the strongest soil require footings as narrow as 7 or 8 inches. Under an 8-inch-thick wall, that's the same as saying you have no footing.

How do I control the depth of my Deck footing?

Your deck footing depth is controlled by two things. First and foremost, you need to have good soil conditions that can support the concentrated load placed on each deck pier.

How wide should footings be under a 2-story house?

Reading down the table, you see that the code calls for a 12-inch-wide footing under a two-story wood-frame house in 2,500-psf-bearing soil.

Do front porches need footings?

Footings. Footings carry the weight of the porch directly onto the soil. Depending on your specific geographical location, footings must be a minimum distance below grade to extend beyond the frost line and be sufficient in size to spread the load.

Do you need footings for a concrete porch?

Although footing width, depth, and reinforcement depend on the local building code and the type of building being constructed on the slab, it's always essential to have proper footing when pouring a concrete foundation.

How deep and wide do footings need to be?

The minimum depth of footings below the surface of undisturbed soil, compacted fill material or controlled low strength material (CLSM) shall be 12 inches (305 mm). Where applicable, the requirements of CBC Section 1809.5 shall also be satisfied. The minimum width of footings shall be 12 inches (305 mm).

How do you dig up footings for porch?

1:074:23Digging Footings for Decks and Other Outdoor Projects - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne. Now if you're gonna be digging multiple holes or they're more than six inches in diameter IMoreOne. Now if you're gonna be digging multiple holes or they're more than six inches in diameter I highly recommend renting a power auger. And if you're digging a lot of large footings.

Do you put gravel under footings?

You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.

Can I pour concrete directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

What is the minimum depth for a footing?

12 inchesDepth of Footings Footings should extend to a minimum depth of 12 inches below previously undisturbed soil. Footings also must extend at least 12 inches below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) or must be frost-protected.

How do I know what size footing I need?

To determine the size of the footing, a simple formula is used: Structural Load (lbs) / Soil Capacity (psf) = Footing Surface Area Required (sq. ft.)

What is the standard footing size?

Under every house is a foundation, and under most foundations are footings. Most of the time we take footings for granted, and usually we can: For typical soils, a common 16- or 20-inch-wide footing can more than handle the relatively light weight of an ordinary house.

Does a front porch need foundations?

Can you build a porch without foundations? Typically consisting of low-level brick dwarf walls, columns, windows and a door, no matter the size, all porches require foundations to comply with building regulations.

Can you dig footings by hand?

I have dug a few footings by hand no problem at all. You could try a test hole. And you are less likely to damage any pipes Tip if digging in clay you do not want the ground to be too dry it goes like concrete, and hire or buy a water pump because you don't want too much water in or around the the trench.

Do I need building regulations for a porch?

Building a porch at ground level and under 30 square metres in floor area is normally exempt from the need for building regulation approval. This is provided that glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the appropriate sections of building regulations.

What happens when you bury a footing in the ground?

Once your footings are buried below the frost line the ground will act as a barrier to insulate the soil below the footing from freezing in the winter.

Do you have to dig a foundation deeper than a flat surface?

If you are building into the side of a steep hill or beside a retaining wall you will have to maintain the minimum distance to grade not only vertically but also laterally. In order to achieve a suitable lateral barrier you may need to dig your foundation much deeper than on a flat surface.

How wide should a house footing be?

As you can see, heavy houses on weak soil need footings 2 feet wide or more. But the lightest buildings on the strongest soil require footings as narrow as 7 or 8 inches.

How much does a 12 inch footing weigh?

A 12-inch footing is 1 square foot of area per lineal foot, so the code is saying that the portion of a two-story wood house that bears on the outside walls weighs about 2,500 pounds maybe a little conservative, but reasonable.

How does a footing work?

The footing transmits the load into the soil. The lower the bearing capacity of the soil, the wider the footing needs to be. If the soil is very strong, the footing isn't even strictly necessary just the soil under the wall would be enough to hold the building up.

Do masons need footings?

Regardless of bearing requirements, masons and poured-wall contractors want footings for their block or their forms to sit on. But the lesson to take is that when soils are very strong, (4,000-psf capacity or better), the footings may not be strictly necessary from the standpoint of bearing.

How deep should a trench foundation be?

Normally, trench foundations will be between 600mm wide and 450mm deep, though this depth can increase to as much as 1000mm. This will often depend on outside factors, such as the presence of tree roots, drains, or any other below-ground services that you’ll need to take into consideration.

Why do you need concrete footing?

The concrete footing used during construction also adds an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep a property warmer for longer.

grifter

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but how deep and wide would footings have to be for a porch 2M deep x 2.5M wide? Thanks in advance for any advice

RonnyRaygun

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but how deep and wide would footings have to be for a porch 2m deep x 2.5m wide? Thanks in advance for any advice

grifter

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but how deep and wide would footings have to be for a porch 2m deep x 2.5m wide? Thanks in advance for any advice

Paulg31

If you're after general guidance on strip footings it might be worth having a look at approved document A of the building regulations. It's a free download and will give some general info on sizing them.

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