Hey, Been building my whole life but I’m a new inspector and new to InterNACHI. Thanks in advance for the support.
I have a couple questions about these foundation jacks on a house I just inspected. There are a couple things I’m pretty certain are defects. More than 3" showing on the adjustment screw, bottom plate not secured.
Where I’m a little unsure is the base. I would probably call out the solid cinder blocks sitting on ground as a defect. I would think there needs to be poured concrete under them. Am I correct in this?
Also, please call out any defects I’ve missed. I need all the help I can get.
Also, there appears to be a hole in the jack base that is normally used for pin or screws to keep the screw arm from backing out. It looks to be empty from that side.
Welcome to the InterNACHI message board community, George!
You get any labels for CAN/CGSB for loading?
Looking at the adjustable steel telescopic columns I see various defects and deficiencies. #1: No visible footings. #2: Screw adjustment to long. #3: Suspect build up column does not appear secured to the CMU. Prone to rotation.
No, that’s one of the things I called out. More concerned with the base, I feel like it should have poured concrete under it but not finding anything about that in the standards.
Residential Code (IRC) typically requires a minimum 12-inch wide footing. Depth should extend at least 12 inches below the frost lines, or be frost-protected.
Welcome! These are temporary support posts and are not meant to support the structure long term. End of the story. And the other defects as in no visible footings, post not secured top and bottom.
Lally columns and their base supports need to be installed according to building codes to ensure structural integrity and safety. The International Residential Code (IRC) provides specific requirements for columns, including minimum sizes and bottom-end lateral displacement restrictions.
Steel columns must be at least 3-inch-diameter (76 mm) Schedule 40 pipe.
Lateral Displacement:
Columns must be restrained to prevent lateral displacement at the bottom end.
Footings should be at least 2 feet by 2 feet and 12 inches deep.
We call those “temporary” support post/jacks. They are fine for taking vibrations out of a floor system to stiffen an area. They are not designed for permanent long term support of a homes foundation. We always recommend a qualified foundation contractor when we find them.
