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Question

I am looking at replacing cement block support posts with steel jack posts to make a better finished basement. Here is the current set-up: 1 storey bungalow (1961) Toronto, Canada, I-beam 3" x 6" about 30' long, 3 concrete block pillars - (10" x 16"). Outside wall to pillar(1) is 6', then to pillar 2 is (6'), then to pillar 3 is (6'), then to center bearing wall is (6'). Will jackposts hold the weight as good as the cement blocks? Should I have any concerns? thanks cliff

Submitted: 23 days and 5 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Rick 22 days and 20 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX

Heavy weight jack posts should do an adequate job given what you have told me but a better choice would be cement filled lally columns. Jack posts would be easier to install because you would need a 4" pipe cutter to cut the lally's to the proper length. The problem with the jack posts is securing them to the concrete floor. Whatever option you choose the base of the post must be lagged to the floor. If you use lally's you would need to jack up the beam slightly to just take the weight off the existing pier so you can just slide the proper length lally into place.

22 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

Do I need to put a footing under the post? Currently there is a cement slab basement floor. How thick, I don't know? My house is very solid, I imagine the basement floor was according to specfication.

Also do the lally columns need to be secured with lags as well as cement encasing or just lags?

What kind of jack would suffice to raise the steel beam slightly?

Accepted Answer

I would hope that your block piers are on a footing below the slab. This footing should be large enough to support a lally right next to the pier. You don't need to encase the base of the lally in concrete if you use a base plate with a raised collar and holes for lags so you can lag the plate to the slab.

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	10/29/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

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