Expert: Dan Griffin - 10/3/2009

Question
Hi Dan.
We need to add 3 steel lolly columns to our crawlspace. We had an inspector come in (we are trying to sell the house) and he suggested adding these columns. We purchased the Single Piece adjustable columns to do the work. We are in NY and weren't sure if the Telescoping columns could be used instead - it needs to pass another inspection when we are finished. We also weren't sure if we could use pre-fabricated footings or do we have to lay cement with rebar for the footings? Not sure what NYS Building code requires. Plus, the original inspection report indicates to "upgrade" an existing lolly column - not "replace". What does "upgrade" really mean? We are trying to do this work ourselves - money is tight and as quickly as possible, but in a way that it passes inspection when we are through. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks!

Answer
Christine, this is a fairly straight forward job.  I'm glad you did get the adjustable solid posts.  Working with the cement filled non adjustable type is difficult and the bolt together sliders are often not accepted by inspectors.  This sounds like a huge quantity of columns under a girder, but this is subject to what size the original girder was.

I'm not aware of any precast footings, and their weight would be over 100#.  You can call your local building department to verify size, but I feel 1.5'x1.5'x6" deep would be more than adequate.  YOu can dig a hole, form on top of the ground, or a combination.  You should have 2 #5 rebars each way in each footing.  This will require 1.125 cubic feet per hole, about 2 80# bags.  YOu can always take back what you don't hurt or use, so get a few extra.  Pour the footings, flatten them off, install anchor bolts if you don't want to drill them in later (my preference), let them set up.  It would be best to let them age at least 7 days which will probably not work for your needs.  I assume your are adding these for cosmetic reasons, not actually raising the house beam, so I would go ahead and install them the next day, snug them up, and call it good.

Code would require that the columns be fastened both top and bottom and the adjustable mechanism should be disabled once set by welding, deforming the threads, or other means.  I would prefer leaving them alone so that future adjustments could be made.

Upgrading an existing column sounds a bit strange to me.  It could mean to verify plumb, install fasteners top and bottom, give it a good brushing to remove surface rust, a coat of paint, an adjustment for height; I just don't know.  If it was unersized in diameter, it would need to be replaced.  3" is usually considered minimum, some of the telescoping units are smaller.