Building Homes or Extensions/BASEMENT LOLLY COLLUMS

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Expert: - 12/6/2009


Question
I AM LOOKING AT A HOUSE THAT HAS THE LOLLY COLUMNS ON TOP OF THE SLAB ? NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE I HAVE READ THAT IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS FOOTINGS UNDER THE COLUMNS AND THAT THE ORIGINAL INSTALLER MAY HAVE INFO TO SUPPORT THIS. MY QUESTION IS TO MAKE SURE COULD I DRILL A HOLE NEXT TO THE COLUMN KNOWING THAT THE SLAB IS 4" PLUS DRILL THROUGH TO SEE IF I HIT THE FOOTER BELLOW?

Answer
John, you are on the right track.  Lally columns should have a footing under them.  The footing might be under the floor slab.  A 12 - 24" 1/4" diameter SDS hammer drill bit  should be able to verify concrete depth under the lally column in short order.

If there is not  a footer, it would be fairly easy to add one.  If there were a substantial load on the column and there were no footing, the slab would already by cracked.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

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I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

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My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

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I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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