Expert: Dave Johnson - 8/20/2007

Question
Is it ok to pour a continuous concrete footer in two steps after the first pour has dried?  In other words, the entire footer should measure 40' total, and about 20' of the footer including rebar, was poured and dried, and the remaining 20' with rebar was poured two days later.  Does this two step process compromise the strength and integrity of the footer?

Answer
Hi William,
Not really, especially if the first pour rebar was extended into the second.
The poured walls on top of the footer will be tying everything together anyway.
If you're still concerned, and are doing this yourself, make sure to put extra bar in the wall above where the cold joint is in the footer.
If you're using icf's there is rebar required anyway.
Good luck, Dave