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Homeowner Forum / Repair / May 2006Frost line depth map?
I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going to be pouring concrete into sonotubes. Everything I've read states that the bottom of the sonotube must be below the frost line. Nowhere does it state how deep that might be. I assume that the USDA or the department of the Interior must have a map on this kinda thing, but for the life of me, I can't find it. Any ideas? > I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going to > be pouring concrete into sonotubes. Everything I've read states that the > bottom of the sonotube must be below the frost line. Nowhere does it state > how deep that might be. I assume that the USDA or the department of the > Interior must have a map on this kinda thing, but for the life of me, I > can't find it. Any ideas? Hi, You local building inspector ought to know or building contrators. It's 6 feet where I live.(Alberta). I don't think your wether is colder than ours in winter. Tony > I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going to > be pouring concrete into sonotubes. Everything I've read states that the > bottom of the sonotube must be below the frost line. Nowhere does it state > how deep that might be. I assume that the USDA or the department of the > Interior must have a map on this kinda thing, but for the life of me, I > can't find it. Any ideas? The USDA Zone map might be a good guideline. I am in Zone 6 next door to you. Bottom of footing 18" below finished grade here. Your local building inspection office can tell you for sure what it is in your area. BTW, around here at grade decks just float. Not sure what the rules are for those over 8' off the ground. Colbyt >I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going to >be pouring concrete into sonotubes. Everything I've read states that the >bottom of the sonotube must be below the frost line. Nowhere does it state >how deep that might be. I assume that the USDA or the department of the >Interior must have a map on this kinda thing, but for the life of me, I >can't find it. Any ideas? The building inspector will know. Here it is 48" May bell be that in your area a bit north of me. > The building inspector will know. Here it is 48" May bell be that in your > area a bit north of me. Edwin where are you? Someplace cold I see. Colbyt > I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going to > be pouring concrete into sonotubes. Everything I've read states that the > bottom of the sonotube must be below the frost line. Nowhere does it state > how deep that might be. I assume that the USDA or the department of the > Interior must have a map on this kinda thing, but for the life of me, I > can't find it. Any ideas? You need a local source, building inspectors, contractors, etc. Depth of frost can vary tremendously over a short distance. And those that use the published depths may end up with major repairs during an extreme year. For your purpose it is probably not that critical. Tim and Steph Wrote: > I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm goin > to [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I > can't find it. Any ideas? I live in Toronto. We're around the same latitude, and 42" is th standard here. Building codes must err well on the safe side, so 42 is probably more than safe. Unless you plan to have your loca government issue a building permit, then I can assure you that 42" i perfectly safe -- slatts > Tim and Steph Wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > government issue a building permit, then I can assure you that 42" is > perfectly safe. Hi, I am in Calgary. We go down 4 to 5 feet. Local building inspector ought to know. >> Tim and Steph Wrote: >>> I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >>> state >>> how deep that might be. I assume that the USDA or the department of snip... > Hi, > I am in Calgary. We go down 4 to 5 feet. > Local building inspector ought to know. You got that exactly right. The magic number is whatever the local code says it is and they aren't going to let facts about actual frost depth into their considerations. In questions like this, it is always mandatory to know what the local code says and then to stick to that or go a little further. In the more restrictive codes they will also require that the soil at the bottom of the hole is undisturbed (generally worded something like "undisturbed mineral soil") and that the area of the pour is sufficient to support the structure above.  SignatureJohn McGaw [Knoxville, TN, USA] http://johnmcgaw.com > Tim and Steph Wrote: >> I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > government issue a building permit, then I can assure you that 42" is > perfectly safe. Five feet would definately do you, but call 802 849-6111 and talk to the building inspector first. Bill > Tim and Steph Wrote: > > I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > I > > can't find it. Any ideas? My server doesn't have the original post... I live right down the street from you (Essex Junction). Depending on your soil type frost can go down a *lot* further than common knowledge. Several years ago, during a particularly cold stretch, water mains all around Chittenden County froze and broke 7-8' under roads. I put my sonotubes down 48". Over the past ten or so years, they've pushed out at least 2' (one completely). Every year I have to relevel the deck, often requiring a concrete saw to cut the pillar. I was told 48" but it clearly wasn't enough for my soil (clay on ledge). With all the rain, it'll likely be mid July before I can do it this year. :-( > I live in Toronto. We're around the same latitude, and 42" is the > standard here. Building codes must err well on the safe side, so 42" > is probably more than safe. Unless you plan to have your local > government issue a building permit, then I can assure you that 42" is > perfectly safe. 42" isn't even close. Also, backfill the sonotubes with gravel, *NOT* dirt. SignatureKeith >Tim and Steph Wrote: >> I live in Fairfax, VT, zip is 05454. I'm building a deck, and I'm going [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >> I >> can't find it. Any ideas? If you've got solid rock anywhere within 8', ignore the code limits and go right to the bottom. > >> Tim and Steph Wrote: [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > 8 inches SHOULD be enough. Wikipedia states that the length of time that the air temp is below freezing and the time that the air temp remains below freezing are both important factors. According to weather.com Fairfax has about 90 days where the average high temp does not get above freezing but record lows put below freezing temps for all months except 3. I suggest that you consult with A. Local building permit authorities B. Local Agricultural Dept officials (state or Federal) To get more information on local conditions. If you have STONE several inches below the soil, then if you reach stone, you have a stable foundation regardless of frost Line conditions. |
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