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Foundation Friday: Case Study: Improving Structural Support with Lally Columns in York, Maine

Property Details:

  • Location: York, Maine

  • Property Size: Approximately 1,800 square feet

  • Age of Property: Built in 1985

A charming two-story house in York, Maine, surrounded by a wooded area with autumn foliage. The house features a wooden exterior, blue shutters, and a two-car garage. A driveway and lawn with scattered leaves lead to the front entrance, with a small shed visible in the background.
Photo Courtesy of Google Maps (taken October 2018)

Overview: A homeowner in York, Maine, consulted with a structural engineer and then contacted our team to address concerns about the structural integrity of their basement. The property, built in 1985, had experienced natural settling over the decades, leading to noticeable sagging in the floor above the basement. The homeowner wanted to ensure the long-term stability of their home while maintaining compliance with local building regulations.


Challenges Identified:

  1. Sagging Floors: The floor system above the basement showed signs of deflection due to aging wooden beams and insufficient support columns.

  2. Code Compliance: The existing supports were outdated and did not meet current building codes.

  3. Permit Requirements: The project required proper permits to ensure compliance with York, Maine’s building regulations.

Solution Implemented: After a thorough inspection and evaluation, we proposed installing modern lally columns to provide adequate structural support and address the sagging floors, following the structural engineer’s recommendations.


The project was completed in the following steps:


Inspection and Assessment:

Our team conducted a detailed assessment of the basement, measuring deflection and identifying areas requiring reinforcement. We evaluated the condition of the foundation to ensure it could support the new lally columns, as advised by the structural engineer.


Permit Acquisition:

We coordinated with the local building department in York, Maine, to obtain the necessary permits before starting work.


Preparation and Installation:

The old support columns were carefully removed. New concrete footings were poured to provide a stable base for the lally columns. High-strength lally columns were installed, adjusted to the precise height needed to stabilize the floors above, in accordance with the structural engineer’s recommendations.


Post-Installation Inspection:

After installation, the work was inspected by local authorities to ensure compliance with all building codes and regulations. Our team conducted final checks to confirm the structure was stable.


Final Cleaning:

The basement was thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris from the installation process.


Client Walkthrough and Education:

A final walkthrough was conducted with the homeowner to explain the work completed, demonstrate the stability improvements, and provide maintenance tips to ensure the lally columns remain in excellent condition over time.


Sit Back and Relax:

With the project successfully completed, the homeowner can now enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safe and stable home. They can confidently use their improved basement space knowing their investment has enhanced the property’s structural integrity.



Results:

  • The installation of the lally columns successfully stabilized the home, eliminating potential new floor sagging and restoring structural integrity.

  • The property now meets all local building codes, providing the homeowner with peace of mind.

  • The project was completed on schedule, with minimal disruption to the homeowner.


    A before-and-after collage of a basement renovation project. The 'Before' section shows a cluttered basement with aging concrete supports and wooden beams. The 'After' section highlights a cleaner, more organized basement with modern steel lally columns providing structural support, improved lighting, and tidier storage solutions. The collage has a blue background with 'Before' and 'After' labels in white text.


Conclusion:

This case study highlights the importance of upgrading structural supports in older homes to ensure long-term stability and compliance with modern codes. By working closely with local authorities and following a systematic approach, we delivered a high-quality solution that exceeded the homeowner’s expectations.



If your property is experiencing similar issues or you’d like to learn more about how lally columns can improve your home’s stability, contact us today!


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