I am a little confused about footings and foundations

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Originally Posted by phalstead

Don't follow this first rule whatsoever. Never seen a 6" thick footing, but what do I know.....

Mr.Halstead
WOW you have a wild website opening.
I did not go in but man its the nicest example I have seen yet.
Meaning excellent graphics mate.
Had to say this so others can have a look.
I see you have 100 post and did not recognize your name.
Not being noisy because I wanted to see the person behind the post.
I have seen 6 inch footings and footers before on bad sites.
That being said..
Dam sight to shallow for me but it is relative to the weight being carried.
Is it not?

[Preston L. Halstead]

Originally Posted by ryoung7

I have seen 6 inch footings and footers before on bad sites.
That being said..
Dam sight to shallow for me but it is relative to the weight being carried.
Is it not?

I wasnt trying to be harsh with my statement. But there are many factors associated with the size of a footing. I do understand that some see a lot of older houses and with that being said may see things that are not that sound. I havent looked in the code book to see what is written (if there are any specifics) but I can tell you that anything within the last 25 years or so you would be hard pressed to find a 12" x 6"D footing. I have build homes in both the northeast and in FL, both very different building styles but even with that the footing is factored larger and determind by the arcitect and engineer.

Thanks on the website. Check out the About Us page. Not finished yet.....

[Preston L. Halstead]

I think with things like this everyone would do themselves good to go watch homes and building being built in their area to see how it is done.

[David Pant]

The footing dimensions depend on how many stories the home has, how well the soil is and the frost line depth. My problem was not that I didnt know how it works its more of I didnt know how the stupid test is going to want the answer! =)

Dave

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

David, do not get nervous about the test.
Tests are not stupid, but to judge your level of aptitude on any given subject. You will do fine and I wrote things down and numbered them. Not that the questions will come at you in order of sequence to the chapters but it helped me in my method for memory.
Go over everything once quickly and then go back to the start and do a good review and you will be OK.
Its 4 answers to one question David, you will spot the right one when you see it.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by dpant

The footing dimensions depend on how many stories the home has, how well the soil is and the frost line depth. My problem was not that I didnt know how it works its more of I didnt know how the stupid test is going to want the answer! =)

Dave

Dave, send me your email and I will send you the Study Guide & Practice Questions Workbook for the Icc R-1 Certification Exam.
mcyrhammer@myfairpoint.net
I can't post it here, the file is to big.
You also need to check your jurisdiction for minimum depths for frost walls and residential foundation requirements.
It is different all over the country.
Rule of thumb is 4" wider on each side of the wall thickness which is usually 8" which equals 16".
Remember Code minimum is different than the local standard of the industry in certain areas.

Footings are the basis of all foundations, you don't skimp in that area.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

If you do not mind Marcel. Send me the Study Guide & Practice Questions Workbook.
I well send you my email.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by dpant

According to code can someone explain the requirements on footings and foundations for 1 and 2 story homes.

The way I understand it is a 1 story home must have a footing of 12" wide and at least 12" below the frost line.

A two story home must have a footing of 12" wide and 18" below the frost line.

Thanks
Dave

David...
What is required varies by jurisdiction. A jurisdiction that controls the local building regulations may be a state, a county, a city or (in Canada) a province.You need to refer to your local building jurisdiction to determine the footing requirements for where you want to build.