screw lolly column

[Robert A. Jack]

home built in 1949, has what looks like could be original screw type lolly columns. Does anyone have any take on calling out these columns? I know they arn't intended to be a perminate support today, but did that code exist in 1949?

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by rjack1

home built in 1949, has what looks like could be original screw type lolly columns. Does anyone have any take on calling out these columns? I know they arn't intended to be a perminate support today, but did that code exist in 1949?

You can make a recommendation regardless of what code may or may not have existed at the time the home was built.

[Christopher Currins]

Describe it what it is...temporary support. Regarding 1949 code, I'm willing to bet that post was not installed then, added much later to support a sagging floor or replace a rotted or termite damaged wood post.

http://www.octoberhome.com/articles/...ustcolumn.html

[Gary Oleski]

Temporary support.

[David P. Valley]

I write all these screw jacks up as...

Recommend replacing all temporary screw jacks with cement filled Lally Columns on footings.

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Lally columns have been around (1st generation) for over 100 years however for the most part they were designed to have concrete in same...... there are special lally columns which are designed to be permanent however the screw version is not one of them although many code officials accepted same.

You can find more info on what product is code compliant at deancolumn.com

[Nick Gromicko]

Why do you think they are "temporary" ??

[Nick Gromicko]

Read Adjustable Steel Columns for inspectors.

[Mark E. Northrup]

When i inspected in Illinois they are used in new construction all the time. What is the problem.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by mnorthrup

When i inspected in Illinois they are used in new construction all the time. What is the problem.

The manufacturer has printed on them that they are temporary supports not intended for use permanently.


Inspecting Adjustable Steel Columns by Arlene Puentes

[Bob Elliott]

Glad you dug that up Larry.
Seems we have a contradiction here.

[Nick Gromicko]

Larry, that article has so many errors in it, I don't know where to begin. Pure nonsense.

Also, according to the IRC, a steel column has to be at least 3 inches in diameter. All telescopic columns are all less than 3 inches in diameter. You must therefore assume that these adjustable columns are not designed for permanent structural use.

All telescopic columns are less than 3 inches in diameter? C'mon.

And furthermore, the fact that the IRC says they can't be less than 3 inches in diameter means that they recognize ones larger than 3 inches as acceptable, not unacceptable.

I just passed the ICC Contractors Exam a couple weeks ago and one of the questions was whether adjustable steel columns had to be permanently attached at the bottom or top. If they have to be permanently attached, how could they be temporary components?

[Nick Gromicko]

Think of these telescopic columns the way you would think of a car jack. They only exist to temporarily "jack up" a part of a building and should be replaced with a permanent column when the jacking up is done.

Uh, no. The reason they are adjustable has nothing to do with "jacking up" anything. They are adjustable so that you don't need a cutting torch to size them. They are sold by height range and then you adjust the screw to get the exact size needed, not to use as a jack.

Think about how a home is built. No one can pre-determine the exact height between the top of the post footer and the bottom of the beam flange... the jacks HAVE to be adjustable.

[Larry D. Kage]

Having actually handled/used both of these columns, it is easy for me to see what they are talking about but for those that need further help understanding the difference between "telescoping" adjustable columns and "one piece" adjustable columns please read and see pictures here:

http://www.octoberhome.com/articles/...ustcolumn.html

[Larry D. Kage]

Difference:



For full article go here: http://www.octoberhome.com/articles/adjustcolumn/adjustcolumn.html