What's a Footer?

[Gary Bottomley]

In my 30+ years in the commercial design and construction field, I have often heard people use the term Footer and always assumed it to be a slang term for Footing.
Does anyone know if there is an actual technical difference between the two?
Possibly the presence of reinforcing? Method of forming? Width or thickness?
If it is really just a slang term, I would think that InterNACHI in their educational material should try to clarify or eliminate the use of Footer such in the Inspecting Foundation Walls & Piers course in sections titled: Settlement and also Cracking.
Any thoughts or input?

[Richard A. Hetzel]

"Footer" drives me nuts, as one who was trained using the word "footing", which is the proper term. No, there's no difference. In New York, where I primarily practice, the only word used is "footing". In Pennsylvania, where Ii also practice, and where they have not quite yet figured out how to build houses, they use "footer". I believe there's some connection between the two.

[James H. Bushart]

Richard is correct. A "footer" is a typing term.

[Gary Bottomley]

Originally Posted by Richard A. Hetzel

"Footer" drives me nuts, as one who was trained using the word "footing", which is the proper term. No, there's no difference. In New York, where I primarily practice, the only word used is "footing". In Pennsylvania, where Ii also practice, and where they have not quite yet figured out how to build houses, they use "footer". I believe there's some connection between the two.

Richard:
Thanks for the reply. I am glad I am not the only one who "Footer" drives them nuts!
I would say that Michigan may have some of the same construction terms and possibly techniques as Pennsylvania does. I don't expect either State will change but I think it would be good if InterNACHI doesn't propagate this practice.
Any thoughts Ben G. or other InterNACHI representatives?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

It's a "pet peeve" of mine as well. I hear it (see it) on this board more than I ever heard it in the field - drives me crazy.

[dbelmont]

IS a "footer" anything like a "hooter"?

Yes. Corruption of footing. WHich I believe comes from the spreading of weight like our "foot" does.

[Brian C. Hoagland]

Actually, I think the term refers to the part of a monolithic slab that is the footing. I never heard of it until I moved to florida. They refer to the trench, rebar and form as a footer here. I think it is slang. I have no idea how it migrated north.

[Richard A. Hetzel]

Ah well, they say English is a "living language"...

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

"Footer" just ain't right

[Marcel Gratton]

For me, a Footer is below the Header in *Word* ...