Friday, April 3, 2009

Precast Porch Footings – A Better Way from Red Apple

Okay, so this isn’t the most exciting topic, but at Red Apple Renovations we’re always looking for a more efficient and cost effective way to do things, and precast footings are one of those ways.

For those who aren’t construction geeks, a footing is a concrete “tube” in the ground that is use to support a post. That post can be used to support a deck, porch or an addition. In Massachusetts, all footings must extend at least 48 inches below grade.

Now the typical way this is done is the following:
1) Dig a hole
2) Insert form for footings
3) Pour concrete
4) Wait for concrete to harden
5) Install post


By the time this is all done, it takes 2-3 days to get this done. It requires coordinating a concrete delivery as well as ensuring that the footings stay where you want them during the pour.

The better way is to use precast footings. These are concrete pillars that have been formed in advance. They come in 4 and 5 foot heights. Once you have excavated the hole and put the precast footing in place, you are ready for construction. No more waiting for the concrete truck or waiting for the concrete to harden. You can start building as soon as the hole is filled.

Like I said earlier, this isn’t the most interesting area of construction. But what we do at Red Apple is continually look for better and faster ways to finish your project because there is no such thing as a project that’s too short.

Questions? Or just want to chat about an upcoming project that you're considering? Email owner Chris Matey.
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We service Boston, North Shore, North of Boston, including but no limited to Andover, Belmont, Beverly, Boston (Back Bay, South End), Brookline, Cambridge, Haverhill, Lexington, Lowell, Marblehead, Natick, Newton, Newburyport, Somerville, Swampscott, Weston, Winchester, Woburn. As well as southern New Hampshire, including Nashua, Londonderry, and Merrimack.

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