Basement support posts, also known as basement columns, are the vertical load-bearing members found in the basement of a home or commercial building. These posts are usually made of wood, steel, concrete, or a combination of materials and typically run from the basement floor to the upper floor joists.
In addition to supporting the weight of the upper stories, they also help to keep the basement walls in place. Basement columns usually measure between 4 to 12 inches in diameter, although larger posts may be used in some cases depending on the load they must bear.
To ensure adequate load-bearing capacity, the posts must be embedded into a concrete or masonry footing for added rigidity.
What are the poles in basements called?
The poles in the basement are often referred to as support poles because they provide support to the home. They can also be referred to as basement posts, basement columns, or even foundation poles. Generally they can be constructed out of different materials such as wooden beams, steel support columns, poured concrete, or even brick and stone.
These poles may remain exposed, or be decorated with paneling, paint, fabric, wallpaper, or artwork. Support poles in basements play a major role in providing additional load-bearing support, especially for homes with height more than two stories.
They also help maximize the usage of the basement space in the home since they can be used for hanging items, displaying artwork, and more.
What do you do with a support pole in a basement?
A support pole in a basement can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on the specific needs of the space. For example, a steel or wood pole can provide structural support for a ceiling, walls, and floors if the building’s foundation is not adequate.
It can also be used to mount shelving or lighting fixtures to provide additional storage or lighting. It can even be covered with wallpaper or paneling to create a decorative accent in the basement. Furthermore, a support pole can be used to hang curtains or camouflage exposed wires or plumbing pipes.
This is a great way to improve the overall aesthetic of the basement while also providing additional security. Finally, if the space is used as a workshop or recreation area, a support pole can be used to hang tools and equipment for easy access.
How much does it cost to replace a Lally column?
The cost to replace a Lally column can vary significantly, depending on the size and style of column you need as well as local labor costs. There are also many factors that can affect the cost, such as whether the column will need to be framed into an existing beam or set in a flat slab, or if you need to have the holes cut for the column.
A professionally installed, 3” diameter steel Lally column, complete with brackets and anchors, can typically cost anywhere from $150 to $400 per column, with larger diameter columns costing slightly more.
It is also important to consider the cost of any materials needed to attach the column, such as braces or fasteners, which can add up to an additional $20-$30 per column. Furthermore, the cost of having a professional technician for the installation should also be factored into the total budget, as this can cost anywhere from $50-$100+ per hour.
Why is it called a Lally column?
The Lally column is named after its inventor, John Lally, a New England-based contractor who patented the product in 1958. His design was based on the traditional vertical post used to provide structural support in buildings, but he added steel casings and lamination for added strength and stability.
The added strength allowed for taller and wider columns to be used and instead of being made of wood, the Lally column was made from steel, which is much more durable and lower maintenance. The columns also had adjustable bases, allowing installers to raise or lower them as needed to suit the building structure.
This versatility made them the ideal choice for any structural reinforcement job, and so the Lally column became the standard for structural support in the construction industry.
Can you move a basement support pole?
Yes, you can move a basement support pole, but it is a complex and dangerous job requiring an experienced contractor. Basement support poles provide critical structural support for a home. Moving a support pole can drastically change the integrity of the home’s structure, so it should only be done with the consultation of a structural engineer or contractor.
The process of moving a basement support pole involves significant excavation and steel reinforcement of the floor and walls. The contractor must first identify the size and load of the pole, then excavate around it in order to break the basement floor and wall support.
The new location of the pole must be precisely measured and then the contractor will have to dig a new hole and pour concrete footers for the pole.
Finally, the contractor will need to reinforce the wall and floor with steel bars and rods and then carefully position the support pole in the new hole and pour concrete to secure it. It is important that the materials around the pole be of the same quality as when the pole was originally installed, otherwise the integrity of the home’s structure could be weakened.
Due to the complexity of the process, and the potential risks of a failed support pole move, it is best to trust the job to an experienced contractor who has the technical expertise and industry knowledge.
Before the job begins, the contractor should run calculations to ensure the support pole move will conform to the building codes in your area.
Are Jack posts permanent?
No, Jack posts are not permanently saved. Jack posts are intended to be shared and seen in the present moment. When you post on Jack, the posts you share will not be saved after they expire, so it’s important to save them before they vanish.
After they expire, they will be no longer available to view or repost.
What kind of paint do you use on metal poles?
When painting metal poles, it is important to choose a paint that is appropriate for the specific type of metal being used. For most metal poles, a high-quality oil-based paint is recommended because it creates a durable finish and is more resistant to blistering, peeling and fading than latex paint.
Additionally, oil-based paints are more resistant to moisture, making them more suitable for outdoor use. If a more decorative finish is desired, opting for an acrylic-based paint, such as an alkyd-based enamel, is recommended.
Furthermore, coating the metal pole with a primer prior to painting will help create a smoother surface, increasing the quality and longevity of the finished product.
How do you paint a steel pole?
Painting a steel pole is a fairly straightforward process. You’ll want to use an outdoor-grade metal paint to ensure your paint won’t chip, crack or peel. Here’s the basic process for painting a steel pole:
1. Begin by preparing the surface of the pole by using a wire brush or steel wool to remove rust or other debris from the surface.
2. Apply a metal primer, such as an oil-based primer, to the pole with a brush or a roller. Allow the primer to dry before doing any further work.
3. Use a sprayer or a brush to apply metal paint to the pole in even strokes. Multiple coats may be necessary to get the desired effect.
4. Allow each layer of paint to dry thoroughly before applying the next coat.
5. Once the pole is sufficiently painted, you may want to apply a weatherproof top coat to add extra protection against the elements.
Be sure to give yourself enough time to properly paint the entire pole. It’s also important to wear safety gear, such as a face mask, to protect yourself from hazardous fumes.
How do you hide a pole in the middle of a room?
The best way to hide a pole in the middle of a room is to cover it with something to make it blend in with its surroundings. This could include things like curtains, panels, or drapes. Additionally, you could use a combination of different colors and textures to create a camouflage effect.
Painting the pole to match the walls and ceiling will also help the pole to blend in with its surroundings. You could also try to block the view of the pole by placing furniture and other decorative items around and over it.
Lastly, you could use other tall items, like plants, to create a sort of visual barrier that conceals the pole.
What do you wrap a beam with?
Beams can be wrapped with a variety of materials in order to help protect them over time. The most common materials used for beam wrapping are fiberglass and rigid foam insulation, both of which provide an effective barrier to the elements.
Fiberglass can be purchased in rolls, which makes it easier to wrap long beams, and rigid foam insulation boards can be cut to fit the shape and size of the beam. Both materials are relatively inexpensive and readily available in hardware stores or home improvement centers.
Depending on the climate and the type of beam, a vapor barrier may also be used in conjunction with insulation. This is typically done to help prevent moisture from penetrating the beam and causing rot or other structural damage.
Finally, applying a waterproof sealant to both the wraps and the beam is a good idea, as it helps prevent water damage over extended periods of time.
