4/2/2024 0 Comments Portland rafter tail designYou should always check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (likely the local Building Inspector) to confirm that you are using the correct frost depth. Note that the information below is provided for reference purposes only, may be out of date, and only applies to residential construction. IRC = International Residential Code Disclaimer Most municipalities have either adopted the IBC/IRC or use it as a model code. This is the minimum foundation depth permitted by the IBC (Section 1809.4) and the IRC (Section R403.1.4). Regardless of the defined frost depth for your area, you should install your pergola piers no shallower than 12″, unless you have bedrock that projects shallower than that. We’ve found that this information can sometimes be found in a city’s Deck Guidelines document. If these search terms do not immediately yield an answer, you may have to search through different documents on the city/county website to find what you’re looking for. municipal code, then search for the term “frost” We recommend the following search terms (in order of likelihood of helpful result): They should be able to tell you very easily. There are several places you can check to do so:Ĭontact your city or county Building Department. If information for your local frost depth is not available below, you can find this yourself. Sources of information are given so you can independently verify. To assist you, we’ve done the research already and have summarized it by State in the sections below and interactive map above. How Do I Find My Local Frost Depth?įinding your local frost depth can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. Doing so will avoid issues with frost heave, keeping your pergola stable and level throughout its life. How Does Frost Depth Impact My Pergola Installation?Īn important step in the construction of your pergola is to place the pier foundations below the local frost depth. Placing a foundation above the frost depth could allow water to freeze below the foundation and lift it, which is called “ frost heave.” This can lead to all sorts of issues, from cracked foundations to leaning structures. Colder areas with longer winters have deeper frost depths, and areas with milder winters have shallow or no frost depth. Frost depth (or the “frost line”) is the depth in the soil above which water may freeze during the winter.
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