No! Perma-Columns are poured in a controlled environment using the latest pre-casting and curing technology. Additives are incorporated to enhance strength, density, corrosion and freeze-thaw resistance, yielding a high density concrete that has a compression strength of 10,000 psi.
With centuries of proven success, concrete is easily the most proven foundation material known to man.
There are four strands of 1/2” or 5/8” (depending on the model) of weld-grade rebar, robotically welded to the steel “U” bracket and running the 5 foot length of the concrete pre-cast.
Place a laser level on top of the auger head as the post holes are dug to insure that all holes are a uniform depth. For greater accuracy, blackfill the bottom of the holes with tamped stone before setting posts.
Most current generation treated wood available today is designed to minimize corrosion. However, if you have a high moisture application or are concerned about corrosion, place a barrier between the treated wood and steel bracket and use stainless steel fasteners.
First, position the splashboard against the pre-cast concrete column. Next, predrill the correct diameter hole through the splashboard two inches deep into the concrete. Then, drive a split-drive anchor to attach. Stainless steel drive anchors are required for highly corrosive wood treatments.
Generally, Perma-Column are designed to have a base depth equal to or less than a standard wood column. Since the posts are slightly wider in the dimension that resists lateral loads, less depth is required to achieve maximum structural integrity.
It is recommended that the same size footing required for a wood support column be used for a Perma-Column. Following this process ensures proper load-bearing requirements are achieved.
A steel pipe is welded to the base of the four vertical reinforcing rods, creating a sleeve in the base of the Perma-Column. This will accommodate the bolt-on uplift anchors.
Option 1 - When it is required to go deeper into the soil profile, 6 and 7 foot Perma-Column are available. The additional length is accomplished internally by extending 2 of the rebar and steel pipe within the lower portion of the pre-cast column. Option 2 - A column extender (stilt) is connected to the base of the Perma-Columns to lift the columns to the desired height. Concrete is then poured around the extender, creating a combination footing and uplift anchor.
Perma-Columns provide the quickest and least expensive concrete foundation for post frame construction. There is no waiting on a concrete subcontractor to complete his work before the builder moves in. Unlike a monolithic slab, the structure won’t “float." Also, the steel bracket to wood connection is elevated 12” to 16” above the floor, eliminating all possibility of post rot!