 | Art Bryan
is president and owner of Southwestern Remodeling Contractors, Inc. Art started Southwestern Remodeling Contractors in 1970. Southwestern is a fully-licensed residential and commercial licensed general contractor in Wichita and the surrounding counties. Art has been a member of the Wichita Area Home Builders Association and the National Remodel Council since 1974. In mid-2000 Southwestern received the distinction of being named one of the "Top 25 Most Diversified Remodeling Companies in the United States.” Southwestern is listed as the 84th Top Remodeler in the country by Qualified Remodeling Magazine. Art can be contacted at his office at (316) 263-1239, fax at (316) 263-6230, or you can e-mail him at ARTSWR@aol. Com |
Home Improvement
2003-04-01 11:07:00
What is "frost heave"?
: We are wanting to add a deck to our home. We read something about 'frost heaving and thawing'. What do these terms mean. Should we wait till later on in the year?
ANSWER: Frost heave is caused by water that is trapped underground as layers of soil become frozen. When the water freezes, the mass of the soil expands, causing the surface to move vertically. If this process were to occur in an open field with undisturbed soil, the ground most likely would rise (about 1/2 inch at the most) during the winter, settling back down in the spring as the trapped water thawed. During cold seasons, ice lenses form, exerting pressure against the rough edges of the concrete post, forcing it upward. A pocket will form under the post where the soil is not affected by frost. Dirt particles and water will then accumulate into this pocket. During the spring thaw, it is likely that the post will not return to its original position (due to the accumulation of soil deposits). When repeated throughout the life of the deck, this process of lifting the post can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of the deck. Problems are avoided by anchoring each post down by building a large hole down to the frost line. The shape of the hole is an upside down "T." The hole must be deeper and wider at the bottom than at the top. This is difficult to do with a shovel, but is typically required by building codes. If this is not done correctly, there will be heaving over time which could damage your structure. If the footings (posts) are properly installed, below the frost line per building code, a deck can be installed any time of the year.
