Sunday, 16 March 2014

Guide On How To Install Concrete Piers

By Luisa Sharpe


Constructing a backyard deck is a great step for homeowners who want to increase their living space and enhance the beauty of their homes. One of the main steps in constructing a backyard deck is through installing piers. A pier can be created from different materials though the most commonly used material is concrete due to its durability, strength and water resistance capability. When you decide to install concrete piers, you should know various steps to make your project easier and more accurate.

One of the main steps to prepare for the installation of a pier is through excavating the ground where such structures would be installed. The constructor should dig a trench, which is wider than the pier footings and not less than 12 inches deep than the frost line. Afterwards, you should then place the waxed pier fiber tubes into firm plastic footings. The purpose of the footings is to ensure that the pier does not sink into the ground.

Another step should be setting the footings and tubes to the trench. In order to prevent potential problems, it is advisable to set the footings and tubes properly. It is also recommended that you check the footings to know if they adhere to your area construction codes.

Once the footings and the tubes are well set, the trench should be refilled with debris as way to lock the pier in place. The footings should also be examined to determine whether they lie within the same level as pier. This is done to reduce cases in which your pier would develop problems due to poor construction alignments.

It is also important to set another footing onto the polished tubes. By installing this footing, you would be sure that the material can smoothly move through the tubes when poured. When creating these footings, manufacturers consider using concrete, as it is quite strong and durable.

Once you are through with setting the footing, you would need to pour the concrete-made components into the tubes. Constructors are advised to mix these components after every 8 to 10 inches using a shovel to remove the air that is trapped in the tubes. Once the footing is removed, a trowel should be used to level and smoothen the material.

This should be followed by the installation of the metal brackets that are essential for connecting the deck to the pier. After the construction work, it is essential to allow some time for the material to dry and set. Once the material is set, you can then cut the tube around the pier using a utility knife.

There are various steps in constructing a pier, which people should know of. The amount of work required in each step varies depending on the materials used. As a result, you should make sure you know how each step should be handled and the tools to be used. By doing this, you can enjoy numerous benefits since you would not need to worry of getting poor results due to using the wrong tools and techniques.




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