How do I find the frost line depth in my area?

Testing the exact depth relies on instruments known as frost tubes that consist of a small hollow tube that is inserted into a drilled hole in the frozen ground. Testers put a bag of water with measurement indicators into the tube and determine the depth based on the line at which the water freezes.

How far below frost line should posts be?

2 feet Concrete footers are the best bet for offsetting the pressure that works on the fence above the frost line. Some experts recommend an insulating pad of Styrofoam about 2 inches thick beneath the footer. However, when all is said and done, setting your posts at least 2 feet underground is a safe bet.

Does concrete need to be below frost line?

Even if you're setting deck posts in the ground, instead of on top of footings, the concrete still needs to extend below the frost line.

What is ground frost level?

The frost line is simply the deepest point in the ground to which ground water will freeze. It's also referred to as the frost depth. When water changes from liquid to solid, it expands 9% in volume. This resulted frost heave can be detrimental to footings and foundations.

How deep do deck posts need to be in the ground?

Set footers a minimum of 6 inches below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post. Place a cylindrical concrete form in the posthole.

How deep should I dig for a deck post?

On the safe side, dig your footings at least 48 inches deep, or check with your local code enforcement. Your deck will not pass inspection with inadequate footings and the posts can be forced up by frost when the ground freezes, known as “heaving” which can destroy it.

How deep should an 8 foot post be in the ground?

about 2 feet deep For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you'll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone.

How deep should a 6-foot post be in the ground?

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2×4.

Does gravel prevent frost heave?

Gravel soil itself is generally considered as free from frost heaving. Therefore, it is usually used as soil base construction material in seasonally frozen regions. However, when gravel soil contains a certain amount of fine grained soil, especially silt soil, then frost heaving will still occur.

How deep does the ground freeze in winter?

Per Federal Highway Administration Publication Number FHWA-HRT-08-057, the maximum frost depth observed in the contiguous United States ranges from 0 to 8 feet (2.4 m). Below that depth, the temperature varies, but is always above 32 °F (0 °C).

Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?

Deck Posts Will Rot When Set in Concrete The concrete around the post is acting as a bowl holding water. Just like a concrete swimming pool holds water, so does concrete around a deck post. The rain falls and collects on top of the concrete with no place to go except into the post.

Can I set deck posts without concrete?

Plastic piers require the digging, but unlike footings, there is no concrete involved. The pier is put into the hole and attached the post, giving you your deck without wasting hours installing footings.

Do you need rebar in deck footings?

Plain concrete deck foundations without rebar are acceptable under the minimum standards of construction established in the International Residential Code. However, placing reinforcing steel within footings is a relatively easy and inexpensive practice that can provide increased performance.

Is 18 inches deep enough for a fence post?

The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.

Can you put dry concrete in a post hole?

0:131:37How to Set Posts in Concrete (without mixing) – YouTubeYouTube

Should fence post below frost line?

All fence posts should be cemented in the ground below frost level. Check your local frost level and dig deeper by at least 6".

How do I stop my driveway from frost heave?

2:024:17Charleston Homes: Don’t Let Frost Heave Ruin Your PavementYouTube

Can you dig into frozen ground?

Digging into frozen ground can be harder than concrete during the coldest weather. The good news is that hardness doesn't last. Most of the freezing takes place near the surface, so you'll be good to go as soon as you can pierce the permafrost crust.

Does frost go warmer when its deeper?

Water next to frozen water (ice) will freeze, regardless of the air temperature above. So even though the air temperature outside is quite warm, the frost will go deeper and deeper, until the now-thawing ground catches up.

Should you use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?

While there may be a handful of circumstances that only require the minimum 4×4 deck post, you will more than likely want to choose a 6×6 post for the deck. It provides more stability for larger decks, the ability to hold a heavier load, and more room for notching.

Is it OK to bury pressure-treated lumber?

Yes. Pressure-treated wood can be buried in the dirt when used as a fence post or any exterior structure that requires underground support. However, it needs the most protection because continuous exposure to moisture in the dirt might cause the wood to rot and waste away prematurely.

How many footings do I need for a 12×12 deck?

For an attached 12 x 12' deck, you'll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you're planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it's easy to figure out how many you'll need.

Can you put too much rebar in concrete?

Cracking occurs when the reinforcement places too much strain on the drying concrete, causing it to fail to accommodate shrinkage. In contrast, honeycombing occurs during the formation process when concrete fails to pour between the rebar gaps, resulting in air pockets in the structure.

How many footings do I need for a 20×20 deck?

Quick Attached Deck Footing Chart

Size of Deck	Beam Size	Number of Footings
16' x 16'	(3) 2×8	3
20' x 12'	(2) 2×8	3
20' x 14'	(2) 2×8	3
20' x20'	2 beams (2) 2×8	6 (2 rows of 3)

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

How deep should a 12 foot post be in the ground?

The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.

How do you fix a heaved concrete driveway?

1:062:13Fixing settling concrete – YouTubeYouTube

What is the fastest way to thaw frozen ground?

0:295:10How to thaw frozen ground quickly- Save money / #77 – YouTubeYouTube

What month does the ground thaw?

The thaw starts at the bottom of the frozen soil, where cold air struggles to reach as the calendar turns to spring. As April approaches, the surface soil begins to thaw as well, until both thawed ends meet in the middle.