FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Is standard concrete used in making Perma-Columns?
A. 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 Hi-Dense concrete that has a compressive strength of 10,000 psi! Concrete is the most proven foundation material know to man with centuries of success.
Q. How is the steel “U” bracket attached to the concrete?
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A. 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 running the entire length of the concrete pre-cast.
Q. How do you set Perma-Columns so they are all level?
A. 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. Backfill the bottom of the holes with tamped stone before setting posts for greater accuracy.
Q. Will treated wood corrode Perma-Columns brackets and fasteners prematurely?
A. Most current generation treated wood available today is designed to minimize corrosion. However, if you have a high moisture application or are concerned with this problem, place a barrier between the treated wood and steel bracket, and use stainless steel fasteners.
Q. How is the treated splash board attached to the concrete?
A. Position the splash board against the pre-cast concrete column, pre-drill a 3/16” diameter hole through the splash board and 2” into the concrete, then drive a split-drive anchor to attach. Stainless steel drive anchors are required for highly corrosive wood treatments.
Q. How deep should Perma-Columns be placed in the ground?
A. PERMA-COLUMNS are slightly wider in the dimension that resists lateral loads thus decreasing embedment requirements and are generally designed to have a base depth equal to or less than a standard wood column.
Q. Do Perma-Columns need to sit on a concrete footing?
A. It is recommended that the same type and size of footing used for a wood support column be used as a footing for a Perma-Column® to insure that proper load-bearing requirements are achieved.
Q. How are the galvanized uplift anchors connected to the Perma-Column®?
A. A steel pipe is welded to the base of the four vertical reinforcing rods creating a sleeve in the base of the Perma-Column® that accommodates the bolt-on uplift anchors.
Q. What if the embedment depth exceed the 5’ length of a standard Perma-Column®?
A. A column extender (stilt) is connected to the base of the Perma-Column® lifting the columns to the desired height. Concrete is then poured around this extender, creating a combination footing and uplift anchor.
Q. How do Perma-Columns® compare in cost to other concrete foundation alternatives?
A. Perma-Column® provide the quickest and least expensive concrete foundation for post frame construction. There is no waiting on a concrete sub-contractor to complete his work before the builder moves in. Unlike a monolithic slab, the structure won’t “float”. Finally, the steel bracket to wood connection is elevated 12” to 16” above the floor ending all possibility of rotten posts!
