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I am converting a carport into a garage for someone. The existing carport is supported by posts on cast piers. The ground has asphalt. So basically all I need to do is build the walls. My question is: since the roof is already supported I do not need to worry about any footings. is that correct? The back wall will need a concrete pony wall as well as the one side and the front on either side of the door, the only thing is that, on the side, the asphalt is a little bit in from what would be the side wall. so my pony wall will be sitting half way on the ground. I figured I’d dig it down a little bit, and just stick some rear into the asphalt. But do I need to worry about the frost line. I live in BC..so it never really gets too cold. Hope you follow my question… D.C. in BC
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If you have a frost line (I would assume you do), then you have to get below this. If you don't, the ground can freeze and lift your walls.
*i I figured I'd dig it down a little bit, and just stick some rear into the asphalt.THIS conversation definitely belongs in the Tavern!PS You need footings! Or at least a turned-down slab.
*Dave consider that ten years down the road someone else decides to do some more work on the garage an decides to remove a wall including the posts. I'd hate to think that they end up with a wall bearing on nothing but asphalt. Skip
*David,If it's already post and beam construction, why not keep it that way. Strap the outside of the posts with horizontal 2x4 @ 2' centers and sheet over top. Along the bottom run a pressure treated 2x8 or 2x12 skirting. I'd set a post either side of the overhead door to tie the strapping to, so you may have to auger 2 more piles. Concrete would work fine, but for something like that not being load bearing, you could even fill around the 2 posts with washed gravel. Add a little gravel at a time, tamping it down as you go and making sure the post stays plumb. It's not the ideal garage, but if you're trying to make do with what you've got on a small budget it'll do.
*Good advice from top to bottom. What's up with the "rear in the asphalt" have you seen it done. While the right job is using the a foundation, you could do as Mike says. But make sure your posts are at least 6x6 every 8' on center. Also it might be a good idea to double up that 2x10 skirting and bolt it to the posts, then use it as support for your walls and use conventional framing on top. You should leave a gap between the ground and skirting. Just use some garage door sealer to get a good draft proof fit along the bottom edge. Of coarse this is no substitute for a foundation, the better job by far. I would use cement for any added footings for your door. think about using some metal panels for your sheathing / siding, so there's less stress on the walls.
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I am converting a carport into a garage for someone. The existing carport is supported by posts on cast piers. The ground has asphalt. So basically all I need to do is build the walls. My question is: since the roof is already supported I do not need to worry about any footings. is that correct? The back wall will need a concrete pony wall as well as the one side and the front on either side of the door, the only thing is that, on the side, the asphalt is a little bit in from what would be the side wall. so my pony wall will be sitting half way on the ground. I figured I'd dig it down a little bit, and just stick some rear into the asphalt. But do I need to worry about the frost line. I live in BC..so it never really gets too cold. Hope you follow my question... D.C. in BC