If you’re faced with sagging floors, you’re probably dreading an expensive and disruptive set of repairs. Luckily for you, that might not be necessary: installing a set of pillars in your basement could provide a long-term, low-cost solution. The most common form of these pillars are known as Lally Columns, named after their inventor, John Lally. But what is a Lally columns and how do they differ from other pillar supports?
An Introduction to Lally Columns
People have been making use of columns to prop things up for almost as long as we’ve had things to prop up. At their most basic, a column could be a simple tree-trunk, knocked into place by a mallet and used to add structural support to the surfaces above.
As buildings developed more complex needs, more complex solutions had to be found. The Greeks and Romans were big fans of complex, ornate stone pillars, worked into the architecture of their temples and buildings. These were beautiful, though heavy and rather impractical.
As the industrial revolution struck, the nature of our buildings changed again. There was now a need for fireproof, easily installed and durable support systems. This is where John Lally comes in.
In 1892, Lally, an inventor and businessman based in Waltham, Massachusetts, was running a construction company. He recognized the need for a light-weight, robust and fireproof way of supporting the booming mills and factories which were springing up. His solution was the Lally Column.
The results of his invention were so revolutionary that they’re still in common usage today. Like everything else though, they’ve undergone a little development since 1892.
What Is A Lally Column?
At their most basic, a Lally column is a steel tube, cut to size and filled with concrete to support a joist or beam. This is what Mr. Lally came up with all those years ago. They offer a brilliant blend of both strength and durability which enhances the structural stability of the building they’re used in.
Today, the term has come to refer to various similar structural elements, both permanent and temporary. These include:
- Adjustable Steel Columns
- Teleposts
- Jack Posts
Each of these has slightly different features and uses, but they’re similar enough that they’re generally grouped together.
Common Uses Of Lally Columns In Construction
At its heart, a Lally column offers fantastic support to beams and joists. They can commonly be found in:
- Basements
- Garages
- Open-plan spaces
They’re ideal for these spaces because they offer a relatively unobtrusive solution to structural sagging without the need for load-bearing walls. This allows architects much more freedom to play with wide-open spaces.
They’re often worked into the design from the very start, but can also be added later when extra support is needed. This makes them ideal for use in renovating older buildings, offering flexibility and support when breathing new life into old homes.
Benefits Of Using Lally Columns
Lally columns offer contractors, architects and building owners a huge variety of benefits including:
Structural Support
A Lally Column allows a contractor to shore-up a beam, providing it with a huge boost to structural strength. Unsupported a beam can be prone to sagging or even breaking under strain. Adding the strength of steel and concrete pillars spaced along the length of the beam means that each section carries a fraction of the weight alone. In turn, this allows for much larger open spaces without the need for load-bearing walls.
Durability
Lally columns are tubes of steel filled with concrete. That makes them incredibly durable in pretty much every way imaginable. Not only can they support up to 44,600 lbs of weight pushing down on them, they’re also resistant to the environment. Moisture, insects and extremes of both heat and cold pose very little threat to a well-installed row of basement columns filled with concrete.
Ease of Installation
Lally columns are straightforward to install, which makes them a favorite among contractors for permanent structural support. Their design allows them to be placed and secured with minimal modifications, providing a reliable, durable solution without the complexities often associated with other support options. This simplicity makes them a versatile choice for adding stability wherever needed.
Fire Resistance
One of John Lally’s main concerns when developing his product was fire safety. Originally designed for use in mills and factories, locations often prone to devastating fires, Lally columns were made with non-combustible materials to enhance safety. This fire-resistant feature gives Lally columns an advantage over other designs, providing crucial support in disaster situations. It’s especially valuable in areas like basements and crawl spaces, where wood supports might smolder unnoticed for extended periods.
Types of Lally Column and Their Applications
Over the years, the term ‘Lally column’ has come to encapsulate a number of different designs. Each offers slightly different advantages.
- Standard Columns: A concrete filled basement support pillar. They offer fantastic support to the structure above. They’re generally worked into the design from the very start and allow huge, open spaces to be built while holding up giant structures.
- Adjustable Columns: The telescopic nature of these pillars allow them to be adjusted into the perfect size for their placement. This is particularly useful in renovation work, avoiding the need for tricky cutting and allowing the flexibility to support already slightly warped beams during work.
Temporary Vs. Permanent:
Lally columns can serve both temporary and permanent roles, but it’s essential to distinguish between the two. Temporary telescoping columns, sometimes used when removing a load-bearing wall or reinforcing framing, should never be used as a permanent solution. These are designed solely for short-term support during construction. For permanent structural support, only fixed, concrete-filled Lally columns meet the durability and safety standards required by building codes. When properly installed, these columns provide a lasting solution that ensures the stability and integrity of the structure.
Installation Of Lally Columns
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a Lally column” and covered their history and usages, how exactly do you go about installing them? The process goes something like this:
Preparation
A structural engineer will assess the site, working out where each column should be placed. They’ll also apply for the various permits that will be needed. They’ll consider things like the total load, design elements and other factors.
Creating Footings
The next step is to ensure there are proper footings to support the weight of the column and the structure above. If suitable footings are not already in place, or if existing ones are insufficient, it’s crucial to install reinforced concrete pads. These solid footings are essential to prevent shifting or settling of the column over time, which could compromise the stability and integrity of the structure.
Setting the column
Once the footing is in place, the installation can start. The plates which hold the column will be measured and placed, any cutting will be done and the pillar will be adjusted.
Anchoring and Finishing
The column will finally be bolted into the plates on both the beam to be supported and the floor. This ensures maximum stability without the risk of things shifting over time.
Safety Considerations
As installing Lally columns in a basement or any other space is serious structural work, it’s one that’s best left to the professionals. Mistakes here could be utterly disastrous and the building codes are stringent for a very good reason.
Without careful and expert direction regarding load distribution, you may end up removing a load-bearing feature and having everything above it collapse.
Signs You May Need To Replace A Lally Column
While Lally columns are very durable, nothing lasts forever. It might be time to consider Lally column replacement if you notice any of the following:
- Rust and corrosion: Steel is pretty strong, but it’s not invulnerable. Eventually exposure to moisture will rust the exterior of your columns and will require replacement.
- Concrete cracking: Eventually, concrete will succumb to the pressure put on it by the rest of your building. Once it starts to crack, it loses its supportive strength and will need to be replaced.
- Bent or bowing columns: Too much strain will bend a column in place. This means that the weight isn’t being distributed properly and will need to be pulled out and a new one put in its place.
- Shifted load-Bearing beams: Beams and joists hold up your floors and ceilings. If they start to sag after lally columns have been installed, something has gone wrong.
- Foundation Settling: As your building settles into its foundations, the column can be moved along with it. This could mean that it stops holding the weight properly.
- Water Damage at the base: This is especially important in basements. Moisture at the base can wick its way up the column, accelerating rust and corrosion.
- Increased load requirements: Remodeling can often add significant weight to a building. In these cases, the original columns may need to be replaced with a stronger version.
- Changes in ceiling height: When completing a project like a basement dig out you will be required to replace Lally columns to match the new height.
Lally Columns Vs Other Types Of Structural Support
While Lally columns are generally a good, flexible choice, other methods of supporting structures also have their uses. Brick pillars, steel beams and wooden posts are all occasionally used as are stone columns.
Depending on the nature of the job, each brings its own pros and cons. For example, brick pillars or stone columns are generally much more decorative without much sacrifice in strength.
Which is most suitable for your particular job will depend on a variety of factors. Discuss this with your structural engineer early on in the project.
Building Codes And Regulations
It goes without saying that the use of structural support is heavily codified in local building codes. Getting this wrong could lead to damage or even collapse, so sticking to the rules is the only option for your own safety and that of your neighbors.
Insurance companies will not pay out if they suspect that structural work doesn’t comply with local codes. This means that the potential savings of a DIY job are simply not worth it.
As codes vary from place to place, it’s always worth getting in a local firm . They’ll be most familiar with the rules in your location and will be able to make the permit process as smooth as possible.