Frost Line / Frost Depth

Related terms

• Footing

  The widened concrete base below a foundation wall or post that spreads the structure's load over enough soil to prevent settling. New str…

• Frost Heave

  Upward soil movement when moisture freezes and expands, lifting shallow footings, slabs, and steps. Prevented by footing depth and drainage.

• Girder

  A large primary beam that carries other beams or joists. The main load-collecting member, often mid-span under a floor down to columns.

• French Drain

  A gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe that redirects surface and groundwater away from the structure.

• Glulam

  Glued-laminated timber — a structural beam of bonded dimensional lumber, often used where the beam is exposed for appearance.

• Footing Drain / Drain Tile

  Perforated pipe in gravel along the footing that collects groundwater and routes it away or to a sump, relieving pressure on the foundation.

• Grade Beam

  A reinforced concrete beam at or below grade that spans between piers or footings to distribute structural loads.

• Flitch Beam

  A composite beam of steel plate sandwiched between wood members, used where a slim but very strong beam is needed.