Foundation vs footing For a Freestanding Roofed & Screened in Deck?

5/11/2019 at 2:57:05 PM

As long at your structure is not more than 55m2, a foundation is not required. This can be referenced in 9.12. of the Ontario Building Code.

Follow up to comment from Ian:

If attached to the main house, then a foundation will be required. If this structure is freestanding and less than 55ms, even with a roof, a foundation is not required, it can be considered floating. The design for this, in Ontario, can be done by yourself, or a designer who holds the qualification "House" as set out by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. You are not required to retain the services of an Engineer or Architect.

Best of luck.

5/11/2019 at 3:17:35 PM

I'm sorry to have to disagree with Carl; seems to be referencing a rule regarding minimum foundation depths where an exception is provided to accessory buildings (i.e. garage or garden shed with a slab-on-grade) which has an area less than 55 m2.

As a home addition this exception does not apply so either regulation size pad footings minimum 1.2 m (4') below grade (or more depending on soils) or if you prefer the proposed 60" deep sono tube filled cement supports (or any other kind of piling for that matter) it would require engineering unless your local authority waives the requirement.

One further point: if your contemplated design involves attaching the porch roof to the edge of your existing house roof, your local authority will also likely have a problem with that idea - support needs to tie into the house walls directly.

5/12/2019 at 1:19:36 AM

Sono tube is fine. All you need to achieve is having your footing of the sono 24 below the grade for frost protection. Check your local building code for frost protection depth. Other than that build away.