Replace Temporary Lally Columns – How to Install Permanent Lally Column

What is a Lally Column?

Originating in the late 1800s, lally columns arose from John Lally's dismay over building collapses due to fires or inadequate support. In 1898, in Waltham, Massachusetts, John Lally himself invented the steel beam support column, hence their name.

What type of lally column should I use?

• Adjustable Jacks – Hollow, lack strength, and are meant for temporary use
• Brick – Mortar joints decay due to humidity and moisture in basement
• Wood/Logs – Damaged by wood boring insects and wood rot
• Block – Mortar joints decay due to humidity and moisture in basement
• Hollow Steel – Rusts and lack strength
• Metal Column filled with concrete – BEST OF ALL

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Steps to install a lally column?

What Problems can arise from some of the above mentioned Lally Columns?

• Home Inspectors pick on them because they may not be up to code
• Can be made of materials that may deteriorate over time (brick, wood, blocks)
• Causes floor cracking due to weight (no footing underneath column)
• May cause structure to sag

What Lally Columns should not look like

What are the advantages of properly installed Metal Lally Columns filled with concrete?

• Up to code; home inspectors will not pick on them
• Metal Column filled with concrete – Strongest - best choice
• Sits on a concrete footing to allow additional support and limits floor cracks
• Offers support, even during a fire
• Resistant to deterioration