Many buildings are constructed with fire-resistive designs and materials, especially high-rise or multi-story buildings. Fire-resistive Type I structures can withstand fire for hours and boast the highest level of safety of all construction types.
This article gives you five tips for moving or lifting your fire-resistive Type I buildings. Read on to learn how to ensure a safe and successful project.
Make Additions or Renovations with Fire-Resistive Materials
You might want to lift or move your building for many reasons. You might need more floors, but you don’t have the space to build out. Maybe you want to add a basement. Or you might need to move your building to a new property entirely. Whatever the reason, you will need to plan for additional construction once you complete the move or lift.
A fire-resistive Type I building must be built to exceptional standards, including that all building materials must be non-combustible. As you plan for a lift or move, make sure your general contractor understands the requirements and standards your building must meet. That includes utilizing only fire-resistive materials in any construction that takes place.
Have Your Building Inspected Post-Project
Any time a building is relocated or lifted off its foundation, there is a chance for cracking or slight damage. Though the likelihood of damage is small, you should hire an inspector upon completing your project if you’re lifting or moving a fire-resistive building.
Fire-resistive Type I buildings must meet specific requirements. The structures are built to resist fire and offer the highest level of safety among other fire-resistant construction. For these buildings to provide the highest fire resistance standard, they must maintain structural integrity after the move.
Hiring an inspector specializing in fire-resistive Type I buildings ensures your structures are safe and secure even if you’ve moved them miles away. An inspector will detect weaknesses that could compromise their efficacy and ability to stop the spread of fire. If any repairs need to be made, your general contractor can take care of those for you to ensure the security and safety of your building.
Contact Electric Companies
Fire-resistive Type I buildings are tall. Typically, these structures reach upwards of 75 feet. When you plan to move or relocate a building of this height, you must consider electric lines that fall in the path of the move.
If you’re moving your fire-resistive Type I structure, you will need to map out the course of travel and note where the path crosses electric lines. Should the path intersect with power lines, you will need permits from the electric company and special permission for them to lift the lines. Your general contractor can secure these permits for you.
The electric company will lift the lines and move poles as necessary. Their equipment will ensure your fire-resistive Type I building can reach its new destination without power lines impeding the journey.
Plan for a New Fire-Resistive Foundation
Whether you lift your structure or move it across town, you will need to plan for a new foundation. Because your fire-resistive Type I structure is built with fire-resistive materials, ensure your general contractor has plans for a fire-resistive foundation.
Many fire-resistive buildings have Insulated Concrete Forms as the foundation’s structure. ICFs provide fast, simple construction for below-grade walls. These forms are not only fire-resistant, but they boast double the comprehensive strength of a poured concrete foundation.
Your new foundation will need to be fire-resistive to meet the codes required for fire-resistive Type I buildings. Consult your general contractor to ensure they’re building with appropriate materials to ensure safety.
Don’t Attempt a DIY Lift
Lifting a building requires the proper equipment and know-how to get it done safely and securely. Regardless of what you read online, you should never attempt to lift a structure on your own. Even a lift of a few inches can turn deadly if you try it without the proper expertise.
When lifting your fire-resistive structures, always call on a lifting contractor. DeVooght House Lifters has been raising and moving structures of all sizes and builds for decades. Our team has the equipment and experience required to successfully see your fire-resistive Type I lift through.
Over the years, DeVooght’s team of highly qualified and knowledgeable contractors has successfully performed fire-resistive Type I building lifts and moves for many of our clients. Our hands-on professional experience allows us to plan for and complete your structural relocation projects to the highest standards.
As you plan for your move or lift, don’t try to do it yourself. Contact DeVooght House Lifters, and we will be happy to walk you through what to expect, then we’ll complete your project successfully and safely.