Code of Maine Rules
02 - DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION
385 - MANUFACTURED HOUSING BOARD
Chapter 890 - MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS
Subchapter D - FOUNDATIONS
Section 385-890-D-IV - Pier Configuration

Universal Citation: 02 ME Code Rules ยง 385-890-D-IV

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. Concrete Blocks

Installation instructions for concrete block piers must be developed in accordance with the following provisions and must be consistent with Figures A and B to Subchapter D, Section VI:

1. Load-bearing (not decorative) concrete blocks must have nominal dimensions of at least 8 inches x 8 inches x 16 inches;

2. The concrete blocks must be stacked with their hollow cells aligned vertically; and

3. When piers are constructed of blocks stacked side by side, each layer must be at right angles to the preceding one, as shown in Figure B to Subchapter D, Section VI.

B. Caps

1. Structural loads must be evenly distributed across capped-hollow block piers, as shown in Figures A and B to Subchapter D, Section VI.

2. Caps must be solid concrete or masonry of at least 4 inches nominal in thickness, or hardboard lumber at least 2 inches nominal in thickness, or be of corrosion-protected minimum one-half inch thick steel, or be of other listed materials.

3. All caps must be of the same length and width as the piers on which they rest.

4. When split caps are used on double stacked blocks, the caps must be installed with the long dimension across the joint in the blocks below.

C. Gaps

Any gaps that occur during installation between the bottom of the main chassis beam and foundation support system must be filled by:

1. Nominal 4 inch x 6 inch x 1 inch shims to level the home and fill any gaps between the base of the main chassis beam and the top of the pier cap;

2. Shims must be used in pairs as shown in Figures A and B to Subchapter D, Section VI, and must be driven in tightly so that they do not occupy more than one inch of vertical height; and

3. Hardwood plates no thicker than 2 inches nominal in thickness or 2 inch or 4 inch nominal concrete block must be used to fill in remaining vertical gaps.

D. Manufactured Pier Heights

Manufactured pier heights must be selected so that the adjustable risers do not extend more than 2 inches when finally positioned.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.