frost line depth WNY?

[OWDouglas]

Hi Guys, putting in a fence this weekend and just wondering if anyone in the WNY area knows what the frost line is. I think it's 42 inches but can't find anything to verify it. thanks Ron

 

[ToadHill]

Most building inspectors in WNY require a footing to be 48" down.

 

[DWW68]

You are correct. The frost line in WNY is 42"

 

[hemiguy]

What the frost line is and what building code is are actually 2 different numbers. I've personally built several decks here in WNY and each time code for the support post depth was 42". I also helped a friend with an addition foundation many years ago and do seem to remember the 48" code requirement for footer depth. However, I've been told by at least two code inspectors that the frost actually rarely penetrates more than 2 feet in most places here, but the codes need to accomodate the worst cases and more.

I think for a fence 42" is a bit of overkill. I'm not sure there is even a code for fence post depth. I think the rule-of-thumb for fence post hole depth is 1/2 the above ground height of the post. Depending on how many posts you have, how you're digging the holes, and how compacted and rocky your soil is I'll bet you won't have fun going down 42".

 

[Kays Supply]

See if this will help.