I need to shim and level a few areas of a foundation wall. One or two spots are as low as 1/2 inch, some a quarter of an inch.
What is the best practice or easiest way to do it?
I would like to have a sill sealer (foam) under the sill so if I lay the sill and then try to shim and tuck grout under the sill I would or could mess the sill sealer up or atleast the sealer would be in the way. So could I, would I, set my shims and grout between them before laying the sill? or shim and grout and then bolt the sill down, then pull it up and add the sill sealer? Would the grout just come off with the sill and make a mess? I am sure any of these methods would work, sort of kind of, but what is best or easiest?
Thanks to all who are helpful.
Replies
Don't shim the sill.
Put the sill down on the foundation wall with your sealer. If your have a cripple wall, cut the studs to level the top plate. If you are putting floor joists on top of the sill shim the joists as needed.
Ok, further question
IF you shim the joist then I assume you are shimming the associated RIm Joist as well? If so what do you use to air seal the gap if you wish to have a conditioned crawlspace or basement? ANd then of course you are suggesting shimming the rim joist running parallel with the joists as well?
Ok, not sure I like that idea in the two spots I am off by 1/2 inch. That seems like a large gap. What say you?
Thanks.
Small gap.
Yes, shim the rim joists. I assume your house rap will be continuous from the mud sill on up this will cover the gap. 1/2" really isn't much. Unless you are building the house out of solid lumber you will have a 14 1/2" gap between all the studs. Framing is framing, not the building envelope It's easier to seal the gap if it is above the sill than under it.
If you have the time, and it sounds like you do - simply grout the low spots now. If you need to get things back together ASAP rip a tapered shim, or shims and fit it between your two top plates. Any gaps are easily sealed with expanding foam. Gaps anywhere are easy to fill with expanding foam so don't worry about them. If you're using a single top plate shim between the plate and rim joist and any joist ends.
Thanks Mike and Idaho
You gave me a few different ways to go. This is exactly what this forum is for.
Sure glad I did not need to consult an engineer or talk to my supplier. LOL.