I have a garage foundation that I am getting ready to frame on. It’s 3/4 of a inch out of level in places. It seems to me I should shim the sill as opposed to the double plate on top. That way all my post supports and widows, doors ect will just go as normal.
I feel If I wait and shim the top plates I’ll just have a hassel with plywood ect.
What do you guys think?
Rupert
Replies
Bolt the mudsill down with washers underneath for level. Drypack under it and frame away.
Dry pack is a mix of portland and sand just barely wet enough to stick. Start with 3 cups sand = 1 cup portland. Add a little water, mix. Squeeze some in your fist, if it crumbles apart when you let go, add a tablespoon water and try again. Cracking into a couple of big pieces is good too. The first time it doesn't crumble, pack it very firmly under the mudsill.
SamT
I think there was an article on this very subject in last months FHB.
Shim the sill.
Joe H
There could be a much easier solution, but it depends if the slab is sloped out of level or if it is bumpy out of level. If is bumpy out of level, the prevous post is the best fix I know of. If it is evenly sloped out of level, you could shim between the mudsill and the bottom plate. I would shim at every stud. Then after your trusses or rafters are set, fill any gaps with expansion foam. I know it sounds somewhat hokey, but it is a tried and proven method.
What I've always done is to lay the PT sill down tight and then shim between it and the bottom plate, but I like Sam's idea too and I'll add it to my bag of ticks for some places.
Excellence is its own reward!
If it's just out of level in a few dips or rises, I'd bolt the sill down and cut the appropriate studs to length make to top plate level. If your stem-wall or whatever slopes somewhat evenly, then you can lay out all your studs right next to each other with the tops even. Measure down the two end studs to the adjusted, appropriate length they need to be to make the wall top level. Snap a line between the two marks on the end studs, marking each intervening stud. Cut each stud square on that line and your top plates should be level.
If you use shims.......go to your local steel yard and ask for metal scraps..they have every thickness imaginable..it beats wood shims in your case.
BE well
andy
True compassion arises out of the plane of consciousness where I "am" you.
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
You can bolt the sills down tight and put your two outside corner post up level with eachother you might have to cut one depending how bad the slab is out of level.
String a chalkline across the top of your outside corners and then hold your studs on the layout marks on your sills and rub the top of the studs on the chaulkline, it will give you a mark and you can cut all the studs that way.
If you are using precuts or 8' studs and there's a low spot and the studs aren't long enough you can just add another plate to the sill.
This way you don't have to use any shims at all.
Joe Carola
Joe
They should use your post in Tips & Tricks.
Reminded me of the one about using a piece of sheet metal around an arched window to press clapboards onto to get the exact radius for the cut. Think it was in this months issue.
Great reply.
Be well
andyTrue compassion arises out of the plane of consciousness where I "am" you.
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Thanks everyone,
I think I'll go with the washers at the bolt locations and mud the gaps.
Thanks
Rupert