sill plate install on ready foundation
Hello BTers hope all is well.
I will be installing an additon as some of you may know on the side of my home. The foundation is in and i am ready to start framing. The top of the poured concrete wall is a little wavy and I would like my sill plate to be” Money”. So my idea is to spread concrete with a 1/2″ notched trowel and staple my sill seal to my board. then lay the board sill seal down on top of concrete and tighten the bolts snug which would sueeze out the extra on the high spots and fill the void in the low spots. wipe clean and let dry. Think this is a crazy idea?
I know common practice is to use metal plates in the low spots but I know this will leave areas open to draft.
If its a good idea whats the best mix of cement or thin set to use?
Edited 4/17/2007 11:35 pm ET by AllTrade
Replies
3 sand, 2 cement, 1 lime. Use some retarder in place of some water. Mix to about 6" slump. Set up a laser level before you start mixing and tighten the anchor bolts to the level. Find and mark the high spot before you start. Start from there. Use a straight edge to insure no swells between anchors.
Excellent method of setting the mudsill, IMHO.
SamT
There are three kinds of people: Predaters, Prey, and Paladins. The really strange thing is that Prey feels safer from Predators by disarming Paladins.
I use mason's mix in sacks for grouting mudsills. Pre-fit each piece, drill the bolt holes, etc. Use a laser level to find the high spot on your concrete and start there. Spread mortar on top of the concrete using a mason's trowel (I would not use a notch trowel). Drop your first piece of mudsill over the bolts, then use the washers and nuts to crank it down to the correct level. You need a long level in addition to the laser to ensure that it is flat between bolts, and it may take some tapping with a hammer to force out the mortar correctly. After a few rounds you will know how much mortar to spread out.
If there's one thing to do correctly it's mudsills--get them level, square, parallel, etc. even if they disagree with the concrete.
Thanks fir the tips. Got started yesterday and its going good.