Proper Procedure Of Attaching Wall Frame To Concrete Floor
If you are going to remodel your basement or garage on a slab, then the first thing that you have to do is to attach the bottom plate of the walls to the concrete. Securing a 2×4 bottom plate to the concrete needs special tools as well as fasteners. Apart from this, you have to take utmost care in order to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood and cause damage. Any concrete surface can gather together excess moisture, due to the reason that water condenses on its cool surface. If you are working on a concrete foundation slab at ground level, your first priority should be to protect the floor against moisture damage. This is particularly important if you are remodeling a basement, as moisture problems can lead to severe rot damage on the newly added walls, & can cause mold and mildew.
Tools & Materials
- Laser Level
- Tape Measure
- Impact Driver
- Miter Saw & Chalk Line
- Hammer Drill
- 2x4 Boards
- Screws & Nails
Step 1: Plan Layout
First of all, you need to crosscheck & verify all the measurements in order to make sure that a room is square. With the help of a chalk line, mark the inner side of the edge of the designed wall onto the concrete basement floor. Remember to mark the location of any doorways or openings, in a clear manner or with clarity.
Step 2: Install Bottom Plates
Walls are built completely & thoroughly that begins with the foundation. Trim the pressure-treated 2" x 4" boards to length and place them along the chalk line. With the help of a hammer drill having a 3/16" masonry bit, make a hole across the wood and into the concrete floor. Using an impact driver, drive a 3" Tapcon screw across the wood and into the floor. Replicate the same process at the other end of the board. Replicate every 16" with the bottom plate. Repeat for the rest of the bottom plates.
Step 3: Install Top Plates
The installation of the top plates is totally dependent on the direction the bottom plate is running in association with the floor joists above. If the joists are running vertically to the bottom plate, then fasten the top plates, using nails, to the joists where they connect. Where the bottom plate runs side by side to the floor joists, secure & fix 2" x 4" blocking boards betwixt the joists for something to fasten into. The top plate should be perfectly lined up with the bottom plate before you fasten it to the joists or blocking, using nails. Repeat the same process for the rest of the top plates.
Step 4: Mark Stud Placement
Wall studs are generally installed at 16" intervals when evaluated at their centers. Commence at one end of a wall and then make a visible impression or stain on the location of the first stud. With the help of a tape measure, mark out the location of the rest of the studs along the wall. Using a plumb bob or laser level, move & shift those locations to the top plates.
Step 5: Install Studs
Now, calculate and trim a 2" x 4" board so that it adjusts comfortably betwixt the bottom and top plates. Insert the stud betwixt the plates and ensure that it is fit. Secure & fix to the top and bottom plates with the help of 3" nails. Repeat the same process for the rest of the studs.
Step 6: Install Blocking
Finally, calculate and trim 2" x 4" boards so that they adjust comfortably betwixt the wall studs. Secure & affix them around the room nearly 4' from the floor with the help of 3" nails. It is fine to falter the placement of these blocks to facilitate nailing.