I’m laying out the wall sections for a new project. We’d like to keep the foundation exposure @ grade to a MINIMUM if any at all. Would anyone recommend extending the plywood beyond the sill plate and holding it up about 3″ from finish grade? We’re going to be providing a 1×6 composite trim at the base and then starting our cedar shingles from there.
Also- what is the MININUM recommended distance from finish grade to finish floor? I’ve typically seen 8″ – is this code or good practice?
Oh – we are building this project in the Northeast so YES snow sitting on the ground is an issue.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Replies
^
It's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
[email protected]
The MINIMUM reccommended exposed masonry above grade is 6".
That means 6" from grade to the closest trim or siding, not to the sill plate.
It's to keep the bugs, like termites, out.
Once you're inside the masonry, you can drop the floor, except at entries, below grade. Make sure you've got excelent waterproofing and perimiter drainage.
SamT
Edited 8/16/2005 4:28 pm ET by SamT
There is a requirement in the codes- I don't have the book in front of me, but I believe the new ICC raised the requirement to 8" from the previous 6". It's generally bad practice even to keep it that close, especially in the Northeast due to the snow problem. If it was me, I'd want at least 12" of clearance from the grade to any wood.
Bob
Do you think I can get away with maintaining less than 6" if we using composite trim?
JO3522