Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jan 02, 2015 08:15pm | #1

   Where do you live?

2. 
   DanH | Jan 02, 2015 09:19pm | #2

   Note that in just about any circumstances it's bad for your joists to be sitting directly on the concrete foundation.  Wood in contact with a concrete foundation will inevitably rot, unless the wood is treated (and it's pretty certain that the joists are not treated).  I'd be rather surprised if the joists did not already have substantial rot on the ends (unless this house is in the desert somewhere).

   As to anchoring, if deemed necessary it could probably be done with some sort of strap.

3. 
   mark122 | Jan 03, 2015 07:56am | #3

   Can you take a few pictures? doesnt seem to add up.

   Either there is a plate you cant see, or there is something else, otherwise you would see rot even if not drastic. 

   crawl space or basement? 

4. 
   mark122 | Jan 03, 2015 06:37pm | #4

   is it like this all the way around the house? if its not treated lumber consider your self lucky that its in that good of a shape. whats the reason for wanting to secure the joist? 

   you could run a ledger along the concrete under the floor joist and use hurricane ties to fasten the joist to the ledger.

1. 
   DSP | Jan 04, 2015 09:43am | #6

   Piece of mind

5. 
   DanH | Jan 03, 2015 06:44pm | #5

   You might try poking near the ends of those joists with a ice pick, to check for rot.

6. 
   DanH | Jan 04, 2015 10:29am | #7

   In Michigan the only reason for securing a 60s house to the foundation would be because you were paranoid about "the big one" -- the earthquake that strikes the upper MIdwest every couple of thousand years.

7. 
   Mike_Mahan | Jan 04, 2015 12:14pm | #8

   I'd try to get some sheet metal between each joist and the concrete. Then use hardware to strap the joists to the foundation. Simpson makes plenty of suitable stuff.

8. 
   spclark | Jan 22, 2015 08:09pm | #9

   Yep, Same Here...

   ... in SW Wisconsin. Moved into a late-'70's house built apparently from some kind of "kit" or factory-prefabbed materials.

   Surprised to see the 2x7 (I Kid you not! 1-1/2" x 7" as-measured #1 grade-stamped DF joists, #2&btr for rafters exposed in garage) floor joists bearing onto 1/2" plywood placed atop poured foundation walls.

   Apparently there's steel strapping embedded into the foundation when that was poured, then the strapping is bent up & secured to the walls (inside the sheathing?) before the exterior walls are finished.

   Simpson has a product I'd considered for securing every other joist to the foundtion from the inside but at ~ $14 each I'm still debating the project's ultimate value since I'd need about 140 of 'em... and the house hasn't been blown off the foundation in 40 years.

   Also noted the soffit sheathing (3/8" Masonite-type material like the exterior lap siding) is captured between top plate and roof rafters where the rafters are exposed in the attached garage. Rafters appear literally to be "spiked" to the doubled wall plate with substantial, LONG heavy nails that were driven vertically thru the rafters into the plates. In some places there's an inch or so that protrides so these things had to be 11" long... about 3/16" or a little heavier in diameter.

   Top plate is bevelled to accept lower edge of roof rafters. No birds-mouth cuts for the crew I guess....

1. 
   DSP | Jan 22, 2015 10:43pm | #10

   Do you have the item number for that Simpson project?

1. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 25, 2015 09:51am | #11

   Here you go :)

   
1. 
   spclark | Jan 25, 2015 11:30pm | #12

   Well...

   IdahoDon wrote:Here you go :)

    http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/UFP.asp

   Those'd work IF there's a 2x mud sill present, which the OP seems to indicate isn't in his house.

   None in mine either though there is a layer of plywood where instead his joists bear directly on the foundation top.

   These products may be suitable:

   http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/LTS-MTS-HTS.asp

   http://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-16-Gauge-12-in-Medium-Twist-Strap-MTS12/100374870

   (Inexpensive but not suitable for use with bolts into the foundation wall as I sought to do.)

   The product I found for my circumstance is their Foundation Joist Anchor:

   http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/FAP-FJA-FSA.asp

   http://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-12-Gauge-Foundation-Anchor-FJA/100375376

   (Awesome programming behind their web catalogue - go back one level to the alphabetical index; when you put your cursor over an item a small thumbnail pic pops up for a visual guide to what the item listing applies to.)

   You ought to consult with your local code official / building inspector prior to making a commitment for this kind of installation if for no other reason than perhaps to learn if it's necessary at all in your location.

   My inspector commented that what the builders likely did in my case is entirely adequate and acceptable if done properly. I may have a chance to confirm that this spring when I get around to removing some of the lower siding boards prior to repainting. Might be worth a peek under the sheathing, see what's there....