I am in the process of turning a detached garage into living space. I live in the northwest where rain is a fact of life. I have three questions:
1. What is the best way to seal the bottom plate of the wall that will replace the garage door?
2. I want to fur out and cover the concrete stem wall. What is the best method to accomplish this without getting mold and moisture in the enclosed space? And can the furring be attached with adhesive?
3. There is no attic access at the present time. Do I need to make it accessible?
I will appreciate any information that I can get concerning this project. Thanks to all.
Replies
Wow...thanx to all for your input!
How's it goin I am kinda new hear . i guess I am Doing this right.
Anyway , I would frame up the wall with a treated plate for sure, staple some sill sealer to the bottom . leaving enough space to compansate for that thickness. Stand it up and use your Hilti gun to nail it fast.
The concrete should already be sloped away from the wall to shed water. Some type of silicone or tube product , along with flashing, would be a agood idea. Masonary caulk or masonary.
As far as finishing the foundation . A lot has to do with your existing home , and how you want it to match. Some type of Dryvit or StuccoSystem. might work well. maybe use wonder board over the framed wall to match the height of your "Stem Wall" And then you can Parge over that. I am sure you have the wall thickness to play with, in that opening. This wall is not structural. You have that header over the opening.
I've never heard the term stem wall, I assume you have a short concrete or block wall, with a Framed wall, to the top plate. Yes you can use cut nails, or your Hilti Gun. A little contruction Adhesive doesn't hurt under the nails.
If you want attic access, and I think you know this already. the framing must support the load. A truss roof system must be designed to carry a load, and should not be altered. Ceiling joists can be changed, Increased, Altered , more easily.
Did you get this?
"I was born in the country, razed in the city, I'm a natural born shaker from my hips to the ground"