Can I fill in the extra large gap (1/4 to 3/4″) the builder left between the base of the hardi plank and the slab? Apparently the wall studs weren’t lined up very well with the sill board and so they kicked out the sheathing. Also, I think the sheathing wasn’t brought to the bottom of the studs. And so the huge gap. Mice have been running up into the walls and leave a little pile of insulation outside where they enter. Fire ants have been nesting in the walls as well and I’m concerned about all the dirt they are undoubtedly carrying into the walls and onto the sill board. I was thinking of using brass wool, backer rod an elastomeric caulk but was worried that maybe some sort of weep or ventilation gap is required. I live in Houston and the problem I’m worried about would be possible condensation on the sheathing during the summer months when the AC is on and the humidity is 100%.
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Replies
The gap is not necessary, just sloppy. I'd be stuffing mortar in it. Better yet, dunk hunks of fiberglas batting in catalyzed resin and fill the gap; it'll stick better than mortar.
Sounds good. The mice and ants will be much less likely to chew through that. Thanks.
The resin with catalyzer is a lot cheaper than two-part (equal parts) epoxy. When i worked in a factory making burl tables, the tops were attached to the bases with globs of resinized fiberglass batting. It got spray painted black instead of pink...looked just like bark.