How To Build A Basement Wall Against Concrete
Considering the nature of concrete holding up the weight of the house is the lesser worry.
How to build a basement wall against concrete. Concrete basement walls are designed to do two main jobs. You don t wait for any kind of bulging or most definitely something that is not straight from top to bottom. And make sure that the concrete wall is straight a k a plumb. Existing pipes that run along the inside of concrete basement walls a common issue often create another problem.
This is why you need to use treated lumber for the bottom plate of the wall. The cool concrete of the foundation wall will collect humid air which will condense on its surface. This can be solved by simply leaving the pipe in place and building the new wall. If the floor joists are sagging or there s ductwork in the way you may have to lift the top of the wall in first and slide the bottom plate into place.
Always start with the perimeter wall and then do the interior walls. The other is holding back the pressure of soil against the side of the basement. One job is supporting the house. Framing a wall against the concrete allows you to add.
Now you are thinking how is that possible. If the floor joists are sagging or there s ductwork in the way you may have to lift the top of the wall in first and slide the bottom plate into place. Masonry walls like concrete tend to be damp dreary and unpleasant. Basement walls of cinder block brick or even poured concrete can be transformed pretty quickly and simply with a coat of paint.
Go for a solid color or get wild and design a mural to brighten up that subterranean space of yours. If you re building each section on the floor i highly recommend having someone with you. Layout basement wall doors and windows. If your basement floor is not level which most basement floors aren t building on the floor will be a challenge.
Make sure wall studs don t come into contact with the foundation wall. Tip a wall up with the bottom plate against the wall. Moisture below the slab can wick up into the concrete and get to the base plates of the wall. Concrete walls may have a purpose but beauty and warmth aren t it.