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View Full Version : Bottom plate in contact w/ concrete floor (commercial)


Steve C.
02-22-2011, 10:33 PM
Second story of two story commercial. The floor is a poured gypcete. Noticed that the bottom plate was in contact with the gypcrete floor. Is this a concern as it is inside the building, not outside.
Bruce Ramsey
02-23-2011, 06:52 AM
Is it pressure treated lumber?
Vern Heiler
02-23-2011, 07:17 AM
Is it pressure treated lumber?
Second floor, must be greater than 18" from soil, don't you think?
Steve C.
02-23-2011, 07:56 AM
Is it pressure treated lumber?

I would assume so, but it can't be viewed. The concrete is up against it, then the wall framing is on top of that. He's just concerned about the moisture from the concrete interacting with the wood.
Steve C.
02-23-2011, 07:57 AM
Second floor, must be greater than 18" from soil, don't you think?

Yes. He was concerned about the water content in the cement being in contact with the bottom plate. Assuming it is pt and it is in the interior of the building, i see it as a non factor. what say you?
Vern Heiler
02-23-2011, 08:15 AM
Yes. He was concerned about the water content in the cement being in contact with the bottom plate. Assuming it is pt and it is in the interior of the building, i see it as a non factor. what say you?
There is no requirement for PT if more than 18" above the soil, so I don't see any problem. If the concrete at the second story is that wet, you've got bigger problems!
Jim Luttrall
02-23-2011, 08:32 AM
The problem is not the water in the concrete mix but the wicking of water from the soil up into the wood transported by the concrete. As others have said, not an issue if you are more than 18" above grade. The limited amount of water in the mix will reach the same moisture content as the lumber in short order. Not a problem.
Steve C.
02-23-2011, 08:35 AM
There is no requirement for PT if more than 18" above the soil, so I don't see any problem. If the concrete at the second story is that wet, you've got bigger problems!

Completely agree. Thank you
Steve C.
02-23-2011, 08:36 AM
The problem is not the water in the concrete mix but the wicking of water from the soil up into the wood transported by the concrete. As others have said, not an issue if you are more than 18" above grade. The limited amount of water in the mix will reach the same moisture content as the lumber in short order. Not a problem.

Great. Thank you.