DIY and
Remodeling Projects:
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How To Build a Basement
When you build a basement there are many
things you have to plan before you start and the first of these are the
framing of the outside walls. Framing a basement wall can be tricky and
you may find that you will have to improvise at times as there are a
number of obstacles that can get in your way. The key to putting up your
framing is doing it with wood and be ready to improvise when you have
to.
The perimeter basement walls should be framed with 2x4’s the same as the
interior walls. By using 2x4 studs, insulation can be installed to make
sure your basement will be warm. If warmth is not an issue, then you can
use furring strips for the inside walls instead of dry wall. Furring is
glued and nailed to the cement walls.
It is best to build your internal walls on the ground and then raise
them into place, but due to the different variations in the basement
floor heights your wall should be built just a little shorter and
shimmed into place. If this is not done you may find it a little
difficult wedging in the wall where you want it. Another way there may
be a problem is if your basement is built on clay soil. Then the floor
may move slightly or shift, which will be based on the water content of
the ground. If this is your case, then you should use steel clips
attached to the wood of the first floor joist to let the wall breath.
In order to stick build walls you have to nail a top plate to the floor
joist. Secure a bottom plate to the concrete flooring using concrete
nails and an adhesive such as liquid nail. You should use pressure
treated lumber on the bottom plate. This is very important, if you don’t
use pressure treated lumber they can rot over time.
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