| How to Attach Sill Plates to Concrete Foundations | | | | Minimum length of the wedge anchor needed |
| Many homeowners have the skills and capabilities to | | | | • Ensure that the anchor will be further than the |
| complete their own home improvement projects and | | | | minimum distance from the concrete edge. The rule of |
| renovations. This can save immense amounts of | | | | thumb is a minimum of five anchor diameters from the |
| money as well as help home owners develop new skill | | | | unsupported edge of concrete. For example, if your |
| sets they can use in the future as new home | | | | wedge anchor is 1/2" in diameter, it must be |
| improvements are needed. Large projects such as | | | | installed a minimum of 2 1/2" from the |
| home additions, new garages or adding a patio can | | | | unsupported edge. |
| also be completed without hiring a professional. When | | | | • Determine the grade of steel and/or plating of |
| building a new structure, it is critical to securely fasten it | | | | the wedge anchor required for the specific application. |
| to the foundation or slab with the use of a sill plate. | | | | Wedge anchors are available in three different finishes: |
| A sill plate, also known as a sole plate, is the bottom | | | | Zinc plated, hot-dipped galvanized and stainless steel. |
| horizontal member of a wall or building to which the | | | | Step by Step Instructions |
| vertical studs will be attached. Most sill plates are | | | | Concrete Wedge Anchors can be installed in a few |
| made from lumber- usually a 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 or 2x10. | | | | steps. Basic instructions follow: |
| The sill plate is typically anchored to the foundation or | | | | • On the concrete, mark where your holes will be |
| slab of concrete, depending on the application. Before | | | | drilled. Remember that anchors must be placed: a |
| the next steps can take place, a sill plate must be | | | | minimum of five anchor diameters from any |
| anchored to the foundation to ensure proper | | | | unsupported edge and there should be a minimum of |
| construction and safety. | | | | ten anchor diameters between any two anchors. |
| Before You Get Started | | | | • Using a hammer drill, drill your holes using a |
| Before trying to anchor a sill plate to any type of | | | | carbide-tippedmasonry bit. The hole diameter should be |
| foundation, it is important to determine which system is | | | | the same diameter asthe wedge anchor. |
| best for attaching the sill plates. | | | | • Clear the hole of all debris using compressed air, |
| One method for fastening sill plates is the use of | | | | a shop-vacor wire brush. |
| cast-in-place anchors, commonly referred to as | | | | • Before inserting the wedge anchor into the hole, |
| “J” Bolts. “J” bolts are | | | | be sure to placethe washer on the head and thread |
| anchors in the shape of the letter J with threads on | | | | the nut a couple of turns. Bynot fully threading the nut, |
| the end opposite of the bent end. These bolts are set | | | | the threads of thewedge anchor are protected. |
| in place before the concrete is poured. The use of | | | | • Carefully place the sill place in the correct position |
| “J” bolts provides the best holding values, | | | | and insert thewedge anchors into each hole through |
| but can be problematic for the do-it-yourselfer due to | | | | the sill plate. |
| the expertise needed and complicated installation | | | | • Hammer anchors into every hole ensuring that |
| steps. The “J” bolts must be installed | | | | they areinstalled to the desired depth and securely in |
| completely perpendicular and if not, numerous | | | | place. This willbe the supporting plate to which studs |
| problems will occur when trying to attach the sill plate. | | | | will be placed later in therenovation process so secure |
| Also, this method cannot be used when building a | | | | placement is important for the overall safety of the |
| structure where there is an existing foundation, such | | | | structure. |
| as replacing a dilapidated garage. This could pose a | | | | • Using a torque wrench, tighten every nut to |
| serious problem for many home improvement projects. | | | | guarantee they are tightened to the required torque |
| There is a type of concrete anchor that can be used | | | | value. |
| when working with sill plates in less complicated | | | | For more detailed information and further instruction, |
| applications and those with existing foundations. One | | | | take a look at this Wedge Anchor Installation Video. |
| option for installing sill plates is the use of Wedge | | | | When using concrete wedge anchors, it is important to |
| Anchors. This type of anchor is a post-installed anchor, | | | | remember: |
| meaning that it is placed in concrete after it is fully | | | | • Wedge anchors are very effective when the |
| cured. These fasteners are designed for use in solid | | | | concrete is in good condition and minimum edge |
| concrete only. Wedge anchors are available from 1 | | | | distances and spacing are maintained. |
| 4" to 1 1/4" in diameter. The length of the | | | | • Hole size is critical to the holding values of the |
| wedge anchor is completely dependent upon the | | | | wedge anchor. Hole diameter is equal to the anchor |
| thickness of the material to be fastened. To determine | | | | diameter when using ANSI standard carbide bits. The |
| the size of anchor needed, it is important to check | | | | tolerances of ANSI standard bits are specifically |
| your local building codes or with an engineer or | | | | matched to work well with wedge anchors. |
| architect. It is also critical to verify the holding values | | | | • Wedge anchors have a required torque value. |
| required for your particular application since the quality | | | | Take a look at this important anchor technical |
| of concrete will vary in every single circumstance. | | | | information page to determine the diameter of anchor |
| Choosing the Size Wedge Anchor to be used | | | | to use for a range of required . |
| Once the required holding values have been | | | | As with any home improvement or anchoring project, it |
| determined, use this wedge anchor sizing chart to | | | | is important to keep safety in mind and follow |
| determine the appropriate diameter and length. There | | | | instructions carefully. Always remember to wear |
| are some other considerations when using wedge | | | | safety goggles, handle all tools with extra care, and |
| anchors. These include: | | | | follow all technical specifications. This article is meant to |
| • Use a wedge anchor of suitable length for the | | | | serve as a basic overview of the steps for completing |
| specific application. This is determined by using the | | | | this project. Always refer to manufacturer’s |
| equation below: | | | | instructions or consult a contracting expert. With a little |
| Minimum embedment for the diameter being used + | | | | research, planning and patience you are now ready to |
| Thickness of the material being fastened + | | | | expand your home or create some new space! |
| Thickness of the nut and washer = | | | | |