Artroom Expansion 4

Weekends are made for framing. Having the wall stripped, it was time to do some framing. The walls are 2x4''wood  on 16'' centers. Standard framing as the sheathing we wanted to use (Roseburg Duratemp) is unavailable in quantities of less than 66 sheets anywhere in Phoenix. A visit to Tuff Shed, who built the original building, would not sell any of this material. So a different material was selected. More on that later.

We assembled the walls on the slab, and after raising one of them called it a day. 100+ degrees, and when you are sweating so much that your hammer with the no slip grip is shooting out of your fist like being in a greased pig contest, it is time.

Sunday Sunday Sunday!
With the client, and the neighbor next door and the guy who was dog sitting from the house on the other side, we raised the other walls. Here they are doing the concrete anchor ballet.

I always use concrete anchors, (RedHead sleeve or wedge) when attaching walls to slabs. Part of it is my inner control freak, part of it is finishing. Most  concrete companies include 'J' bolts embedded in the slab during the pour. Invariably this presents problems.

First is the locations. Regardless of how careful they are placed, you usually end up having to change the framing details as one or more of them is directly under your studs. I have had them show up in the middle of doorways which presents a whole different problem.
Second is height and plumb. I have seen them out of plumb, off center, bent, rusted, and with the threads chewed up to the point of needing a die set to rethread them. Having to bore oversized holes or slotting your plates to make the wall fit, is just another irritation you can do without.
Third is finishing. The bolts sticking up make striking, tamping, and finishing a pain in the butt for the concrete guys. In addition, having bumps around the bolts, usually means after drilling the bottom plate, having to chisel around the bottom before installation, just adding more time and aggravation to a simple task.

By installing anchors post pour, you eliminate the problems above, control their locations, and if you are using a sill seal, not having it tear or wad up, while trying to get the wall over the bolts.

Trust me, have them pour and finish it smooth. You may have an extra step, but you will have a much better outcome.
Walls Up

Here is the addition framed up with the top plate installed, ready for the roof and ceiling.
I will be stick framing them using a modified plywood/stud beam.