Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 11/15/2009

Question
In the process of expanding the kitchen wall out into flushed existing concrete deck, my contractor put pressure treated 2x6 on the top of the concrete without any flashing and now water is coming in under the sill plate.  The concrete deck and the enclosed addition shares the same concrete floor.  What is our option?  We don't want to tear it down and restart.

Answer
Hi Michael, you can try caulking along the exterior where the wall meets the slab.  Use a good urethane caulk, making sure the area is dry.  You can install a surface mounted L flashing and caulk behind it and under it prior to installing it and then screw it into the wall and the concrete.  After installing the flashing you can then caulk around the fasteners to ensure that they don't leak also.   I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com