Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 5/29/2009

Question
I have a covered patio and it has a tile roof like the rest of the house, Span is about 18'x18', it also has a slab already down.
This is my plan: I want to enclose the patio by bolting pressure treated wood to the concrete (any suggestions to help keep water out) build my wood frame for drywall, plywood the outside wrap house and stucco to match house.

So far so good. now for questions.
1. The patio is a step down from the house and I would like to raise the floor how or should i do this?
2. electrical, the patio has a box for the AC unit and there is a light switch for motion sensor light in the backyard. Should I have new wire pulled or can I put a fuse box using the 220 for the AC
3. Should I bolt the Wall into the floor or should I nail it, also should I put anything between the floor and the wood, ie. Something to seal water from coming in.

Thanks for your help,
Andrew
Southern California

Answer
Hi Robert, I like to use tapcons for attaching wood sills to concrete.  1/4" galvanized at least long enough for 2" embedment into the concrete.  I like to put a heavy bead of good urethane or silicone caulking down and then installing the wood on top of the bead.  Then I caulk the outside seam between the wood and the concrete for good measure.  You can raise the slab either with concrete or use pressure treated wood joists on edge with plywood decking.  Your patio probably slopes so you will want to shim up the joists level..Unless you are comfortable doing electrical work I would have an electrician figure out how to get power to where you need it.. I wouldn't mess with the A/C disconnect.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com