Expert: Brian McElroy - 10/8/2006

Question
I just poured a concrete slab underneath my house(it is on stilts)and I need to know if flashing and caulking of some sort is required underneath the bottom plate of the walls. If so, what materials do you suggest? Thanks, Billy

Answer
I am not familiar with this type of construction. In Florida, we use all masonry products for exterior walls. Normally, if you are framing the walls and the bottom plate is sitting on the concrete, you can use a product called Black Jack or there are some butyl tape products on the market. I have used Black Jack in the past to seal out moisture and pests. I also would use a metal flashing as well as an added pretection. Maybe some 8" galvanized roof flashing. I also assume you know that all wood touching masonry is required to be pressure treated.... I hope this helps in answering the questions.  If not, Bruce johnson on this panel is very well versed in framing and additions. Best of luck with the project.