Pumping Water
The project was delayed because of the high cost of lumber in June and July. During the waiting period the basement had collected 4 inches of water from the summer rains. Siphoning the water out was not successful, but the water had to come out of there before the space was closed up. Here is what it looked like before with the water.
Sump Pump Link
Seal Plate
After the basement was all dry it was time to put down the seal plate. Pressure treated 2 X 8’s were used, and a foam seal was put under them to stop air drafts. The holes for all the anchor bolts had to be marked, drilled, and then bolted down with large fender washers and 1/2" nuts. All the surfaces on the foundation and basement must have seal plates before adding the floor joists. You can see the finished product below.
Floor Joist
The floor joists are framed with 2 X 8 douglas fur. The part over the storm shelter/basement was framed to the FEMA standard of 12" on center and the other areas 16" on center. The joist were hung from a plate attached to the original house. The complete floor was screwed together with 3" construction screws for strength. You can see an opening framed on one side that will be for the stair case going into the storm shelter.
