How many TapCons to use ?

[sid]

When securing a basement wall to the floor/slab, how many TapCons should be used ? If you build the wall in 8' sections and use a two Tapcons at either end, is this enough ?

Thanks

[Craig M]

TapCons are great, make sure they are long enough to go at least as deep in the slab as your plate is thick, 2x plate, 3 inch tapcon, but I would use a couple in every stud bay, say, 2 inches from the stud, I would want the plate anchored down well, or you can use the powdered acutated fastners and shoot them down.

[sid]

What I bought at HomeDepot was 3/16" x 2 & 3/4". That seemed to be the standard, so I figured that is what was designed for this application ? This will not be a weight barring wall, Just need it to stay in place. I also plan to use a bead of PL400.

[Mike Paulsen]

sid wrote: (snip)

You need a minimum 1" and a maximum 1-3/4" in the concrete. 2-3/4" screws every 16" would be fine.

[Voyager]

It depends on the loads the wall must withstand. Depending on your locale, the number and size of fasteners needed will vary dramatically. If you have substantial seismic forces to design for, then what you suggest will be woefully inadequate.

Matt

[sid]

And the glue (PL400) wont make up the difference ?

[DanG]

You are installing a non load bearing partition wall. A bead of

400 would be totally adequate, but a few thorns will make it stay till set. A pin about every 4 feet will do fine. If you are using lumber, you may need them closer to take the warp out of the plate, but you don't need any more for any other reason. Make sure each side of a doorway is very well anchored, the only thing that has the potential to move.

[Rudy]

standard, so I figured that is what was designed for this application ? This will not be a weight barring wall, Just need it to stay in place. I also plan to use a bead of PL400.

[sid]

When anchoring down the doorway, how close together is too close ? I would think that drilling holes in the slab any closer than 1.5" would be the min ? Any closer might cause a stress crack between the holes ?

How many anchors do I need on either side of the door ?

[DanG]

This is a bit subject to the size and holding power of the fasteners, "the bite" of the fastener, the weight of the door, etc. Someone (think angry wife) slamming a solid core door will certainly jar a door casing and wall much more than a hollow core. You can tell if the anchor got a good bite. I prefer Powers NailIn anchors. when setting steel door jambs, two on each side. Your issues are different, one good anchor will suffice if you feel it grab well. Tapcons are great, but there are certainly other commercial anchors. I prefer drilling a hole through base plate and concrete with a masonry bit, inserting one or several pieces of electrician's wire or tie wire and driving a nail in the hole. You'll need a 4' crowbar to pull them out.

[Art]

Consider that someday there may be teenagers rough-housing down there.

[jobo3050]

[e-mail]

jburkhart@=E2=80=8Bspringfield=E2=80=8Bclinic.com

[Charlie067]

At least 5. I think call your local building inspector for your area. Then you'll be sure. That's what there for is to keep you and your family safe. There is no guessing, when it comes to safety. Charlie