UNBOLTED SILL PLATES
Sill plates are the first line of defense in
holding back the lateral wall pressures from
wind, quakes, and shifting soils. Without
proper bolting, the rim joist will do the
twist, while foundation walls do the limbo.
All sill plates must be properly bolted to
the top of the foundation, whether it's a
block or concrete wall, spread or trench
footing, or a concrete slab. Steel anchor
bolts should be a minimum of 1/2 inch in
diameter, embedded not less than 7 inches
into the concrete, and spaced not more
than 6 feet apart. An anchor bolt should be
located within 12 inches of the end of each
sill plate and each