What to do where wall panel meets slab?

[renloy]

So I have a pole barn with a concrete floor. When I'm installing wall panels (osb or metal) should there be a gap between the floor and the panels? I'm thinking yes, because the floor is just a slab on grade and will behave differently than the posts buried below frost line. Thoughts?

 

[wssix99]

So I have a pole barn with a concrete floor. When I'm installing wall panels (osb or metal) should there be a gap between the floor and the panels? I'm thinking yes, because the floor is just a slab on grade and will behave differently than the posts buried below frost line. Thoughts?

Yes. Moisture will wick through or rust whatever touches the floor. Interior drywall is the same. (with a little gap at the bottom)

I would recommend putting in a gap and then closing the distance with a resilient (or sacrificial) molding appropriate for the conditions.

 

[renloy]

I think I'm going to set it 1.5" off the floor and then use some rubber baseboard stuff to cover the gap. Waterproof and flexible.

 

[Cougar]

Could use a treated 1 x at the base.

 

[renloy]

I'm trying to not have anything solid up against the floor because I'm worried about it moving when the ground starts freezing. I think I read somewhere that when you do that it's going to want to lift the poles up out of the ground.

 

[kbs2244]

You have the idea.
The rubber base board is the way to go.

Glue it to the floor so it slides up and down the wall.

The posts go below the frost line and will not move, but your slab floor may.

 

[willymakeit]

Depends on where you are and how poles were installed. Some areas put sleeves around poles for frost jacking.
Where are you so locals can chime in?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd leave a half inch gap or so and fill the gap with some caulk.

 

[renloy]

MD. Posts weren't sleeved, but I did put XPS foam board around the perimeter of the building to separate the wood from the slab.

Glue it to the floor so it slides up and down the wall.

Great idea. Definitely will do that.

 

[brownbagg]

at the edge of the slab, u float in a 1x1 so the panels will overlap the edge of the slab

( this will keep the mice to a minimum)

 

[LXCam]

I'd leave a half inch gap or so and fill the gap with some caulk.

I'm with Eric, 1/2" is all you need. All an inch and a half will do is kill nailing to the plate and create a weak point center of the studs unless you double plate the bottom.

 

[renloy]

I'm with Eric, 1/2" is all you need. All an inch and a half will do is kill nailing to the plate and create a weak point center of the studs unless you double plate the bottom.

Shouldn't be an issue since I'm going to put in bookshelf girts between the posts.