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Framing basement walls can be a tricky endeavor, even when the home’s foundation and basement floor is resting on solid bedrock. Framing basement walls in a home that was built on clay creates even more of a challenge, however it is not insurmountable. Floating basement walls can be constructed to handle expanding and contracting soils. Floating walls can be created by creating a 1 to 1.5 inch gap at the top of or bottom of the wall.

Though many prefer creating the gap at the bottom of the wall since you can hide the gap with baseboard trim, I prefer creating the gap at the top using some relatively simple technology.

These clips will enable the basement walls to breath (move up and down), but give the support necessary to ensure the wall remains vertical.

When framing basement walls there are typically many obstructions (pipes, duct work) that you need to build around. Thus, it is sometimes easier to stick build walls around these types of obstructions.

Framing Floating Basement Walls

When building your basement walls, you can attach L-shaped steel framing brackets to the top of the basement walls and then connect the vertical member of the brackets to the floor joist or blocking material.  Structural nails, recommended by the bracket manufacturer, should be used. The nails secure the bracket to the top of the wall plate and to the floor joist / blocking material. The nails are installed in the vertical channel of the L-bracket, that is attached to the floor joist / blocking material, so that that the floating basement wall can slide up and down

The L-shaped brackets allow the floor to move in the vertical direction but not in the horizontal direction. As a result, your basement walls stay plumb, and can breathe as the clay soils expand and shrink throughout the year.

When finishing a basement in a expansive clay soil area and creating a gap at the top of the basement walls, a dropped ceiling may be your best alternative for hiding the gap.

For more help on Finishing Basements, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's Basement Remodeling Bid sheet. The Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet will help ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your basement remodeling project is done correctly and you get the project finished on time and budget.

How to Finance your Basement Remodeling Project -  can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is required.

Related Basement Remodeling and Framing Basement Wall Information 

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- Framing Floating Basement Walls -

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