How to Attach a Sill Plate to the Side of a House

Place a length of 2-by-6 inch pressure treated lumber on top of the house's concrete foundation wall. Use your level to check that the 2-by-6 sill plate is perfectly plumb from end to end and side to side. Lay the plate onto the flattest portion of the wall to ensure the proper fit.

Drill pilot holes through the sill plate and into the concrete wall below. Use your hammer drill and 9/16 inch wood bit to cut through the plate, then switch to a 9/16 inch masonry bit to cut into the wall below. Remove the sill plate and hammer 9/16 inch expanding anchor bolts into the pilot holes. Three bolts per length of sill plate will suffice.

Apply a coating of sill sealer to the top of the foundation wall and the underside of the sill plate. Slide the sill plate back into position over the anchor bolts, and use your wrench to tighten the nuts over the washer and fasten the sill plate in position. Use your level to check the plate for plumb once more and add shims if necessary after tightening fully.

Repeat the process on all foundation walls until the entire surface is covered and plumb.