SECTION 5: Bottom Track Installation

The most important part of any room installation is to make sure the room is square to the house. This is essential in the building process.

Room wall and roof dimensions and heights can be found on the C-Thru Room layout sheet. The C-Thru Room layout is the original drawing the room was confirmed with. The layout sheet is divided into two sections, wall system and roof. The wall drawing will show the three sections of the walls from the perspective of standing outside the room. Thus, the left wall of the room is found in the upper left corner of the sheet.The wall height listed is the module height. It does not include the bottom track height, header beam height or the height of the roof. You must take this into consideration when determining your attachment height. The wall projections listed on the sheet are exterior to exterior dimensions and include the measurements of the bottom tracks. Use this layout sheet as a reference when placing your tracks and attachment channels.

 

sunrooms

5-1. Squaring the Slab or Deck
Once the site preparation are complete, measure the slab or deck to make sure it has been constructed to support the dimensions of the sunrooms. The room dimensions are found on the C-Thru room layout sheet. In addition, make sure the slab or deck is plumb and square. Measure the diagonals "A" and "B" as shown in Figure 5.1. They should be the same distance apart.

5-2. Marking the Width of the Room
Indicate the width of the room at the house wall and mark it on the foundation. This measurement should match indicate the width on the room layout sheet. See Detail C in Figure 5.2.

5-3. Outlining the Footprint of the Room
The sidewall measurements can be found on the C-Thru room layout sheet. Snap a chalk line where the exterior side of the bottom track will be attached to the foundation for the left, right and front wall. See Details D in Figure 5.2. These chalk lines will indicate where the sidewalls and the front walls will intersect. A 45-degree cut will have to be made at these intersections to the bottom track. Once again, the dimensions provided on the C-Thru room layout are exterior dimensions and should match those chalked on the foundation.

sunrooms

Note: Measure diagonal lines from the opposite comers of your chalk lines. Lines "E" and "F" in Figure 5.2 should be equal and would therefore indicate that your chalk lines are square.

5-4. Cutting the Bottom Track
The bottom tracks for your job will arrive in stock lengths. They will need to be measured for the correct size and cut to length. These measurements can be confirmed on the C-Thru room layout as well as the chalk lines on the foundation of the front and side walls (see Figure 5.3).

NOTE: MAKE SURE THE WEEP HOLES ARE FACING OUTWARD!

 

RETURN TO SITE

COVER

SECTION 1:

SECTION 2:

SECTION 3:

SECTION 4:

SECTION 5:

SECTION 6:

SECTION 7:

SECTION 8:

SECTION 9:

SECTION 10:

SECTION 11:

SECTION 12:

SECTION 13:

SECTION 14:

SECTION 15A:

SECTION 15B:

SECTION 16:

SECTION 17:

SECTION 18:

APPENDIX:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sunrooms
   
5-5. Pre-drilling the Bottom Track
The bottom track will be attached to the foundation using fasteners. Fasteners must be positioned on the bottom track where each module joins the next (module joint). The distance between each module joint can be found on the C-Thru room layout sheet. Mark the location of each joint on the bottom track. At each module joint, pre-drill two 1/4" holes about 3" apart down the center screw line of the bottom track (as shown in Figure 5.4 and 5.5). There is a sealant reservoir on the under portion of the bottom track that separates the interior and exterior hal of the bottom track, it looks like a "fin." If properly sealed, the sealant reservoir will prevent water from penetrating the room from under the bottom track. You will need to make sure the holes are drilled to the exterior hal of the extrusion (see Figure 5.4).
   
sunrooms  
WARNING: Do not drill to the interior on the bottom track.

5-6. Pre-Drilling the Foundation
Place the outside of the bottom track on the foundation and line them up with the chalk lines. First drill into the foundation with a masonry bit (for concrete) or regular drill bit (for decks) through the first hole that you closest to the house wall in each sidewall bottom track. Temporarily secure each side wall bottom track to the foundation with one lag screw or nail set. This temporary attachment will act as a fixed pivot point to square the bottom track. Once the bottom track is square, drill the remaining foundation holes needed to anchor the bottom track. Once all foundation holes are drilled, remove the bottom track and clear the debris left from the drilling with a broom or shop vacuum. NOTE: Use the appropriate bits and fasteners for wood or concrete applications.

5-7. Sealing and Attaching the Bottom Track
Once the bottom tracks have been cut, pre-drilled, and the foundation holes predrilled, the bottom tracks are ready to be attached to the foundation. Turn the bottom track upside down and run a bead of caulk in the sealant reservoir (see Figure 5.6). You should also bead over the drill holes you have made. Place the bottom track back next to your chalk line and begin anchoring the bottom track. Remember, the chalk line should line up with the exterior of the bottom track. Seal the coroners of the bottom track and the top of the fasteners with silicone sealant.

Note: A polyurethane sealant may be substituted to seal bottom tracks to concrete. Wood foundations should be sealed with an "L" metal flashing and silicone (Figure 5.6).

5-8. Finishing Bottom Track
Repeat this process for all bottom track attachments. When finished, the bottom track should look like Figure 5.7.

sunrooms

Home

Copyright 2007 California | Sunrooms | Patio Rooms | Garden Rooms by roompro.com