sill gasket necessary?

[jjcold]

I know I posted about this before, but I'm going to ask again. Is it absolutely necessary to install a sill gasket between the concrete foundation and a pressure treated sill plate? and, is it possible that you can't see it once it is installed. Because I sure as heck cannot see one on my new house. It would be a bit late to put it in now, the rafters went up today! thanks!

[jjcold]

Someone who is knowlegable in this area please respond to my question, I'm going crazy about this! I can't imagine why they wouldn't put a sill gasket in, yet it is far too late to put it in now. What might happen down the road because of this? I am very allergic to mold and it rains a lot here. Should I be very wary of this builder? should I walk away from this house deal? I would hate to, very nice floor plan on a very nice, huge lot! Thank you.

[CurtisS]

The gasket is not absolutely necessary although it is nice have it installed. It may be worth finding out if codes in your area require it as sounds like you have alot on the line. Have you asked the builder about this?

If there is no gasket, an alternative would be to try to seal any gaps with an insulating foam, or caulking.
Good luck.

Ciao for now!

CurtisS

[jjcold]

thank you for your reply, CurtisS. what is the function or purpose of this gasket? If it is mainly to stop air infiltration, I'm not too worried about it since caulking later could also do that. Also, I have my windows open year round, even in the dead of winter, so I guess I really don't need an air tight house. But I've also heard it is to prevent wicking of water from the foundation to the sill plate. will that be a problem?

[CurtisS]

It is mostly for creating an air-tight seal for insulation purposes. It can also help keep the bugs out.

Ciao for now!

CurtisS

[jjcold]

Thanks for your help, Curtis. I'm not a contractor, so I'm learning a lot by asking questions. I guess I don't get why you would need a sill gasket to keep air or bugs out of the crawl space anyway? This isn't a seal between the decking and the sole plate of the wall, but between the foundation top and the sill plate where the rim joist and floor joists sit. I know you know that, not sure I was making my self clear. On the back side of that is the open crawl space which is vented anyway? Maybe I'm just not getting it...?