Sill plate

Abstract

A sill plate adapted to support drywall above a floor surface to prevent the formation of mold in the drywall. The sill plate has a base section and a first wall associated with the base section. A first shelf is associated with the first wall. The first shelf is adapted to support drywall. The sill plate may also include a second wall associated with the base section where the second wall is opposed from the first wall. The second wall may include a second shelf associated with the second wall. Each of the first shelf and second shelf may extend along a plane parallel to a plane passing through the base section. Drywall may rest on the first shelf prior to being affixed to vertical studs extending from the sill plate.

1 . A method of erecting a wall, said method comprising:
 installing a sill plate against a floor surface, the sill plate comprising a base section with two elongate sides and two ends, a first wall extending from the base section along a first of said sides to a first wall end, and a first shelf associated with the first wall between the base section and the first wall end, leaving an upper portion of said wall exposed, the first shelf extending along a plane substantially parallel to a plane formed by the base section;   installing studs adjacent the first wall and above said base section;   supporting a first sheet of drywall on the first shelf above the floor surface and against said upper portion of said first wall;   affixing the first sheet of drywall to the studs.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sill plate further comprises a second wall extending from the base section and a second shelf associated with the second wall, the second shelf extending along a plane substantially parallel to a plane formed by the base section, the method further comprising:
 supporting a second sheet of drywall on the second shelf above the floor surface;   affixing the second sheet of drywall to the studs.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said step of installing studs adjacent the first wall locates the studs between the first wall and the second wall. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said step of supporting drywall on the first shelf elevates the drywall above the floor surface at least ¼-inch. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first shelf extends from the first wall to a free end, the free end being the terminus of said shelf. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said exposed upper wall portion is substantially linear. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first shelf extends to an end and said first sheet of drywall has a thickness greater than the width of said first shelf such that said drywall extends beyond the end of said first shelf. 
   
   
       8 . A kit of components for use in framing construction, said kit comprising:
 a sill plate, the sill plate comprising a base section, a first wall associated with said base section, a first shelf associated with said first wall, said first shelf adapted to support drywall; and,   at least one stud.   
   
   
       9 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said sill plate further comprises a second wall associated with said base section and a second shelf associated with said second wall, said second shelf extending outwardly with respect to said first wall. 
   
   
       10 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said kit further comprises at least two sill plates. 
   
   
       11 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said first shelf extends from said first wall to a terminus of said first shelf along an essentially linear path. 
   
   
       12 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said first wall includes a first wall end opposite said sill plate, said shelf extending from said first wall below said first wall end, leaving an exposed area of said first wall above said first shelf. 
   
   
       13 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein said exposed area of said first wall is substantially linear. 
   
   
       14 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said stud is either a wood stud or a metal stud. 
   
   
       15 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said shelf is adapted to support drywall above the level of said base section.