wood stud wall: why bottom plate pressure-treated?

[hippo11]

Why is wood that is in contact with masonry or concrete pressure-treated? Some kind of moisture issue?

 

[boo1]

Dampness in the concrete foundation can be absorbed by the sill plate, making it attractive to carpenter ants, termites and wood rot.

 

[COEngineeer]

Yes, for moisture issue especially because your foundation wall is in contact with the soil and can get pretty moist.

 

[concretemasonry]

Any attachements to treated wood must use approved nails, screws and hardware. If untreated studs are attached to treated plates and sills, special nails must be used because of the corrosive effects of the treatment chemicals.

I have not checked, but it seems there might be some places where untreated wood may be in contact with concrete. - Possibly on an interior column or wall well above grade.

Dick

 

[PMR06]

IBC 2304.11.2.3 States that sills on concrete or masonry that is in direct contact with earth shall be naturally durable or pressure treated.