[aluminum13]

Not my first post, but close enough. I'm looking to build a small storage shed, but I'm worried about the shed up against the brick. I rather not build onto (anchor) the brick wall, but instead having it be a freestanding structure with its own back wall.

Those skids on the ground would make the foundation. Left over from this project.

Quick and ugly sketch-up.

So if I make the back wall let's say plywood or OSB, how can I protect the brick from moisture damage? Tar paper? A housewrap product? Ideally the shed would be backed up against the wall as much as possible.

Otherwise, I've been suggested to leave air an air gap (anywhere from 1-6 inches) or just have studs up against the brick without sheathing, which I'm not averse to, I'd just like to hear more comments.

Main concerns are damage to the wall/leaving permanent marks if the shed had to be moved or torn down.

 

[moneymgmt]

Personally I think I would attach a ledger board to the brick just below the siding line and build off it, using the brick as the back wall of the shed. Could flash and caulk the transition from siding to shed roof. That way you're not destroying the brick and also not leaving a gap. My least favorite option would be building a separate structure with a 1" gap to the house.

 

[DaneHitchins]

Did you climb a tree to get that photo for the sketchup?? If so, nice job haha

What if you consider raising the top of the shed roof up about a foot higher and lagging it to the trim that runs above the window? Then you're screwing into a replaceable wood piece and you can run the back wall down flush to the brick without damaging it. Snug the foundation up against the brick at the bottom and then nail the bottom plate down solidly there so you dont have to go into the brick at the bottom either.

 

[aluminum13]

Personally I think I would attach a ledger board to the brick just below the siding line and build off it, using the brick as the back wall of the shed. Could flash and caulk the transition from siding to shed roof. That way you're not destroying the brick and also not leaving a gap. My least favorite option would be building a separate structure with a 1" gap to the house.

I agree the gap doesn't seem like a good way to go, and just brick on the back would be fine.

Did you climb a tree to get that photo for the sketchup?? If so, nice job haha

What if you consider raising the top of the shed roof up about a foot higher and lagging it to the trim that runs above the window? Then you're screwing into a replaceable wood piece and you can run the back wall down flush to the brick without damaging it. Snug the foundation up against the brick at the bottom and then nail the bottom plate down solidly there so you dont have to go into the brick at the bottom either.

Nope, just an illusion from the software. You can see the distortions.

You say nail the bottom plate down solidly "there" - where?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[rossfingal]

"You say nail the bottom plate down solidly "there" - where?"

What kind of foundation/piers/platform - are you going to place the
shed on?

rossfingal

 

[aluminum13]

"You say nail the bottom plate down solidly "there" - where?"

What kind of foundation/piers/platform - are you going to place the
shed on?

rossfingal

Skids. I mentioned them in the OP. They are 4x6. I'll paint them with a little extra copper green wood preservative. I think I'll lay down some blocks/pavers first and then put down the skids (they'll have to be dug into the ground for the shed to fit under the wooden siding if I want it to be a full 8 feet). I'll go around the edges of the skids with PT 2x4s and put plywood on top of it to make a box platform.

 

[rossfingal]

Sorry, missed "skids" in your first post!
The skids/plywood/"PT" 2 X 4's - would be what {Dane Hitchins} is
referring to - to secure it to.
Knowing that: the shed will move separately from the house.
Also, probably use "PT", plywood ?!

rossfingal

 

[aluminum13]

Just wasn't sure.

PT...pressure treated...

 

[rossfingal]

Yes!

rossfingal