I'm planning on framing my basement with metal stud (2-1/2" x 10' 25-Gauge Drywall Interior Metal Stud). I have XPS foam 2" attached directly to the concrete wall. I plan to leave a 1/2"-1" air gap between the stud and the XPS and the Stud. I will use a sill sealer under the metal track.
I'm not sure of the best way to attach the bottom plate to the concrete floor. I was debating on using tap con screws or a power actuated ramset. Would the nail go through the metal stud ? My guess is the metal stud will stop the head of the nail. I've seen the nails get shot 1/4 inch into lumber before. I would prefer the ramset for speed. Also I'm debating if I should also apply construction adhesive since I'm using the Sill sealer. I would have to apply it to the bottom and top not sure if it would help out.
Best Answer
The U-shaped metal track that goes along the concrete floor to hold the studs is typically fastened to the floor with the short concrete nails put in place with the ramset method. The vertical metal studs are then put in place and they are attached to the up turned sides of the metal track using sheet metal screws. The screws most often used are ones that self pierce the metal and thread themselves in to secure the studs.
Note that the metal track and the metal studs are rather thin and offer little or no resistance to the placement of the ramset concrete nails.