Walls and Ceilings - Framing a wall

We want to remove an extra sliding glass door from the back of the house. We plan to turn it into a wall. We're on a concrete slab and I was simply going to copy the thickness of the existing frame around the existing sliding glass door.

Question 1:

There is a metal/aluminum flashing on the wall that I assume keeps the water out. What should I add to the base of the new wall to protect it from water? I mean do I put something between the bottom wood section and the concrete slab?

Question 2:

I'll use dry wall on the interior side of the wall. What materials do I use for the exterior side?

I guess I'll find out when I remove the sliding door. Don't worry, I'll be buying reference book as well. I just wanted a headstart.

Thanks!

Question 1 I will leave for someone more qualified. Frame in the wall with the same dimention studs as the existing wall. Usually 2x4. The outside is covered with plywood sheeting. Most of the time it is 7/16". But definitely measure what you have so you can match it. Then you will need a vapor barrior like Tyvek house wrap. Then match the siding. Insulate the stud cavity. Hand and finish drywall. Good luck.

What is on the exterior of the house? Wood siding, vinyl or steel siding, stucco? Whatever's there I'd match up, unless it's that junky laminated pressboard lap siding, then I'd say reside the house while you're at it. I suggest either vinyl siding or better yet fiber cement weatherboards.

The metal you described is called flashing, it's used for just what you thought, to prevent water from getting in around openings in the wall from the exterior. Not so much water running down the side of the house, but really more for wind blown rain during storms & such. If you're not sure what you've got on the outside, post some pics up on the web & post a link here, we'll help you get it figured out.