How To Install Floor Joist Cross Bracing

On a low deck where blocking cannot be installed from underneath stretch a string from the house to the outside edge along each outside joint for a reference.

How to install floor joist cross bracing. Pieces are usually precut on a radial arm saw. To install the type shown here drive the toothed end into the joist and nail the other end. The usual procedure is to fasten only the top end of the cross bridging. Step 2 sagging floor joists.

End with 6d or 8d nails. You will have the floor joists which cross one another to form a grid. It is installed as shown in figure 1 26. As shown in figure 2 it is not unusual especially in new homes to find that the cross bridging has not been nailed to the bottom of the floor joists.

Bridging is removed to allow for the installation of duct work as shown in figure 3 dryer vent pipes plumbing drains water pipes and. On top of the floor joists is the subfloor which is typically a sheer or sheets of plywood. Measure the joist spacing before you go shopping. As a footstep falls on one joist some of the force is transferred to neighboring joists.

Other versions are just as easy to install and inexpensive. When you reach the underside of the floor you will be able to see several things. Cross bracing and solid blocking. Leave outside joists for last and install blocking from underneath.

Figure 2 incorrect installation of cross bridging. Adding two rows of bridging costs a few dollars per joist. Outside joists may not be spaced at 16 oc or may need to adjust to get the proper fit for decking. How to brace your floor studs.

Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight. Nails are started at each end before the cross bridging is placed between the joists. On top of that will be your main floor. Residential building code requires the use of cross bracing or blocking for floor joists exceeding 2 inches by 12 inches but many homes especially older ones have.

Mike installs galvanized steel briding in between the floor joists on this bedroom addition project in rocky hill ct. Bracing will stiffen a floor system prevent floor joists from twisting and increase overall stability however there are actually two types of floor joist bracing commonly used. Cross bridging is toenailed at each figure 1 26 wood cross bridging.