Floor Joist Blocking Installation

It s not a building code thing and it s not optional you ll more than likely have to install some blocking to complete your wall framing.

Floor joist blocking installation.

Straight line blocking gives the neatest appearance but is the most difficult to install. Walking on joists before all accessories and floor decking are installed i joists are unstable and can roll over if walked on leading to injuries. Don t allow your crew to walk on i joists or install subfloor sheathing until all hangers blocking panels and temporary safety bracing strapping are fully installed. Establish a permanent deck sheathing fastened to the first 4 feet of joists at the end of the bay or braced end wall.

Making professional blocks to make the blocks i cut sections of i joist 1 inches smaller than the space between the joists. Engineered i joists can span long distances to make a flat and solid subfloor. So one of the last things that need to be done before sheathing the deck is to fill in with blocking. Look for high low uneven joists using a tight string line.

However blocking can provide both rigidity and stability to a frame and depending on the size of the joists may even be required by code. Use a water management system such as a drip cap or flashing wherever framing meets the home to move moisture away from the home and deck. Joists must be level and in plane for a flat surface. Safety bracing of 1x4 minimum must be nailed to a braced end wall or sheathed area and to each joist.

This provides a symmetrical pattern while also making installation simpler since fasteners can be driven into the end of each block through the joists rather than toe nailing. The plan for this deck called for more joists to be sistered on at the beam. Once the structure is completed the floor sheathing provides lateral support for the top flanges of the i joist. I needed some blocking or this wall was not going up.

Blocking for wall framing are short pieces of 2 by 4 that you install between two joists of the basement ceiling. After several centuries of service floor joists in older homes may sag or crack. Install temporary bracing or temporary sheathing to prevent i joist from rolling over or buckling. Skipping the installation of blocking on floor joists can be tempting as the process is somewhat labor intensive.

Blocking is required at interior support when i joists are applied continuously over interior supports. To install align the block to the marks and through screw or nail one end. For this situation the blocking needs to be installed in line to allow the end of the sistered joist to rest on the beam top. Tying the joists together with blocking makes the floor even stronger and stiffer.

How to make floor joists stronger.