Floor Joist Blocking Vs Bridging

Yet it is not uncommon to find bridging not properly installed or missing all together.

Floor joist blocking vs bridging.

Metal bridging is less effective for eliminating bouncy joists than blocking but it is easier to install and may stiffen the floor for. For example with bridging installed between joists a piano leg sitting over one 2 10 is actually supported by several. Adding two rows of bridging costs a few dollars per joist. Floor joist bridging vs blocking i like laying 1 1 8 super flat easy to pound t g together dropping a 2x6 from a floor above doesn t put a hole in it.

To install the type shown here drive the toothed end into the joist and nail the other end. Various types of metal bridging are available at home centers and lumberyards. There are many different opinions on why to block floor joists the process behind doing it and how it helps the floor structure. I ve always used a lift for upper floors though.

Floor joist bridging is critical to the structural strength of a floor as shown in figure 1. In addition to providing lateral support blocking helps transfer weight to adjacent joists so that the floor acts as a unified system. From both ends of the span. Probably the most commonly used technique is to install small pieces of material in a zig zag pattern between the perimeter joists to create a rigid rim joist that prevents bounce and increases the strength of the rail attachment.

The weight of the piano is centered over a single joist but the bridging transfers some of the weight to the adjacent joists. The joists shown here for example span 12 ft so we added rows of bridging 4 ft. Use metal bridging instead of wood blocking if you wish. The blocking or bridging between joists or rafters also contributes to this phenomenon.