How To Install Cross Bracing In Floor Joists

The joists shown here for example span 12 ft so we added rows of bridging 4 ft.

How to install cross bracing in floor joists.

Cross bracing and solid blocking. When you reach the underside of the floor you will be able to see several things. Mike installs galvanized steel briding in between the floor joists on this bedroom addition project in rocky hill ct. Figure 2 incorrect installation of cross bridging.

Various types of metal bridging are available at home centers and lumberyards. Cross bracing or bridging is another system that reinforces a structure of a building just like blocking does. You can use cross bracing instead. 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.

As a footstep falls on one joist some of the force is transferred to neighboring joists. Installing solid blocking between the joists is the most effective method to lessen or. Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight. Joists can be strengthened by installing diagonal cross bracing using one by four lumber or metal strips.

Put on work gloves safety glasses and a dust mask. On top of that will be your main floor. Remove the crawl space cover at the outside of the foundation to access the underside of the floor joists for a first floor room. 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.

Step 2 sagging floor joists. Adding two rows of bridging costs a few dollars per joist. The difference is that the cross bracing uses two pieces of support in a diagonal shape that creates an x between the joists instead of a solid block in blocking. From both ends of the span.

Bridging is removed to allow for the installation of duct work as shown in figure 3 dryer vent pipes plumbing drains water pipes and. Even if your joists already have a row of bridging at the center of the span adding a row on each side of the existing bridging will stiffen the floor. On top of the floor joists is the subfloor which is typically a sheer or sheets of plywood.