Floor Joists
Our team at Deska offers floor joist repair and replacement services for homeowners across Alexandria and the surrounding areas.
What are floor joists in a house?
Floor joists serve as supporting members that are utilized in constructing floors that bridge over an unobstructed area, and are positioned in a parallel and equidistant manner between load-bearing walls and structural beams. These joists connect to vertical members such as support beams and studs, which evenly distribute the weight throughout the framing.
Are floor joists load-bearing?
The load-bearing capacity is the key attribute of floor joists. They function as the primary support for upper levels and are responsible for transferring the weight to vertical supports within the foundation. Additionally, when upper levels are present, floor joists offer support to the walls.
Common Issues with Floor Joists
Floor joists are a critical component of a building’s structural integrity, but they are susceptible to various issues that can compromise safety and stability. Common problems include damage at bearing points, often caused by moisture or pest infestations, leading to rot and weakened connections to foundation walls. Cracks can also develop due to excessive load stress, poor installation, or natural settling of the building. These issues can result in uneven floors, squeaking, and, in severe cases, structural failure if not addressed promptly.
Is it OK to cut into floor joists?
The building code has established specific guidelines on where a floor joist can be cut, notched, or cored. These guidelines include limits on the depth and length of notches, and the size of core holes. The extent of these limits vary depending on the size of the floor joist and the vertical and horizontal location of the alteration along the span of the floor joist.
How to Properly Repair Floor Joists
When it comes to repairing cracked or damaged floor joists, it’s essential to use a method that restores the structural integrity of the floor while ensuring long-lasting results. Our team utilizes the “sistering” method, a proven technique that involves attaching a new joist—referred to as a “sister”—alongside the damaged one. This new joist is securely fastened with bolts or screws to the original joist, effectively reinforcing the weakened area and distributing the load more evenly across the floor. By using this method, we can strengthen the structure without the need for a complete joist replacement, minimizing disruption while ensuring the safety and stability of your home.
Do floor joists sag over time?
The structural integrity of your floor joists, which function as the support beams that hold up your floor, can be compromised over time due to the presence of moisture, leading to sagging. The cost of repairing a sagging floor will vary depending on the extent of the damage and how accessible your crawl space is.
How much are my floor joists allowed to sag?
The building codes that govern framed floors allow for some amount of sagging, which may seem concerning at first. However, the permissible limit is only 1/360 of the span, which is relatively minor. For example, if you had a 30-foot-long joist, the amount of sag permitted under this code would be just one inch.
Contact Us for Your Floor Joist Repair Needs
Ensure the safety and stability of your home with professional floor joist repairs from Deska. Our expert team is equipped to assess and address any joist issues, whether it’s repairing cracked or damaged joists or reinforcing your structure with our reliable sistering method. Don’t wait until minor issues become major problems—reach out to us today for a free estimate and personalized solution tailored to your specific needs. You can contact us by phone, email, or by filling out our online form. One of our specialists will promptly get in touch to discuss your project in detail and help you restore your home’s structural integrity.