Adding Cross Bracing To Floor Joists

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Adding cross bracing to floor joists.

Cut a piece of 2 by 6 or 2 by 8 lumber according to the width. 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. Place the lumber block between the two joists. Bracing will stiffen a floor system prevent floor joists from twisting and increase overall stability.

Because of this x shape one brace will be forced upon and under tension while the other brace will be compressed. Cross bracing and solid blocking. When cross bridging is used wood or metal the upper portion of the bridge is nailed into the top of the floor joist if it is metal. By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine nail bridging on all joists.

However there are actually two types of floor joist bracing commonly used. 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. 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 creaky uneven floors because. Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight.

This can allow for floors to be sturdier and more stable. A floor that bounces as you walk across it may just need to be stiffened with bridging which spreads the load on each joist to adjoining joists strengthening the whole floor. If it is wood it is nailed to the upper top of the side of the floor joist before the floor or sub floor is installed on the joists.