Ceiling Joist Strongback Framing

The strongback is a plank of wood stood on its side to provide strength which sits on the ceiling frame and intersects with each joist at the point of the sag.

Ceiling joist strongback framing. With this application the strongback joist works in conjunction with the beam to help keep floors and ceilings level even if the support or weight bearing beam should begin to deteriorate over time. 2x4 s actual size spaced 16 on center running the width of the building uninterrupted with the ends resting on top of the wall top plate. 2 x 12 s are not listed because you can span pretty much whatever you want.

Open joist recommends the use of strongback bridging to enhance the performance of floor systems. If you need a pathway across the strongback for an hvac or plumbing run you can cut the strongback making sure that no less than 3 joists are connected per strongback segment. Strongbacks interconnect joists to share vibration amongst floor members so ideally they run across a maximum number of joists.

Strongback bridging is an excellent and inexpensive way to improve the overall rigidity of the floor system and eliminate vibration. While such bridging does not affect the strength or structural integrity of a floor system and therefore is not a required component of open joist floor systems it is strongly recommended because of the positive effect it has on comfort. Although 2 x 4 s are included in the official table they are not listed because it is never advised to use them.

In a home a strongback is often a beam that is used to reinforce the efficiency of floor and ceilings joists within the construction. Simpson strong tie offers a diverse line of hangers to handle almost any application with top flange concealed flange and field skewable and slopeable options. I d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage.

The same general concept may be used to reinforce staircases by attaching the strongback bracing to the stringers on the staircase making it possible for the. This ceiling joist span table is based on the 2012 irc for uninhabitable attics with limited storage. It covers 2 common lumber species and sizes at 20 pounds per square foot load.

It serves to make the floor more comfortable for those living and working in a structure. Strongbacks can be altered to allow hvac installations as long as three 3 consecutive joists are attached.