Floor Joist Cross Bracing Has Moved

Figure 1 cross and solid bridging with load on floor.

Floor joist cross bracing has moved.

Simpson strong tie tension bridging galvanized steel the ltb s are used in floor systems to resist the overturning of floor joists and features a staggered nail pattern. Figure 2 incorrect installation of cross bridging. Meaning the top end was nailed but the bottm ends were not. How to brace your floor studs.

I have also observed that no twisting or movement issues were found and many homes are 20 years or older. 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. Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight. Would you consider this an issue after 30 years of no problems and would you recommend they be finished.

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. 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. Whether your home is new or old it is sometimes necessary to install floor joist bracing in order to eliminate squeaking and deflection in the flooring itself. 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.

As a footstep falls on one joist some of the force is transferred to neighboring joists. Cross bracing and solid blocking.