How To Install Metal Floor Bridging

Installing solid bridging is easy and it s a project that won t take very long.

How to install metal floor bridging.

Typically i joists are braced with metal strap cross bridging and truss style joists use continuous 2x4 lumber as bracing. Which system is easiest to install squeaks the least and holds up the longest. Solid bridging are the pieces that are put in between the floor joists so that they don t twist and warp. Correct installation of cross bridging top view for engineered floor joists such as i joists or trusses you must follow the manufacturers specifications for installing bridging.

Adding two rows of bridging costs a few dollars per joist. We set three 8d nails in the bottoms of 2x3 bridging and when i was an apprentice it was my job to go back a year later and drive the nails in. Figure 3 bridging removed for duct work although not as good as solid or cross bridging a 2 x 4 supporting the duct work as shown in figure 4 would provide more support and load sharing than a light piece of metal. I used metal strap bridging for years and was never happy with the results except for the drive in type that gives the same benefit of wood x in regards to joist shrinkage.

Metal bridging is less effective for eliminating bouncy joists than blocking but it is easier to install and may stiffen the floor for. Metal floor joist bridging the whole idea of bridging is to nail the top and come back a year later when the wood has dried out and nail up the bottom. To install the type shown here drive the toothed end into the joist and nail the other end. If span is greater than 16 use more than one pair.

With the top bottom nailed straps we would toe nail them and when plucked they would have a high pitched ring. Use metal bridging instead of wood blocking if you wish. From both ends of the span. An excellent galvanized steel product for outdoor patio decks.

The choice comes down to the details you described. Bridging is removed to allow for the installation of duct work as shown in figure 3 dryer vent pipes plumbing drains water pipes and lighting. If span is greater than 8 install on 2x8 or larger joists. If properly installed solid blocking any style of metal x type bridging and wood x type bridging again are equivalent in my book.

The joists shown here for example span 12 ft so we added rows of bridging 4 ft. Ez x bridging will help eliminate the floor from flexing and squeaking install easier look cleaner and also save labor installation costs. Support floor joists with a depth to thickness ratio of six or more with bridging at intervals not exceeding 8. Great for do it yourself homeowners.

Various types of metal bridging are available at home centers and lumberyards.