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what is a band joist in construction

by Zula Oberbrunner PhD Published 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Band joists are visible from the outside of a house under construction, as solid lumber

Lumber

Lumber or timber is a type of wood that has been processed into beams and planks, a stage in the process of wood production. Lumber is mainly used for structural purposes but has many other uses as well.

blocks running along the frame of a floor system. The primary function of a band joist is to provide lateral support to other joist members in a floor or ceiling, consequently increasing their strength and stability.

The wood that butts up to floor joists and wraps around the perimeter of the floor framing is called a rim joist. They are also referred to as a band joist. If you look at a house from the outside as it's being framed, you'll notice a band of solid lumber running along the side of the floor frame.

Full Answer

What is an I joist used for?

step 2 How Far They Can Span

  • Joist engineering: Each manufacturer has engineering for each of their joist products. ...
  • The depth of the joist:
  • The length of the joist span: The joist span is the distance between the two supports.
  • Joist spacing: This is just a fancy way to say how close the joists are installed to each other. ...

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What size joist to use?

The tables provide the following information on them:

  • Floor Joist Spacing in inches (12, 16, 19.2, 24)
  • Species and Grade of Lumber
  • Various Lumber Size Options (2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12)
  • The maximum floor joist span based on the lumber size, species/grade, and spacing used.

What is a TJI floor joist?

  • Individual joists are more expensive the dimensional lumber joists
  • I-beam webs have rigid restrictions for hole size and placement
  • Truss joists are very expensive compared to other options

What are joists and trusses and rafters?

Joists and rafters are components used in the construction of buildings. Understanding the difference between them is essential for those working in the construction trades, while basic knowledge is useful for homeowners if repair and maintenance issues arise.

What is the difference between a rim joist and a band joist?

A rim joist's relationship to the joists is similar to what the top or bottom wall plate is to the studs. It is also confusingly called a header (header also refers to other framing components) or rim board. Collectively, the end joists and rim joists are called band joists, especially in regard to deck construction.

What does a band joist do?

The main job of a rim joist, also called a band joist, is to provide lateral support for the joists, to prevent the joists from leaning under the weight of the load-bearing walls resting on them. The rim joist also covers the ends of the joists to cap off the joist cavities, the open spaces between the joists.

What is a band joist on a deck?

Band/Rim Joist: Band joists, also sometimes called rim joists, are just joists at either the side or end of the deck. There's nothing special about them. In fact, unless you've got stairs attached to one of them, band/rim joists only have to carry a fraction of the load that the regular floor joists do.

Can you drill through band joists?

For those working with the less common open web or floor truss joists (Fig. B), the guidelines are simple: You can't notch or drill them anywhere.

What is the band joist area?

The outside ends of these joists and the space between them are covered with a band joist or "header." This band joist is usually the same size as the floor joists and runs around the entire perimeter of the building.

How do I find a band joist?

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How do you attach deck band joists?

Step 1: Attach Rim Joist Measure and cut the rim joists to length. Set one edge of a rim joist on the beam with the top edge of the other end flush with the ledger. Fasten the boards with two 3-inch deck screws. Fasten the other rim joist the same way.

Can you join two joists together?

The term “sistering” joists is the practice of overlapping two joists by a certain distance across a beam to create an extended joist. This is unusual in new deck construction and would only be necessary for very long spans that exceed the length of your longest boards.

Can a rim joist be a beam?

Attached or freestanding decks may use a double thick rim joist for a flush or inset beam instead of a drop or under support beam. The joists fasten to the double rim with joist hangers, and the supporting rim joist-beam provides a lower profile deck structure.

Are rim joists load bearing?

On a deck, the rim joist isn't typically considered load bearing unless a wall is built atop it. But it's still very important. They provide strength to the floor joists and keep them upright just like the floor joists inside a house.

Are ceiling joists load bearing?

The term joist, in construction, usually means a horizontal load-bearing structural member, so ceiling joists are load-bearing.

How long do floor joists last?

Wood floor trusses can be expected to last as long as the home itself (100+ years), if maintained in a stable, reasonabley dry environment. Moisture from excessive humidity, condensation, or plumbing leaks, along with termites are the problems that can shorten a floor truss life.

What Are Rim Joists For?

The main function of a rim joist is to provide support for the other joists. They’re nailed to the end of inside floor joists which creates an outer edge. This keeps the joists upright, level and strong.

Rim Joist Size & Material

Rim joists are usually made of the same material as the other joists. If your framing is wood then they’re generally wood. If they’re steel then the rim is typically also steel.However, in some cases we’ve built a rim out of steel with wood inside joists. This all depends on the architect and engineer and how strong they need the rim joist to be.

Do I Need A Rim Joist?

Yes, if your framing a house or a deck you’ll need a rim joist. They create the edge of your floor framing and close off the open edges.

Can You Drill Through A Rim Joist?

In most cases yes. When you run a pipe, vent or wires to the outside from a basement or crawl space, typically it’s done through the rim. A hole can be drilled through the rim, sheathing and siding to the exterior. As long as the hole isn’t too big it shouldn’t weaken the framing.

Can Rim Joists Be Replaced?

Yes. If a rim is damaged due to weather or insects it can be cut out and replaced. This is done from the outside of the house in sections.

How To Install Rim Joists

The direction floor joists run is determined by the architect or engineer. In general, floor joists run front to back on a rectangular house which is the shortest possible way. Architects try to keep the floor joists as short as possible to prevent flexing. The longer the span, the bigger the joists need to be.

Should You Insulate Rim Joists

In my opinion, the more insulation you can get the better. Insulation not only keeps a house warm in winter but also cool in summer. It helps regulate a consistent temperature which keeps energy costs down.

What is a rim joist?

The rim joist, or band board, is a part of your subfloor that carries the weight of your walls. It works in tandem with outer joists that form a band on your floor’s framework. In a home with two or more stories, the rim joist does more than bear the weight of the wall.

Where do joists go in a house?

Standard joists span from the front to the back in many rectangular homes. Such an arrangement ensures the joist gets enough lateral support and caps off cavities. Joists are usually set on the upper part of the basement or foundation wall and then nailed to the subfloor framing using nails.

What type of insulation should I use for rim joists?

Here are a couple of good options. 1) Spray foam insulation: Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a fantastic choice for insulating your exposed rim joists. It’s suitable for hard-to-reach areas as well.

Can you replace a rim joist that is water damaged?

This tends to happen a lot if the sill plate is installed next to the floor or wasn’t treated properly before installation. There’s no recourse for water-damaged joists but to replace them.

Does every house have a rim joist?

On a new house, a typical rim joist might be a 2×10 or 2×12. Older houses have all kinds of different rim joists, including 2x6s, 2x8s, or even square timbers like 8x8s. Some older balloon-framed houses lack rim joists—instead, the bottom plates of the wall framing (or the studs) sit directly on the mudsill.

Should rim joists be doubled?

You may want to install double rim joists across long sections to respond to the flexibility of the material. Also, take advantage of your extra materials by installing blocking around the perimeter. Using 12” on center joist spacing will strengthen the frame throughout the deck.

Why is spray foam insulation bad?

What’s worse is that improper application of the spray foam could have lingering consequences on your health. If you become exposed to the harmful chemicals in spray foam before it has a chance to fully cure, you could risk developing asthma or other breathing problems, along with eye and skin irritation.

Should I insulate between floor joists?

For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below.

How much does it cost to insulate a wheel joist?

The average cost to insulate a rim joist with spray foam is between $1,200 and $1,500, but could be even less after discounts and rebates.

Should I insulate floor joists in basement?

Any frame walls in the basement (as with a “walk-out” basement above ground level) should be insulated with fiberglass batts installed between the studs. The insulation should extend all the way down to the basement floor, or at least to below the “frost line” (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter).

Is it worth insulating under floor?

Crawl space insulation, as a part of overall home air sealing and insulation, helps maintain your entire home’s energy efficiency. Without insulation, heat and cool air are easily lost through the floor. Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs.

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