Floor Joist Softening

A springy or spongy feeling could indicate a minor issue a major problem or.

Floor joist softening.

Since this is a repair of a faulty or damaged floor joist it is imperative to do this project correctly and there are a few big mistakes to avoid. A day until they re level. Tack a beam under the sagging joists. No one likes the feel of a supposedly solid floor bouncing or sagging underfoot.

Some newer homes have manufactured i beam shaped joists. Nailing two 2x4s together will work to span about three joists unless the sag is under a weight bearing wall. If you want to attach drywall to the ceiling later you ll have to install strips of 3 4 in. Long sheets are centered on the span leaving the ends of the joists exposed.

Choose ring shank nails or screws that are long enough to penetrate the joists by 11 2 in and space them every 6 in. Properly sistering floor joists is very important and should not be rushed to save time. Plywood or 1 4 to the undersides of the exposed joist ends. Ceiling joists are usually 2 by 6s or sometimes 2 by 4s if it is an older home.

Then set new joists same height as existing ones alongside the old. Joists and orient panel ends over joists. Add an additional row of fas teners midway between the joists to pull the layers tightly together. Set a hydraulic jack and post under the beam and jack up the joists about 1 8 in.

When installing on the underside of the joists the process is the same. The plywood runs parallel to the joists not across them. Floor joists are typically 2 by 8s 2 by 10s or 2 by 12s.