How To Install Metal Floor Bridging

From both ends of the span.

How to install metal floor bridging.

Solid bridging are the pieces that are put in between the floor joists so that they don t twist and warp. An excellent galvanized steel product for outdoor patio decks. 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. Use metal bridging instead of wood blocking if you wish.

Before you begin make sure you have all of the materials you need to complete it. The choice comes down to the details you described. Measure out the distance from one floor joist to another. Various types of metal bridging are available at home centers and lumberyards.

Adding two rows of bridging costs a few dollars per joist. Which system is easiest to install squeaks the least and holds up the longest. The joists shown here for example span 12 ft so we added rows of bridging 4 ft. If properly installed solid blocking any style of metal x type bridging and wood x type bridging again are equivalent in my book.

Metal bridging is less effective for eliminating bouncy joists than blocking but it is easier to install and may stiffen the floor for. To install the type shown here drive the toothed end into the joist and nail the other end. If span is greater than 8 install on 2x8 or larger joists. 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.

Ez x bridging will help eliminate the floor from flexing and squeaking install easier look cleaner and also save labor installation costs. 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. Support floor joists with a depth to thickness ratio of six or more with bridging at intervals not exceeding 8. 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.

If span is greater than 16 use more than one pair. Typically i joists are braced with metal strap cross bridging and truss style joists use continuous 2x4 lumber as bracing. With the top bottom nailed straps we would toe nail them and when plucked they would have a high pitched ring. Tension bridging works only in tension so must be used in cross pairs.

Great for do it yourself homeowners.