Reinforce 2x6 joists with steel strap

12 years ago

Redoing a 7x13 kitchen in a 1930's bungalo and the 2x6 joists 16" oc 13' span are not stiff (foot-o-meter) enough to support tile that the wife wants. Adding insult, a plumber in the past notched 5 of the joists about 5' from one end to clear a 3/4" pipe - so the joists have a "double sag", middle and at the notch point.

Came across the steel strap solution in two posts

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/repair/msg0915531723856.html

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/repair/msg0115032228209.html

Would Simpson SD fasteners be ok? Prefer them to conventional since they have a hex head - easier to install and can be torqued evenly. I can't tell if the shoulder is larger than the threads to make for an interference fit in the straps.

Would double strapping the area under the notch make sense?

Sistering is not an option - too many mechanicals in the way.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

brickeyee
12 years ago
Would Simpson SD fasteners be ok?"

Do they have a solid shank larger than the threaded portion?

The fit of the screws in the drilled holes in the strap is critical.
renovator8
12 years ago
Another easy way to do it is shown in the link below.

A Simpson WB wall bracing strap is 1 1/4" wide and 16 gauge

Here is a link that might be useful: joist reinforcement
Related Professionals
Hoffman Estates Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · De Pere General Contractors · Valley Stream General Contractors · Albany Painters · Aliso Viejo Painters · Cottage Grove Painters · Farragut Painters · Grayslake Painters · Hollywood Painters · Naples Painters · Pasadena Painters · Pearland Painters · Revere Painters · Ridgeland Painters · Red Bank Painters
brickeyee
12 years ago
"A Simpson WB wall bracing strap is 1 1/4" wide and 16 gauge "

And barely adds any real stiffness.
renovator8
12 years ago
I haven't tried it myself but the article says the floor was "substantially stiffened" and the strength of the strap in tension is over 3,000 lbs. so it's worth a try.
brickeyee
12 years ago
"strength of the strap in tension is over 3,000 lbs. "

That does not mean very much for this application, it s just advertising puffery.
captrichjackman
Original Author
12 years ago
Just a follow up:

Found a old-time hardware store that had boxes of old "cut thread" tapered wood screws. Flat head not fun to install but job is done and couldn't be any happier.

Now measured deflection with a dial indicator under the joists is .030" with a 290lb load walking across it (230lb guy carrying 60lb bucket of joint compound).

Forgot to do before and after measurements but walking on it is night and day different.
Agarwal
11 years ago
Hi captrichjackman,

I was wondering if you're still satisfied with the metal strapping you did to stiffen your joists.

Did you install the straps as per the link below? Is the tile still looking good?

Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: Metal strap installation

This post was edited by Agarwal on Thu, Apr 18, 13 at 0:38