QUESTION: Tim, I’ve never worked with metal joist hangers. How long have joist hangers been around? When I hold one in my hand I question whether it’s actually strong enough to support all the weight that will be resting in it! Are joist hangers safe? Are there any best practices when it comes to using Read More »
Wood Floor Trusses - So Many Advantages
Tim Carter demonstrates in a run-and-gun on-a-whim video how floor trusses save time and MONEY when installing pipes in a new home. More pictures and the story behind this video appeared in his March 31, 2019 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.
Jim Elliott had some engineered hardwood installed at his home in Encinitas, CA. However, the installers were rookies. Let Jim tell you why: "We just had engineered hardwood flooring installed in our living room and dining room by a contractor. I wasn't available to make an examination of the floor until after they had left our Read More »
Quick Column Summary: OSB roof boards swelling Pull off or cover over OSB OSB can swell and still be good Question builder on delays Steve, who's having a house built in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has a questionable builder. I see big trouble brewing. "We are having a home built and OSB boards were used for Read More »
Plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) has a grading system. The Engineered Wood Association has a labeling system to grade lumber for its recommended use. How to read the grading stamps and some sample OSB and plywood ratings are provided.
Plywood is very strong. You can use it even make plywood hurricane shutters. There are different plywood grades and plywood types such as CDX plywood and marine plywood. If you are building a home in an area raked by hurricanes, plywood is a great material to use, better then OSB.
Floors that bounce up and down when you walk across them are annoying. The floor may be structurally sound and built within code limits. In almost all cases, the floor can be fixed so that it is solid and does not bounce.
OSB or oriented strand board is made with special glues that can take getting wet repeatedly. Check to make sure it is in good shape, dry it out and then use it.
Engineered I joists offer many advantages. The floor joists can be purchased in varying depths with different flanges on the top and bottom. The I joists install in the same way as a traditional wood floor joist and make for a stiffer, squeakless floor.
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