Floor I joists

[Bruce A. King]

Picture from a pre-drywall (basement ceiling) inspection but could be found also on a completed house.

The only answer I would have is, "what does the manufacturers specification note with regards to hole sizes and spaces?

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by twheeler

The only answer I would have is, "what does the manufacturers specification note with regards to hole sizes and spaces?

One would certainly think by looking at the engineered joists an issue exists.

But like Tyrone said, when an engineered joist is used, one would need to see the manufacturers guidelines regarding........

Drilling with a Chain Saw..........or very large Hole Saw.....

[ccoombs]

In general, my answer would be 2, 3, and 4. No I-joist manufacture allows that size or number of holes, period. However, I have worked with several I-joist manufactures to design floor joist for this exact situation.

As a home inspector or third party engineer this situation should be a read flag. Supporting documentation should be requested. Not doing so would be a liability in my opinion.

[Robert J. OConnor]

Since an HI is not certifying capacity or compliance, APA Guide #Z725 can be used as a general reference for I-Joists.

Actually that may be close to being acceptable (workmanship aside), as I-Joists generally can have multiple holes almost the entire web depth as long as they are not near an end and spaced with at least 2 x Hole Diameter of clearance (see page 16-18 of the APA guide available at www.apawood.org).

JMO & 2-nickels ...

[rwand1]

The holes look larger than allowed, and the holes do not look round indicating improper enlargement or knock-outs have been enlarged.

http://www.trusjoist.com/EngSite/lit...ex.cfm?#search
http://www.trusjoist.com/PDFFiles/2031.pdf

Downloadable pdf framers guide.

[Patrick Bolliger]

Second joist from top of picture give you a clue (Right side).. These "holes" were field modified. Notice that the "hole" is not a perfect circle knock out.
At first I was thinking that the sizes maybe fooling since this "insulation" (looks like insulated ducting) maybe fooling but the spacing and number of holes, is just to much per the APA guide that Raymond's link posted.
Great info Raymond!

Floor a little "bouncy"...hmmmm

[rwand1]

This would be a good topic at regional meeting groups. I don't see many engineered floor joists, but some can be very confusing particularly when and where blocking is required, et ceteras.

[rwand1]

If there are too many large holes ( I voted for too many large holes) the whole joist is not safe. Hmmmm.

Truss Joists systems are not covered in the building code part 9, but rather is covered under manufacturers guidelines. Some truss joists come with webbing

[ccoombs]

There are too many variables in this situation. I work with a floor joist company that markets their product for these exact situations. They provide calculations, details, exact dimensions for hole sizes and locations, as well as shop drawings. Stating the floor system is “not safe” when this may not be the case undermines the client/homeowner’s confidence in builder and the home. Additional information is needed from the builder and/or engineer.

As for the floor joist with webbing, you typically can get a larger duct in the joist with a web.

[rwand1]

Too many variables = further investigation by structural engineer. By the photographic evidence it appears there is very little webbing left to maintain integrity. It would be interesting to find out if in fact these joists are up to snuff.

[Timothy J. Gardner]

There is a company here in VA that manufactures the cure for those I-joists.

Check this out:
http://metwood.com/span/reinforcer.htm

TG

[rwand1]

Timothy,
Thanks that is a great site, an innovative product! It appears that it can also be used on regular joists as well. This gives credibilty to my theory that notched or cut joists can be sistered without sistering running the full length of damaged/cut joists.

Thanks,

[William C. Martin]

I had an inspection that we questioned the I-beam joists. Checked with manufacture, e-mailed a few pics. They had a rep come by and look. It all checked out, but if you went by manufactures specs it was questionable.

Give a call, see what the manufactures says.