I-Joist Floor Installation Notes

When constructing an I-Joist floor system, use the Custom Layout, Guides and the following notes for proper installation.

  • This layout is for the placement of I-Joist products only. 
  • Before laying out floor system components, verify that I-joist flange widths match hanger widths.  If not, contact your supplier.
  • Building Designer must verify all spans, locations and loadings for joists and beams. Project Coordinator to verify all lengths and quantities before ordering. 
  • Except for cutting to length, NEVER cut, drill or notch the top or bottom flange of the joists. 
  • Do not cut, drill or notch  LVL beams. 
  • Refer to I-Joist Installation Guide for proper installation instructions. 
  • Contractor to coordinate with mechanical, electrical and architectural drawings for the locations and sizes of floor / roof openings that will affect the location of joists and beams. 
  • Install I-joists so that top and bottom flanges are within 1/2 inch of true vertical alignment.
  • I-joists must be anchored securely to supports before floor sheathing is attached, and supports for mulitple-span joists must be level.
  • All joist and beams must have full bearing contact in hangers. Seat I-joists firmly in hanger bottoms to minimize settlement.  Also apply construction glue into seat of hangers during the installation of the joists and beams. 
  • Minimum bearing lengths:  1 3/4 inches for end bearings and 3 1/2 inches for intermediate bearings.
  • Leave a 1/16 inch gap between the IB I-joist end and a header.
  • Blocking to be I-joist unless otherwise noted. 
    Contractor is responsible for the safety of workers during erection of I-Joists. 
  • Restrain ends of floor joists to prevent rollover.  Use rimboard or equivalent, rim joists or I-joist blocking panels. 
  • Provide permanent lateral support of the bottom flange of all I-joists at interior supports of multiple-span joists.  Similarly, support the bottom flange of all cantilevered I-joists at the end support next to the cantilver extension.  In the completed sructure, the gypsum wallborad ceiling provides this lateral support.  Until the final finished ceiling is applied, temporary bracing or struts must be used.
  • Never install I-joists where they will be permanently exposed to weather, or where they will remain in direct contact with concrete or masonry.