How to fix a cracked joist?


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Old 01-15-11, 04:59 PM
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How to fix a cracked joist?

A few months ago I was asking questions in the flooring forum about whether my squeaking kitchen floor could handle ceramic tile. Well, I found out why it squeaked. Before Thanksgiving, our dishwasher leaked. It leaked so much that the ceiling in the basement came crashing down. When I had a chance to inspect the joists in the basement ceiling, I saw that the joist below the kitchen floor was cracked.

My floor joists ares made of top and bottom 2x4s with metal trusses in between. Here's a picture (turned sideways) of what the joists look like:http://photos2.walmart.com/walmart/s...otsi=SPIClink/

Under the squeaking part of the kitchen floor, the top 2x4 that makes up the joist is cracked. I believe it was installed cracked.

What is the best way to repair the top 2x4 that makes up the joist?

Thanks all in advance. - E Steve K
 
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Old 01-15-11, 05:07 PM
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Your link only takes us to Wallyworld, not to your pictures. Try this http://forum.doityourself.com/electr...your-post.html.
Also, until your pix come in, surely it isn't a 2x4. Maybe a 2x8 or 2x10.
We'll wait on the pix and clarification.
 
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Old 01-15-11, 05:20 PM
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Trying again: http://photos2.walmart.com/walmart/v.../otsi=SPIClink

As you can see, the joists are made of 2x4s.
 

Last edited by estevek; 01-15-11 at 05:54 PM.
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Old 01-16-11, 05:03 AM
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They are engineered trusses, not just 2x4's.
Do not cut them and do not drill through the chords. I cannot see the crack, but if you wanted to stiffen it, you can apply a 2x6 laid flat against the cracked 2x4 and screw it in to not only the cracked truss chord, but the vertical pieces as well. I would make the repair as long as possible.
 
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Old 01-16-11, 09:53 AM
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never seen those before. interesting.

how about a pic of the crack.
 
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Old 01-16-11, 11:39 AM
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The pix is sideways. Turn your head to the right 90 degrees, or the computer 90 degrees left.
I've only seen the metal webbing a couple of times, too.
 
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Old 01-16-11, 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by chandler
The pix is sideways. Turn your head to the right 90 degrees, or the computer 90 degrees left.
there is a joker in every crowd

i wonder how much cheaper, if any, those are vs a solid board.
also, strength and rigidity.

looks real good for running pipes and stuff.
 
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Old 01-16-11, 12:03 PM
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I would think cheaper as well just as strong, since the metal seems to be extruded somewhat. We use the engineered trusses for second floor applications all the time, but mostly with wooden webs. Engineered 24" truss boosts the live load to 110 psf, if my recollection is right on the last warehouse we did.
 
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Old 01-16-11, 02:44 PM
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I'm just a painter but I always thought the main reason for using floor trusses was the ability to have a longer span - you can only go so far between supports with a 2x12.
 
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Old 01-16-11, 04:05 PM
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Basically it is, but it will also increase the span strength in its ability to handle a heavier load. Of course the web design has a lot to do with it as well. The trusses are usually set on 19.2" centers.
 
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Old 02-05-11, 08:02 PM
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Sorry to drop out of this thread for a while, but I came down with the flu. However, while I was sick with the flu, we had a contractor fix the water damage and while they were doing that I had them repair the joist. They screwed 2x6s on both sides of the joist. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to check on the squeaking floor until the contractors had sealed up the ceiling. It still squeaks. Just not as badly.

Thanks for your responses.

estevek
 
 

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