Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
supported by the bearer unless otherwise stipulated in the specifications on the approved
building permit plan.
Fixing requirements of floor joists
Each floor joist is to have two skew nails from the floor joist into the bearer where
possible. Where the floor joists overlap the first floor joist is to have two skew nails while
the second will have one skew nail with an additional nail horizontally into the adjoining
floor joist. Floor joists that are butt jointed are to be skew nailed into the bearer as per
normal with an additional skew nail in the side of the floor joist joining the two joists
together. Care must be taken not to split the timber when nailing so close to the ends of
the floor joists. The requirement for butt-joined floor joists is predominantly where
double joists are required. In this instance, fixing a block of timber between the floor
joists at the butt joint of the two joists will add considerable stability to them (see Figure
3.9). Extra stability can be achieved at the butt joint of a single floor joist by fixing a block
to the bearer at the junction of the two joists. The two floor joists are then nailed back to
the block (see Figure 3.10).
Figure 3.9
Insert stabilising blocks between
Figure 3.10
Stabilising block to support butt-joined
double joists
floor joists
Flooring
Plumbing installation
It is standard practice for your plumber to install all sub-floor plumbing prior to the
installation of the flooring. This includes hot and cold water lines and the sewer lines. It
may also be that the electrician has some cabling to do prior to flooring so check with
them prior to installing the flooring. Remember! You will need to give your tradesperson
time to schedule in your work so allow them plenty of time to avoid the frustration of the
job being held up.
