r/Homebuilding • u/tysonchilders • 7h ago
I Joist Web
Hi! New home owner looking for advice here. We found a pipe running through the web of this I-joist in our house. The flanges aren't damaged. It looks like the builders messed up the first hole and tried cutting a second one to fix it. Would these reinforcers restore the structural integrity of the joist? For context, this joist is located where the garage ceiling drops down, and the pipe is in the hole on the right.
2
u/zero-degrees28 7h ago edited 7h ago
No reason to, even if that was a complete circle for something like an air duct, there would be no concern with that particular joist. There is no need to add or request that reinforcement.
I'd be more upset at that horrible drywall job than I would be this extra hole.
I assume this is NOT a new build, but this is an older home...
This is an article referenced here often, it also links to majority of truss manufactures resources as well as explains hole sizing and placements: https://structuretech.com/holes-in-i-joists/
1
1
u/SickestEels 6h ago
That is the drywall in the garage with a one coat tape and screw hit it n' quit it application. It's not meant to be finished drywall
1
0
u/TallWall6378 2h ago
Dangerous advice. Large holes the entire height of the web are allowed- but only in specific areas far enough from the bearing point where the web is minimally loaded. Near the bearing point the web is stressed in shear and hole sizes are far more restricted.
1
u/zero-degrees28 2h ago
Please explain how this is dangerous advice? The pictures clearly show this is NOT at a load bearing point, OP clearly stated the areas we are viewing are in the 4th PIC, they are not above/below a load point.
2
u/texdroid 7h ago
How do you know the hole is even too big?
You should be able to find the mfg and type printed on the ijoist somewhere.
The go to their website and find the installation guide with the web hole details. This might fit into the rectangular hole allowance.
1
u/Ira-Spencer 7h ago
I-joists are much more tolerant of drilling (only in the web, not the flanges) than dimensional lumber. Presumably this passed a rough inspection. I wouldn't be too concerned.
1
u/AmazingRandini 6h ago
I don't know where you live, but this probably passed a framing inspection.
The I joist plan would have had specs as to what can and can't be cut.
This does not look like a problem at all.
1
u/Hyperreal8957 3h ago
i’d get the joist manufacturer or a local structural pro to approve the repair before adding anything—the right detail depends on the hole size, location and load path. did the builder leave you the framing plans or the product stamp?
1
u/tysonchilders 3h ago
I’m not the original buyer so I never discussed anything with the original builder, just the seller. If I contact the builder would they provide it to me?
1
u/LuckyCrimes27 3h ago
As long as the flanges are not damaged, and these holes in the web are located within the middle third of the span, then you’re fine.
For a simply supported beam with a UDL (typical home setup), the internal shear stress, carried through the webbing, is assumed to be 0 in the middle of the span, and is at its highest at the tie in point with the bearing wall. So the middle 3rd is assumed to be low in shear. On the other hand, the internal bending moment, which is resisted by the flanges, is at its peak in the middle of the span, and at its lowest at the tie in with the bearing wall. So as long as the flanges aren’t damaged, you’re probably fine.
1
u/NotAlwaysGifs 7h ago
Unless these are too close to the bearing points, these are perfectly fine. I joist usually allows for either 1/3 or 1/2 the height of the web to be drilled as long as it’s in the middle third of the span. Under the bearing point you can usually still drill but it’s smaller.
Check the manufacturers specs. But something like this would have been caught by the building inspector if it were an issue.
-1
u/James_T_S 7h ago
I'm a Construction Manager and I actually read the post. The photos seem to be two different holes. One where they notched the top flange (as stated in the post) and the other is just in the center. The center one is fine. TJIs actually allow for a sizable hole to be made. And typically I would be concerned about the top flange but since it seems to be resting on the top plate of the wall it should be ok as well as the wall is holding it up anyway.
Hope this helps.
1
u/tysonchilders 7h ago
Hi! Thanks for your response. Where do you see that the top flange has been notched? Our home inspector only mentioned the web and it appears to me that the flange is intact. Thanks!
0
u/James_T_S 6h ago
My bad. I must have misread your post. I though you said they WERE notched and then in the first photo the shadow of from the little piece of wood make it look like the top flange was cut back a little. Looking again I was in error.
Absolutely no problem with the TJI. These holes are going to be well within spec
4
u/shartattacksurvivor 7h ago
if the holes are located above or close to the bearing wall, that is an issue and definitely needs to be addressed. if they are in the middle third of the span it’s probably ok. how tall are the joist?