Upper Floors An upper floor consists

of joists with timber sheeting above (floor) and plasterboard below (ceiling)

Joists are usually solid timber but engineered joists are also used-especially for very wide span houses. These joists are often called I-joists because of there shape

Upper Floors

Support of timber joists

The floor joists are supported by either ;

1. External walls or internal load bearing walls

2. Joist hangers.

External Walls The ends of the joists are

usually built into the wall. Gaps are left in the blockwork to accommodate the joist

The joist should have a minimum bearing on the blockwork of 90mm

The end of the joist is treated with preservative

The area around the joist is then packed with mortar

Steel Joist Hangers build galvanised steel

hangers into the blockwork to support the joists

These are relatively inexpensive and is the preferred method in this day and age

Joist Hangers

Support Between Joists

SOLID BRIDGING HERRINGBONE BRIDGING

Stair Ope The opening around the

stairs is an important part of upper floor construction

The joist used to create the opening for the stair are usually thicker than the regular joists because of the increased loading they must sustain.

Terms used for joists

Notching and Drilling The accommodation of services in the upper floor is

normal practice

It is essential however that the joists are not weakened by this

The centre line of the joist is the best place to drill while notches are on the edge

(see sketch on Board)

Floor finishes

Tiles

Timber

Carpet

Lino

Laminate flooring