Discovered framer decided not to use rim joists when the flooring joists run parallel to the external wall.
Hopefully you can ease my concerns. It appears that my framer only used rim joists when the flooring joists are running perpendicular to the the wall. In the other locations (where the flooring joists run parallel) I can see that he’s using a flooring joist where the rim joist would normally go. It’s placed correctly on the sill plate and makes solid connection above and below, but I’m nervous about the structural integrity of the floor joist and weather it can hold the weight of a wall.
I probably wouldn’t be as concerned but it’s a two story home that will be covered with thin cut lime stone. Will the flooring joists crush or give under the load.
Thanks
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Replies
Tickyter,
What are your floor joists - lumber? TJs?
TJI
When framing with TJs you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions. They will include how rim-joists are handled, any blocking (squash blocks under point loads, under walls running parallel to the framing, etc), details for framing openings in the floor... it's all there.
For sure. I agree. I wish I had noticed this earlier. It was in the plans and the framer probably just did what he's always done. At this point, I think the floor just is there for good, but there is room for some blocking even though it would be a pain. I'll let the framer know, I'd like some extra blocking.
Malcolm is of course correct about the TJ manufacturer's details.
Also, if you had an engineer or architect prepare your plans they will have provided relevant details. Your framer does NOT necessarily have the knowledge to know why they did what they did. Nor does he have the expertise to replace their details. Lastly, you contracted to have your house built according to the plans. It is his obligation to fulfill his side of that agreement.
If you have an architect or engineer, get them involved. They should be central to the discussion and the decision making towards the outcome.
"It was in the plans and the framer probably just did what he's always done."
Just to be 100% clear was the house built as shown in the plans?
If the house was built as shown discuss you concerns with the person who stamp is on the plans but understand that almost certainly the answer will be I did the math and it will never be a problem.
In the unlikely event that the framers built something not shown in the plans that could be a big deal.
Walta
If it's really a Weyerhauser TJI, using the joists as the rim joist is allowed, as long as there aren't cantilevers, unsupported point loads or other atypical conditions: https://www.weyerhaeuser.com/woodproducts/document-library/document_library_detail/tj-4000/. I'm not sure about other brands of I-joists.