What are the rules for drilling the web of I joists ? I want to finish my basement , but there are three 3/4″ copper pipes mounted under the I joists . I want to attach drywall directly to the joists and run PEX thru the I joists aprox. 1′ – 3′ from the concrete foundation wall. Any imput would be greatly appreciated.
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You can knock out any of the factory pre-stamped 'holes' that you find (if any). Otherwise, follow the manufacturer's requirements - here is Ilevel (TJI I-joists) - http://www.ilevel.com/literature/TJ-4500.pdf
Jeff
A job I was working at once the plumber cut through, not just notched, but 'through", the rail of 6 i-joists. Man, was the GD pi$$ed! They couldn't remove the joists so the building inspector let them fix it with steel strapping, which really surprised me. I always wondered if the tipped the BI.--------------------------------------------------------
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Surprisingly, nearly any 'butchering' of an I-joist can be repaired in place by consulting with the manufacturer's technical assistance department.
They don't even get *mad*.
Jeff
I-Level allowable holes -
Boise Cascade guide - http://www.bc.com/wood/ewp/guides-resources/guides/Eastern-Southern-US/ALLJOIST-series/ALLJOIST-Install-Guide.html
See jpg for holes
Jeff
A job I was working at once the plumber cut through, not just notched, but 'through", the rail of 6 i-joists.
Another dopey glue sniffing plumber that should be shot. I don't mean this about all plumbers, just the dopey ones that cut through joists first without asking and not using common sense.
Joe Carola
Could you just "strap" 2x4 across the the I beams, then hang your drywall off that instead?
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.
Look at page 11 of Jeff's link. Now, find out what brand I-joist you have and download the same thing.
Generally once you are several feet away from the end, you can drill holes in the middle of the web.
Joists are in shear at the end, and the web is carrying most of the vertical load. As you move towards the middle of the span, the loading becomes moment, carried by the tension in the bottom chord, and compression in the top chord. All the web is doing is keeping them apart. A hole in the middle of the web has little effect on the I-joists ability to carry the load.
You should check with the manufacturer of the joist for their recommendation. But, generally if you are at least six joist depths out from the supports, you will be safe.
Even close to the supports you could probably screw and glue plywood onto the web, and drill the holes.
But. like I said check with the manufacturer's engineers.
Edited 5/6/2008 11:48 pm ET by Jigs-n-fixtures