The Benefits of Different Types of Flooring

4 Signs You Should Choose Floor Trusses Over I-Joists

20 August 2018

Marian Moreno

If you're putting in new flooring, you need to put in something to support the floor. The two main options are floor trusses and i-joists. Although there are benefits to both of these flooring support systems, there are key reasons you may want to select trusses. If any of the following apply to your situation, trusses are probably the best option for you.

1. Can Be Customised to Vary Support

Floor trusses come in a few different designs. As a general rule of thumb, they feature a top and bottom chord which are the parts that run perpendicular to the wall. Then, between these two pieces, there are small boards oriented in various diagonal patterns to lend support to the whole design.

2. Straightforward to Install

Once you choose the exact floor truss design you want, you can have the trusses made remotely and sent to you. Alternatively, you can have a contractor make the trusses for you on site. In both cases, the final product is easy to install. In most cases, trusses are easy to install. Essentially, you just rest their edges on the support beams of your floor.

The only exception to this rule is in situations where the original measurements don't apply once you have the trusses. For instance, if the foundation ends up being a different size than the original measurements, the trusses might not fit. In this situation, if you were using an i-joist you could just cut it to size. With trusses, that isn't possible.

3. Easy to Run Wires or Ducts Through

Another advantage of trusses is that you can run wires or ducts through them. Basically, any conduit or ducts that are small enough to fit through the openings of the truss can be easily installed. In contrast, if you were putting in i-joists, you would have to cut holes through the part of the joist that runs between the top and bottom chords. In theory, that's fairly easy since this part tends to be made of plywood, but in some cases, putting holes in this part can make it hard for the joist to pass a building inspection.

4. Provides Support for Longer Distances

As an added bonus, most trusses can work over longer spaces than i-joists. If you're putting flooring throughout a large home, in a great room, or in another relatively spacious area, you probably need floor trusses.

To learn more about whether or not trusses are the right option for you, contact a flooring specialist today.

 

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