Do I Need Joist Hangers
What Are Joist Hangers and What Do They Do?
Joist hangers are metal connectors used in construction to support and stabilize joists. They provide a secure connection between beams and joists, allowing weight to be evenly distributed.
Joist hangers are typically used in floor, ceiling, and deck framing. They cradle the ends of joists and attach them to a ledger board or beam, ensuring structural integrity. Without them, joists might shift or sag over time, compromising the strength and safety of the building.
When Are Joist Hangers Required?
Joist hangers are generally required by building codes in many jurisdictions, especially when wood-to-wood connections are made at angles or in load-bearing scenarios. Their use is particularly critical in outdoor structures such as decks, where additional stress from weather and foot traffic comes into play.
In situations where joists rest directly on beams or walls, hangers may not be necessary. However, when joists are attached perpendicularly to a beam without end bearing support, joist hangers become essential. They're also vital in retrofitting or reinforcing older structures.
Local building codes will often dictate exact requirements for using joist hangers, including the type, size, and fastening methods. Always consult these codes when unsure to avoid structural failures or inspection issues down the line.
Types of Joist Hangers Available
Joist hangers come in various sizes and designs tailored to different construction needs. Standard options include face-mount hangers, top-flange hangers, and concealed-flange versions.
Face-mount hangers are the most common type, with flanges that attach to the side of a header or ledger. Top-flange designs provide a cleaner aesthetic by sitting on top of the support material. Concealed-flange hangers, as their name suggests, are designed for hidden application beneath the joist, often used in finished living spaces.
Materials also vary, with most hangers made of galvanized steel to resist corrosion. For coastal or high-moisture environments, stainless steel options are recommended. Specialized seismic or hurricane-rated hangers are also available to meet stricter engineering standards.
Benefits of Using Joist Hangers
Joist hangers significantly enhance the safety and durability of a structure. By providing uniform load distribution, they reduce the risk of sagging and cracking in floors and decks.
Another advantage is their contribution to faster, more accurate construction. Pre-manufactured to specific dimensions, joist hangers simplify the process of aligning and securing framing members. This consistency can speed up project timelines and reduce costly mistakes.
They also improve the structure’s resistance to movement due to weather-related expansion, contraction, or settlement. In earthquake-prone areas, properly installed joist hangers help a structure maintain its shape under stress. By reinforcing load paths, they add considerable stability to your build.
Alternatives to Joist Hangers and When to Skip Them
In certain applications, direct bearing or traditional framing methods might substitute for joist hangers. For instance, if joists are resting on a ledger that provides continuous support along their bottom edge, hangers may be unnecessary.
Older construction techniques often employed notching or toe-nailing to secure joists, and while these methods can suffice in specific low-load situations, they don’t offer the same integrity or compliance with modern codes. In simple non-load-bearing interior partitions, skipping joist hangers might also be acceptable.
If cost or aesthetics are factors, alternative bracketry or pocket framing techniques can be explored. However, these options rarely match the strength, ease, and code compliance of commercial joist hangers. In nearly all outdoor or load-bearing installations, using joist hangers is highly advised.