My floor joists don&#;t need to hold insulation (unless I add some later for sound insulation) because my crawlspace has insulation outside the stemwall.
Link to XINFUSHI
I could use 2x8s at 16 o.c. and spend $612 on lumber. Or I-joists 9.5 inches deep, 24 o.c., and spend $894.
-Are I joists kinder to the planet? In terms of trees used it seems like yes, but what about processing footprint?
-Are I joists a lot easier to use? I know they&#;d be lighter and more uniform than 2x8s. 2x8s can vary a bit in depth, but it seems relatively easy to modify the depth at the joist hanger if necessary so that all match. More annoying to deal with: twist, bow, cupping, etc. Might it come down to the quality of lumber I can get? I can get kiln dried 2x8s. I know to put all joists crown up.
-cost of hangers seems comparable. I&#;m hanging the joists from the sill plate using top flanged hangers, which apparently has the advantage of eliminating a rim joist, which is apparently expensive for I-joists.
-2x8s give me a little more headroom in the crawl space. but I&#;d still have about 30 inches even with the I-joists.
-the joists will be ~18 feet long, with a beam to support in the middle. Plans don&#;t seem to make clear but I assume the beam is under the joists, not at the same height (so not requiring joists to be cut).
-since crawlspace is conditioned, I think plumbing and electrical won&#;t have to be punching through the joists. (I believe I joists are easier to poke holes in than 2x material.)
Are there other things I should consider? I look forward to getting some more perspectives.
Thanks everyone!
Paula
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-Invented the very first I-Joist over 50 years ago
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-Pushed the limits of span charts to make the open floor concepts of today a reality
-Has been the #1 used I-Joist for the past 14 years
-And is one of the most trusted brands in the building community today.
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Span Chart
L/480 is the design criteria we recommend for the best performing floor
Features and Benefits:
-LVL Flange for superior strength and a squeak-free floor
-Capable of spans up to 32'
-Pre-notched holes for mechanicals
-Multiple depths and series for any application
-In-house design and engineering
-Long Spans
I-Joists can span up to a whopping 32' without support, giving custom home builders the ability to create open floor plans that customers demand
-LVL Flange
An LVL flange is critical for a high performing floor because it prevents squeaky floors in two ways. 1) the LVL flange holds fasteners better, preventing loose nails that cause squeaks, and 2) it will not shrink over time with the moisture change which is another common cause of squeaks
-Engineered for Consistency
All TJI Joists will be perfectly straight and will not twist, warp, or cup
-Allow for spacing for HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing
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Large holes can be cut in the webbing of TJI Joists, allowing for mechanicals to be easily run and installed. Joists can also be spaced wider than traditional solid sawn joists which allows for quicker and easier installation
-Fast and Easy Install
All TJI Joists are designed using patented software that designs a floor taylor-made for every home. This software creates a layout and specifies where every single framing member goes. When the material arrives on the jobsite, there is minimal cutting, and carpenters know exactly where every joist goes.
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