Bridging Between Floor Joists. The floor decking will distribute some of the load but is not as stiff as bridging. This also helps with absorbing vibrations.
Bridging holds the joists in line and helps distribute the load carried by the floor unit. Providing more support and rigidity than cross bracing solid blocking is a reasonable alternative but can be an obstacle for running plumbing pipes and electrical wire between floor joists. Divide the span by three and add rows of bridging at both of the one-third points.
Mike installs galvanized steel briding in between the floor joists on this bedroom addition project in Rocky Hill CT.
Cross bracing or bridging is another system that reinforces a structure of a building just like blocking does. This addition provides lateral support to twisted joists to help maintain a. Use 6d or 8d nails for bridging. Bridging holds the joists in line and helps distribute the load carried by the floor unit.
