IRC R502. Cuts, notches and holes bored in trusses, laminated veneer lumber, gluelaminated members or I-joists are not permitted unless the effects of such penetrations are specifically considered in the design of the member.

Can you notch I-joists?

You can cut a notch at the end of the joist to 1/4 of the joist’s depth (maximum). Along the outer third of a joist, you can cut a notch a maximum of 1/6 the joist depth and 1/3 the joist length without compromising its strength.

Can you notch an I beam?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But with a notch you can go into the edge as long as the notch is not bigger than one-sixth. The height of that joist. Or beam and that can be on the top or the bottom.

How much of a joist can you notch?

Joist Notching Rules



The maximum depth of a notch at the end of a joist (where it rests on a wall or beam) can’t exceed one-quarter of the joist depth. Maximum notch depth in the outer third of a joist is one-sixth of the joist depth. Limit the length of notches to one-third of the joist depth.

Can you notch out the bottom of a joist?

Notches can only be made in the top OR bottom of the joists, (not both) within the permitted area to a maximum of 35mm. Holes may only be made on the joist’s centreline within the permitted area to a maximum diameter of 65mm.

Can you notch TJI?

TJI product can only have one notch per joist member. Notch will only be analyzed when the length parallel to the joist member span does not exceed 4 inches.

At what location is notching not permitted in structural members?

Notches in solid lumber joists, rafters and beams shall not exceed one-sixth of the depth of the member, shall not be longer than one-third of the depth of the member and shall not be located in the middle one-third of the span. Notches at the ends of the member shall not exceed one-fourth the depth of the member.

What is the maximum allowed distance of a notch in a joist from a bearer or wall?

The maximum allowable depth of notches is one fifth of the joist or rafter depth or 32 mm, whichever is less. Holes may only be located within a length measured from the face of a support that is no more than three times the depth of the joist or rafter.

Does notching a post weaken it?

Notching a post does not weaken the structural integrity of the wood support post because the load for the deck is transferred down through the post to the footings. The upright notched section of the post acts stabilizes the beam.

What are the codes for drilling or notching joists?

Notching Floor Joists Code

  • IBC 2308.8. 2 Framing Details And Notching Floor Joists Code. …
  • R502. 8 Drilling and notching. …
  • R502. 8.1 Sawn lumber. …
  • R502. 8.2 Engineered wood products. …
  • R602. 6 Drilling and notching – studs. …
  • R602. 6.1 Drilling and notching of top plate. …
  • R802. 7 Cutting and notching. …
  • R802. 7.1 Sawn lumber.

Can you drill holes in I joists?

You can drill the holes anywhere along the length of the joist (first photo). If you have manufactured I-joists, you can drill holes up to 1-1/2 in. diameter almost anywhere in the web area (the area between the flanges).

What is the maximum notch typically allowed in a beam?

Notches in solid lumber joists, rafters and beams shall not exceed one-sixth of the depth of the member, shall not be longer than one-third of the depth of the member and shall not be located in the middle one-third of the span. Notches at the ends of the member shall not exceed one-fourth the depth of the member.

How do you strengthen a notched joist?

You can reinforce a notched joist that has not cracked by cutting two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood as wide as the joist depth and as long as the plywood sheet. Screwing a piece to the joist on each side offers moderate reinforcement. Stronger reinforcement is in order if the joist is sagging or has cracked.

How big of a hole can you drill in a TJI joist?

6 ½” diameter

The maximum allowable hole is 6 ½” diameter in a 16” deep TJI® joist. For joists that are not uniformly loaded or otherwise do not fit the parameters of the Technical Bulletin, please contact Weyerhaeuser Technical Support.

Does drilling holes in joists weaken them?

You can safely drill joists for electrical and plumbing runs without weakening the joists, if you follow the rules.

Does screwing into a joist weaken it?

Meaning you could easily put screws a good 40-50% of the dimensional thickness of the lumber with no repercussions. You could put in those hooks every foot on every rafter and they would have no impact at all.

How do you reinforce joists with holes?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: By adding a joist reinforce or you can double the size of the hole to a six inch diameter on either a two by ten or two by twelve. And according to testing this will actually make the joist. Stronger.

Can you put waste pipe through joists?

Can a waste pipe go through a joist? Running waste pipes through joists should be avoided where possible, as any drilling of joists (also known as notching joists) may weaken them and compromise the structural integrity.

Are ceiling joists load bearing?

The term joist, in construction, usually means a horizontal load-bearing structural member, so ceiling joists are load-bearing.

How much weight can a ceiling joist hold?

Ceilings in single-story homes are only designed to support a constant load of 5 lbs/SqFt., plus a live load of 10 lbs/SqFt. This varies by the span of the joist and the size, grade, and species of lumber used.

What is one of the primary issues with ceiling joists?

Poor construction



It’s possible that a less reputable builder could miscalculate or be overly ambitious in how far a ceiling joist may stretch unsupported. This will put enormous strain on the structure above your heads. Eventually, it will need to be remedied before your ceiling simply collapses under the pressure.