Do my joists need strengthening??

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Hello,

I am replacing the floor in my 3.5mx4m bedroom. I am concerned about sections cut out of the joists. Somebody previous cut out top sections of the joists in a straight line across the floor about .5m from the supporting wall to fit several 22mm c/h pipes. the cut outs measure 4" X 1.5 - 2" deep. The joists are 7"x 2". I have noticed a bit of bounce in the floor. As this room has to take a waterbed ( capacity 460L ) I am concerned I should reinforce the joists.

Does anyone know if I do have a problem and if i should reinforce? and if so , how? :confused:

Thanks

Andy

Update:
uskys.jpg
 
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You should consult a structural engineer.

Sytrengthening the joists is not difficult. Get 2 lengths of 7X2 and attach either side of the current joist using bolts through the existing joist.
 
Thanks for your reply aaront. I thought I would have to consult a Structual engineer :cry:

I would appreciate further opinion now I have had some help posting a photo up!

Thanks
Andy
 
Does the joists sit on a bearing walls,into the walls or on a joist hanger ?

How far apart are the joists centre ?

The reason your floor is springing from what I can see is that you have no herringbone structure between joists which is also known as noggin.

Do you know the weight of the water bed ?
 
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Hi Masona,

Thankyou for your reply.

Between the joists to the right of the photo but out of sight are noggins. they are X shaped between the joists.

The joists site on bearing walls.

The waterbed is approx 100 gallons; about the amount of a bath full of water and the hot water cylinder together - but spaced out over 7' x 6'.


The structual engineer I consulted gave me the all clear, it was well within tolerances for loadbearing and cut out for the pipes.

I would appreciate though if you could advise me if I could strengthen it by adding more noggin or any other suggestion. I do like my home to be 100% and take care with attention to detail. So while I have the floor up and the waterbed drained I want to make the most of it. ( why when I just want to laze about I don't know :D )

Would you have any other suggestions while I have the floor up. I have already installed downlights in the room below, and added many extra sockets but i am sure that when i come to fill the waterbed up I will think of something I could have done!!! :LOL:
 
Your floor is a lot stronger than you think! Putting in extra noggins won't strenghten the floor unless you want to stop it bouncing.If you want to you can replace the flooring with 3/4" plywood sheet (butt jointed on joists and staggered the sheets) instead of T & G chipboard and screws down every 9" which will make it a lot stronger but will cost more.You might find the joists are not bouncing but the T & G flooring is! If you are worry then you could put in a lenght 2" angle iron along the side of the joists and nut/bolts hole 1/3 from the top.
 
:D Thanks Masona,

The angle iron is a good idea, I shall have a think.

Iwas trying to decide between T&G pine floorboards or pine boards. Asd I am going to put laminate flooring on top would you still suggest the plywood or opt fror which of the pine? Sorry to ask another question :eek:
 
I'm gonna upset ya missus here, SORRY!
1gal = 10lbs, x 100= 1000lbs.
7' (84")x 8' (96")= 8064 sq".
1000lbs / 8064 sq"= 0.125lbs pressure per sq".
Your better half weighs eight stone and wears 1/4" heels, That's 8st x 14lbs x 16 (1/4"x1/4")= 1792 lbs pressure per sq" (Or 3584lbs if on 1 heel !!).
Its all about the load spread is what I'm saying.
Mind me Dads a plumber and says cutting is the cheap/quick/easy/cowboy way. the beams should really be drilled below 2" and the pipe thread through (just in case you think a floor board is loose and try to nail it down,,,,instant shower!!)
 
You can do what you like to your flooring,I was trying to stop you worrying about it and give you more confident !! As you say the structual engineer gave you the all clear,so enjoy your project ! If you go to Wickes they do heavy duty ' T & G Solid Bordeaux Pine Flooring ' which is 22mm thickness and strain whatever colour.Normally T & G pine flooring is only 15mm thickness.Don't forget to put a metal plate over your pipe to prevent nails damaging the pipe.If you put laminated flooring down you might find it springy round the edge of the water bed because of the weight.You can also ring up the water bed manufacter who will give you the calculation details on your floor area etc..
 

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