I am framing a floor with I-joists. I plan to use 1 1/8 in OSB rim board for the perimeter(this is the rim board from the manufacture of the I-joist). The question I have, which I am having trouble getting an answer to, is: do I need blocking for the rim board that runs parallel to the joists? The manufacture states that the vertical capacity of the rim board as a starter joist is 5700plf if blocked but 850plf if not blocked. Will I have a vertical load that will exceed 850plf? This is a one story house. Any advice would be appreciated.
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No way we can tell from here what the PLF load is on your walls - It depends on your snow loads, and how your roof is framed.
You might be able to use an additional I-joist right up against the rim board, or use a 2 ply rim board instead of doing the blocking.
BTW - What brand of I'joists/rim are we talking about? I've never heard of that requirement.
Redneck Extraordinaire
BH, you should be able to contact the manufacture of your TJs.
Your lumber yard (if they can't help you), will have a # you can call.
If they still can't help, these #s will assist you.
Wayerhaeuser #1-800-552-5224
Trus Joist MacMillan#1-800-628-3997
I think you're answering the wrong guy - I SELL I-joists, and have for many years But I've never heard of a manufacturer requiring blocking with a rim board. That's why I was questioning who the manufacturer was.
Redneck Extraordinaire
The I-joist/rim board are from georgia pacific. The manufacture didn't state blocking is a requirement, they stated that without it you go from 5700plf to 850plf. If I have a single wall and a gable truss and I have a assumed load of 55psf, is a single rimboard adequate as the starter joist? I could add an I-joist next to it but it would add cost.
Hi
Your wood-I' s should come with a floor plan layout. On the layout there should be" Details "with number/letter codes that refer to the manufacturer's literature. Without this you have no warranty. Demand the layout plan, they had to have it to engineer the job. In Canada this plan has to be in the hands of the inspector, or you're dead...no ifs , ands,or buts...
Newf Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Carpenter, woodworker, gardener, Can't sew or cook
The architect drew up the floor plan and had the rimboard but an I-joist right next to it. When I went for the building permit the inspector said the I-joist next to the rimboard was not necessary. He never mentioned blocking between the rim and the first I-joist. Then I started reading literature on I-joist stating the PLF goes down considerably without the blocking. I just want to know if its okay without blocking. Can't seem to get an answer.
You may as well just put in the blocks. How much could it hurt? You would be done by now if you had done it right away. Good luck. Avoid anything that will get in the way of the trades and insulator.
Rick
No one here can really give you that answer without knowing all the info about the house, I-joist manufacturer, and local codes.
BTW - You still didn't mention who the manufacturer was. And have you double checked their literature? Most rim joist is rated at 2,000PLF or so.
Redneck Extraordinaire