Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 02, 2000 10:17pm | #1

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   They are required as far as I know. Ask your engineer or architect if your not sure.

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   Guest_ | Apr 02, 2000 10:56pm | #2

   *Garry, For the brand of "I" joist we use squash blocks are rarely required. A few of the instances center around tranfering concentrated loads. Load bearing walls would requre them if they weren't along the rim joist. Find a copy of the instalation instructions. A copy typically comes with the floor system. There's a copy on the net to I bet. Opinions, mine included, don't count for much with engineered wood. The "I" joist company has already studied what's necessary.Chase

2. 
   FramerPa_ | Apr 03, 2000 02:54am | #3

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   Squash blocks are a must, no matter what type of floor joists are being used. The purpose of squash blocks is to carry a bearing post or jack that falls between the joists. "Between" is the key word here, which means squash blocks have nothing to do with the joists. Example : A 6ft. archway in the bearing wall at the first floor. If the jacks for this opening are between 2 floor joists , a squash block is a must to carry the load of the jacks. Otherwise the load is bearing on the floor plywood only. Hope this cleared up your concerns.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 03, 2000 03:05am | #4

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   Squash blocks or some kind of blocking are typically required only where there is a bearing wall
   b above
   the I-joists. You don't specify whether you're talking about stacked load bearing walls, or a load bearing wall
   b below the I-joists.

   When in doubt, ask the supplier of the I-joists for their documentation. That should be the final answer.

4. 
   Garry_Clark | Apr 03, 2000 03:10am | #5

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   It is my opinion that squash blocks are required at bearing walls (using wood I-Joists), but my builder says they are not needed. Who is correct?