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The problem of plumbing drops cutting into floor joists happens so frequently you wonder why this reoccuring issue hasn’t been permanently solved over the last 100 years of residential construction. It is a constant point of contention between construction professionals and a huge waste of everyone’s time. Who gets the blame? I’ve seen more than … Continued

Combining wood and steel in joists is nothing new. But is this combination of materials really the best choice when it comes to handling, installation and long-term use? Last week we looked at wood-steel joists using wood chords with steel webbing. This week, we’ll compare Open Joist Triforce to floor trusses Floor trusses combine a … Continued

Combining wood and steel in joists is nothing new. But is this combination of materials really the best choice when it comes to handling, installation and long-term use? Last week we looked at wood-steel joists using wood chords with steel webbing. This week, we’ll compare TRIFORCE® open joist to floor trusses Floor trusses combine a … Continued

Combining wood and steel in joists is nothing new. But is this combination of materials really the best choice when it comes to handling, installation and long-term use? In this first of two blog posts on the subject, let’s see a head-to-head comparison of a typical wood and steel Joist with TRIFORCE® open joist. Both … Continued

TRIFORCE® open joist was developed specifically to answer several needs in the construction industry. It’s an ideal floor system that we believe will exceed your expectations. Here’s why: It’s an innovative product TRIFORCE® open joist is an outstanding answer to problems that have plagued framers and MEP installers for years. It does away with hole-drilling. … Continued

Floor vibration can be annoying, vastly reducing customer enjoyment of their living and working areas and even leading people to question the structural safety of their building. Let’s look at the further implications of vibration on your business. It isn’t something you can readily test onsite, so if it isn’t properly factored into the plans … Continued

As a builder, you’ll sometimes come across these two words in an architectural plan: ‘‘or equivalent.’’ These two words can give you pause. ‘‘Or equivalent’’ do I or don’t I? You may be ok with what was specified as first choice, but as a builder having just gone through a few difficult years (along with … Continued

We developed the open joist TRIFORCE® to address key shortcomings found in most engineered wood joists. Complaints about comparable products Throughout the years, engineered wood floor joists have proven popular because of their controlled quality, lightness and strength. But, while used heavily in residential and light commercial construction, they have also accumulated complaints about certain … Continued

How about a little bit of joist history? Currently on the market, there are essentially three different types of engineered floor joists Wood I-Joists Steel plated floor trusses Finger-jointed and glued floor joists Wooden I-Joists They’ve been around for nearly 50 years, having been invented in the late 60’s. They get their name from their cross-section, … Continued

With its lightweight construction and trimmable end, which requires only one measurement and no additional math or engineer’s approval, you’ll find the open joist TRIFORCE® particularly easy to install. To make sure you get the most out of this high-precision product, apply these 4 handling and installation guidelines. 1. Keep the wood away from humidity … Continued