Support (FAQ)

Depening on the joist series, the top and bottom chords are made of 2×3 and 2×4, selected, oven-dried wood. We only use lumber without distortion and with an optimal level of humidity. By combining 3D laser profiling and image processing, we control the quality of each chord in order to obtain a perfect robotic insertion.

The use of an open joist allows the user to save time and money. An open joist is a light, strong and easy-to-install product. Our open joist TRIFORCE® is popular with plumbers, electricians and contractors because they do not have to drill holes anymore.

Traditional solid sawn lumber is initially cheaper, but shrinking, warping, and twisting become costly for builders to correct after installation. TRIFORCE^®’s total installed costs are less thanks to consistency of the material, meaning superior strength, stability, and reliability. TRIFORCE^® open joists significantly outspan dimensional allowing for greater flexibility in floor design and allows for open concept design. Simply add a 2X strongback at mid-span to dampen floor vibration. TRIFORCE^® provides from 11 7/8″ up to 16″ depth, from 6′ to 30′ long, for less material than dimensional lumber. Finally, its “I” shape offers a wide nailing surface.

The open joist TRIFORCE^® is easy to install, light for handling on the construction site and opened to easily run mechanical ducts, pipes, wires and strongbacks. TRIFORCE^® is in stock and ready to ship to the jobsite in days, not weeks or months. It is made without metal plate connectors for long-term performance without squeaking, avoiding framers injuries and risk of damage to the ducts, pipes and wires is eliminated.

Thanks to its open-web design and OSB structural panel at one end, you will save labor costs by allowing professionals to quickly install mechanical systems and benefit from a 24″ trimmable end. Moreover, by only covering the trimmable end of the TRIFORCE® open joist, your floor system will be fire compliant as per Exception 4 to Section R302.13 of the 2015/2018 IRC. Finally, adding strongbacks in strategic locations increases floor system performance by distributing loads to adjacent joists. The resulting rigidity effectively dampens vibration. Strongback installation is quick and easy.  

After TRIFORCE^® joist components are finger-jointed together with structural glue, they “rest” for a period to allow the adhesive to cure. Then, they are individually fed onto an automated test rack where a proof load is applied. Passing the test helps ensure that only proven joists are shipped to a job site. But Barrette Structural Distribution goes even further in the TRIFORCE^® testing process. At prescribed production intervals, destructive (break) tests are performed on joists. For these tests, joists are required to survive loading conditions even far greater than those applied in normal testing. And all testing is ultimately monitored by an independent third-party inspection agency. Testing makes TRIFORCE^® unique, but more importantly, it sets the foundation for Barrette’s lifetime product warranty and provides peace of mind to builders and homeowners. Another great reason to use TRIFORCE^® open joists in your floor systems.

The glue used or our finger-jointed webs is a sustainable product and more efficient than the metal plates. The adhesive has proven itself: it is a structural type waterproof resorcinol glue that is NES and CCMC approved. This adhesive is resistant to harsh the climatic conditions to which it may be submitted: humidity, water, cold, extreme heat and even fire.

Yes! From steel framing to using concrete or engineered wood, architects nowadays are taking advantage of the different characteristics of each material to combine them in unique creations. And thankfully, it is possible to make all these materials work together. When it comes to deal with all-wood open joist, the three most common connections options offered to builders are:

1. Steel Beam connections with hangers
2. Steel Beam connections without hangers
3. Wood Beam connections with hangers

Because of their different properties, an extremely important aspect of combining wood and steel is the quality of the connections. Click here for all details on how to connect TRIFORCE® to a steel beam.

We have a page dedicated to Product Literature, with basic examples for other installation problems. For other installation issues, please refer to one of our representatives.

To help avoid long waits for repair specifications and accompanying engineering fees, Barrette Structural Distribution has commissioned repair details for the most common field situations requiring action. TRIFORCE® floor trusses repair details are simple and do not require removal or replacement of an entire joist. Common materials and techniques can be used by framers on-site. These details are available free-of-charge here.

Since our joist doesn’t have a camber, the risk of damage is low, but it would be important to call one of our representative at 1-800-263-7265 so he can assess the situation and advise you properly.