Wall joists
Timber is a popular material for wall joists, and STEICO’s I-joists offer a range of features that can benefit your building project when specified and installed appropriately. Wall joists are an integral part of any timber frame wall. They provide the structural integrity for the whole building structure.
What role do timber joists play in a wall?
Timber wall joists are arguably the most important part of any wall system. They stand vertically and are evenly spaced out to give the wall its shape and structure. They are also the framework that all other parts of the stud wall interact with:
- They provide the structural link between the ceiling and floor plates.
- Horizontal timbernoggins are braced against the wall joists along the length of the wall.
- Plasterboard and other finishes are secured to the joists as well as the noggins.
- Insulation is laid between the joists along the length of the wall.
Why choose timber for your wall joists?
Timber wall joists offer a number of advantages over steel systems that make them suitable for most projects, including:
- Thermal performance – Timber naturally has a lower thermal conductivity than metal. This property can be factored into the assessment of a building element’s energy-related performance and can help with material selection.
- Ease of installation – Timber can be cut using standard DIY tools which can allow straightforward on-site installation. These characteristics can be considered when determining suitability for different types of product.
- Responsible sourcing – If you choose timber from a PEFC-certified forest (PEFC/04-31-2550), it can play a role in your overall environmental strategy.
How are STEICO I-joists constructed?
STEICO I-joists are made up of two sections which create the distinctive ‘I’ shape in the final product:
- The flanges which are made of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL).
- The web section that joins the flanges which is made from Natural Fibre Boards.
The I-joists are designed to work in tandem with STEICOflex wood fibre insulation batts, or STEICOzell air-injected insulation to provide a complete timber wall system.
What features and benefits can you expect from STEICO I-joists?
STEICO I-joists can provide the following benefits when specified and installed correctly in timber walls:
- Up to 8% u-value improvement. Reduced thermal bridging due to the 8mm Natural Fibre Board web material. Can improve the u-value by up to 8% depending on the wall thickness.
- Minimal shrinkage and twisting thanks to moisture content of just 9%.
- Sourced responsibly from PEFC accredited forests at the end of their life, so our I-joists are suitable for environmentally conscious build strategies.
