Are Joist Hangers Necessary?

Joist hangers are essentially hardware devices used for anchoring floors, decks and ceilings inside a building. They are normally made of aluminium or steel and are utilised for connecting support beams and joists to the nearby framing systems.

Using these hangers is much safer than using traditional screws or nails, as they are stronger and offer better strength and stability for the structural components in a building.

Most of the hangers are made such that they wrap around the sides of wood beams. Screws or nails are then instead into the joist hangers so as to attach it directly to a supporting beam.

After that, the hanger’s connecting plate is fastened to the nearby frame. When the framing is created using steel instead of wood, the hangers are welded rather than depending on screws or nails.

You can purchase joist hangers at most lumber yards and home improvement shops. They are available in many sizes and shapes to fit varying framing and beam configurations.

Some pieces are heavy duty so as to support heavier beams or bigger loads. Most of these hangers have a distinctive U-shape that enables them to fit precisely in a joist.

In contrast, others use the T-shape plate so as to offer a better connection to a wall framing. Some joist hangers have a sloped connecting arm or plate, and others are made to put up double beams.

When selecting joist hangers, it is vital to choose the suitable size to fit your project. Most manufacturers suggest that one should use the biggest size hanger available that will easily fit all your joists.

You should avoid modifying or cutting hangers, and they should never be reused in other applications. In addition, all pre-drilled or pre-cut nail holes in every hanger should be filled with the suitable screws or bails so as to retain the joist integrity.

Ensure that the hanger you are using outdoors is protected from rusting too quickly.

These hangers are very beneficial compared to screws or nails for fastening beams and joints. Joist hangers are also expected withstand twisting and warping of wood with time, without compromising the structural integrity.

Additionally, these hangers are also designed to outlast conventional nails, and are also capable of supporting heavier loads over prolonged time periods.

Even though these hangers might be a bit more costly than screws and nails with regards to the upfront expenses, their great lifespan makes them the cheaper option with time.

Furthermore, installation of joist hangers is quite easy and has more chances of meeting the local code requirements for construction, particularly when installed by novice users.