Steel floor joists are used in construction to provide a solid and level surface for a building’s floor system. Like other beams, they are engineered to support heavy loads and span large distances, making them ideal for building floor structures.
They come in various sizes and shapes, so you can use them to create joist floors of all sizes and lengths. Some types can also be used with other materials, such as steel decks, to add strength and support to a floor system.
Your home’s floor joists are one of the essential structural components of the building. They serve as the backbone of the floor system, spanning great distances to support the floors above. The modern floor system is a combination of different materials, depending on the style of the home.
What You Must Know About Steel Floor Joists
Types of Steel Floor Joists
Steel joists are similar to other types of posts. They provide a robust and long-spanning foundation for the floor system. Knowing the length of span needed for the floor system is key to deciding which type is necessary for the project.
Open Web Steel Joists
Designed to be used with plywood and concrete for a floating floor system, this type of joist has two flanges that allow for a solid connection to the floor above. The flanges are the same size and shape as other joists and will enable the beam to be used with other materials.
Open web steel joists, or the K-Series, can span up to 60 feet long and are ideal for industrial and commercial applications.
Long-span Steel Joists
Also known as the LH-Series, long-span steel joists are commonly used for commercial buildings. They are engineered to span up to 100 feet in length to build the floor system in sections.
They are available in open and closed web configurations and can be used with other materials, such as plywood and concrete, to create a floating floor system. The flange widths and heights of the joist allow for a solid connection to the floor above.
Deep Long-span Steel Joists
These DLH-Series joists are designed to be used for commercial and industrial applications. Spans of between 150 to 200 feet are standard, and the flanges are much more profound than other types of joists.
Because of this, they can support the weight of heavy machinery and equipment to be used on the floor above. Because of the size and weight of these joists, they are commonly used for manufacturing plants, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
Steel Floor Joist Installation Techniques
Floor joists are installed parallel to each other with the exact distance between them. They are attached to the floor above and the ceiling below. To ensure that the joists are correctly installed, it is crucial to check that they are parallel to the structure’s wall, ceiling, and floor. If the joists are installed with the wrong spacing, the finished base will not be level, causing uneven floors and buckling in the subfloors.
It is also vital to ensure that the joists are attached to the structure’s ceiling, floor, and wall. If the joists are not connected to all three points, they will not be able to support the floor or ceiling and will eventually buckle and sag.
Over the years, building contractors have also developed a system to make their work easier and more efficient. The steel joists are labeled in order before arriving at the construction site. These diagrams and drawings make locating the next piece faster, making the installation process less time-consuming.
Why Use Steel Floor Joists
Steel joists are the best choice for commercial buildings because they are durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective. They are also strong and can be easily cut, drilled, and screwed into place. Because they are engineered to stay flat and stable, steel joists are not affected by harsh weather conditions and are much easier to install than other joists.
They are also the best choice for industrial and commercial buildings because they can support heavy machinery that makes up the floor above. That is because steel joists have the highest strength-to-weight ratio.
Additionally, steel joists are quieter than wood. Wood may warp, split, and sag over time, causing the bolts to become loose, thus making an unnecessary sound as we walk. Most of all, steel is the most environmentally friendly type of floor joist since it is the most recycled and does not use trees for production. Therefore, using steel floor joists in your building projects should be the best option if you are environmentally conscious.
Are You Looking for Steel Floor Joists?
At Miami Metal Deck, we supply a wide selection of open web, long-span, and deep long-span steel joists. We offer our customers the best prices on steel floor joists, and with our professional customer service team, we will answer your questions and help you select the best steel joists for your needs. Visit our contact page to make your inquiries.
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