- Q.I know blocking is needed
in the mid-span area of a floor system. But is blocking
necessary along the end-joist since this member is
supported by the foundation and the subfloor?
A.I would recommend
blocking along the end-joist just as you would in
the rest of the floor system. If the floor is
blocked only in the middle, the end-joist can tip
if the foundation is displaced at any time. This
can bulge the exterior sheathing or put a dip in
the floor.
Blocking is often installed as an afterthought
by a helper, but once the floor is decked, it is
hard to get the block into the joist cavity near
the foundation. As a result, end-blocking is
usually left out. For this reason, the blocking
should be installed before the subfloor.