RicodJour wrote:
BN wrote:

My contractor notched my joists in the kitchen about an inch from the
top. The floor joists are 9" in height and 1 1/2" inch in width and 15'
in length. It is under the kitchen. The notch cut is about 1" cubed in
volume and at the top. Also the notches are 5' 8" from the start of the
span. Every joist was notched the same way to fit a gas pipe (black pipe).

How bad is this? Is it something to lose sleep over?


Not sure where you're located and what your local code is, but the NY
State IRC (International Residential Code with minor modifications)
prohibits notching in the middle third of the span. That 8" puts the
notch in the middle third.

The depth of the notch, if it wasn't in the middle third, is of an
acceptable depth - depth of notch/6 = 1.5"

It's not a great situation. You may never have a problem, but your
contractor damaged your house and it doesn't conform to the IRC. Ask
him what he's going to do to strengthen the weakened joists. Sistering
a 3-4' 2x6 or 2x8 under the notch would stiffen the localized weakness.
The added pieces should be glued and nailed.

Generally, whenever an electrical or plumbing line is run perpendicular
to the joists it should be drilled instead of notched. It doesn't
weaken the joist as much and keeps the line away from the face of the
joist, thereby preventing someone inadvertantly hitting it with a nail.

R


How would you install the gas pipe the OP had installed? I guess you'd
have to hang it below the joists.... I'm serious. I need to have a gas
line moved in the near future.

Brad