Joist Hangers & Struts

What are Joist Hangers and Struts? 

Joist hangers and struts are critical components used in construction to provide structural support and enhance load-bearing capabilities. 

• Joist hangers are metal brackets that anchor timber joists to beams, ledger boards or masonry. Their job is to transfer vertical loads without relying on toenailing or skew-nailing.
• Struts are compression members, often installed diagonally, that brace floors, roofs or walls against movement caused by gravity, wind or seismic loading.

Joist Hangers Applications

• Floor and Ceiling Systems: Joist hangers are employed to secure floor joists and ceiling joists, creating sturdy and level surfaces for subsequent construction layers.
• Roof Structures: Joist hangers play a crucial role in roof framing, supporting the weight of rafters or trusses and ensuring the integrity of the overall roofing system.
• Deck Construction: Joist hangers provide secure connections between the deck joists and beams, ensuring a safe and stable deck structure.
  
  

Struts Applications

Struts can be employed in the form of diagonal bracing within the framework of a building, providing additional support against horizontal forces like wind or seismic activity. 

Struts can also be used to:

• Reinforce roof trusses.
• Support floor joists.
• Reinforce walls.
• Stabilise structural members in bridges and other civil engineering projects.
  
  

How Timber Joist Hangers Work 

The working principle of a joist hanger lies in its configuration and secure attachment to the supporting framework. 

Most joist hangers wrap around three sides of a wooden beam, creating a snug enclosure that cradles the joist. This design ensures maximum load-bearing capacity and prevents any lateral movement or displacement.

To achieve a rock-solid connection, joist hangers are fastened to the surrounding frame using nails, screws, or other appropriate fasteners. 

The pre-drilled holes in the hanger provide a guide for inserting these fasteners, ensuring a secure and reliable bond between the hanger and the supporting structure.

By virtue of their strategic placement and sturdy construction, joist hangers eliminate the need for traditional methods such as toenailing or face nailing, which may compromise the structural integrity of the project. 

How Joist Struts Work 

The working principle of struts is based on the fact that they can effectively transfer loads in a compressed state. When a load is applied to a strut, it experiences compression forces that are channelled along its length. 

By resisting and distributing these forces, the strut provides stability and support to the surrounding structural elements.

Material & Finishes

• Standard galvanised steel for dry, interior use.
• ZMAX / heavy-galv for damp zones such as decks or garages.
• 316 stainless where chloride exposure or coastal air demands maximum corrosion resistance.
• Powder-coated versions for visible architecture or aggressive industrial atmospheres.