For joists, when should bridging be installed?

Bridging is a crucial component in joist installations, as it serves to provide lateral support and enhance the overall structural integrity of the flooring system. The recommended practice is to install bridging for joists longer than 8 feet. This requirement is based on structural engineering principles that note that longer joists tend to be more susceptible to twisting and bending under load. By incorporating bridging, the load is distributed more evenly across the joists, which reduces the risk of deflection and increases the floor's ability to withstand various loads, such as furniture and foot traffic.

Bridging also helps to maintain the shape of the joists and prevents potential issues like movement that can lead to squeaky floors or even structural failure. Therefore, the standard recommendation to install bridging for any joist longer than 8 feet is grounded in ensuring safety and maintaining the structural integrity of the building.