Because of this x shape one brace will be forced upon and under tension while the other brace will be compressed.
Adding cross bracing to floor joists.
When cross bridging is used wood or metal the upper portion of the bridge is nailed into the top of the floor joist if it is metal.
As a footstep falls on one joist some of the force is transferred to neighboring joists.
By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine nail bridging on all joists.
Measure the width between the span of two joists.
Bracing will stiffen a floor system prevent floor joists from twisting and increase overall stability.
Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight.
However there are actually two types of floor joist bracing commonly used.
If it is wood it is nailed to the upper top of the side of the floor joist before the floor or sub floor is installed on the joists.
Cross bracing and solid blocking.
Residential building code requires the use of cross bracing or blocking for floor joists exceeding 2 inches by 12 inches but many homes especially older ones have creaky uneven floors because.
This can allow for floors to be sturdier and more stable.
Place the lumber block between the two joists.
Cut a piece of 2 by 6 or 2 by 8 lumber according to the width.
A floor that bounces as you walk across it may just need to be stiffened with bridging which spreads the load on each joist to adjoining joists strengthening the whole floor.
Nail the block in place with 16d.