As the use of the new applications grows, we learn about the benefits and drawbacks with each approach and ultimately, with our increased understanding and knowledge, code requirements change to reflect the safest ways to build and remodel homes.
I-joists are a perfect example of an application that has dramatically changed the building industry and in turn, has driven changes to the building code requirements. Invented in 1969, I-joists are engineered wood joists that offer many benefits while eliminating many problems that regularly arise with conventional wood joists. For example, I-joists are capable of supporting heavy loads with substantially less lumber than solid wood joists. In addition, they are far less prone to bow, crown, twist, cup or split than traditional lumber joists. Problems with squeaky floors are far less prevalent with I-joists because of their overall dimensional stability.