When installing timber floor framing for a house, you need to be aware of structural issues that can arise after installation and compromise the stability of the subfloor. Some of these issues include leaks, squeaky floors and damage, and they can result in costly repairs to your building's flooring. Recognizing these potential issues before installing floor trusses can help you take proper measures to stabilize the subfloor and extend its durability. The following are tips on how you can prevent problems such as leaks and squeaky floors when installing timber floor framing.

Use water-resistant panels

Leaks and water damage are primary concerns when building a timber subfloor. If leaks occur in the home and water seeps into the framing, it can cause natural wood to rot and lose its structural integrity. If left unattended, this can cause the affected portion of the frame to cave in with the floor. To avoid this, invest in high-performance engineered timber trusses that are strong, durable and moisture-resistant, even when exposed to leaks. These will ensure that you install a stable subfloor that will not require regular repairs due to water damage.

Install additional bracing

When installing floor framing for new construction, the utility installations usually happen after the floor has been constructed. As a result, the contractor may cut some of the bracings when laying down HVAC ducts and other conduits. This causes the frames to lose their stiffness. The trusses start to move, and this will result in floor squeaks after some time. Since the ducts have to be laid after constructing the frame, there isn't much you can do. However, you can protect your new floors from squeaking by installing additional bracing. Design the bracing in such a way that each truss is linked to the next one. This design ensures that the extra bracing increases the stiffness of the subfloor and prevents noises as people walk on the floor.

Use pads in the subfloor

One of the reasons why new floors squeak is due to contact and friction between the trusses and ducts that are installed in the subfloor. As someone walks on the floor above the contact area, the load causes the trusses and ducts to touch, and the result is a squealing noise. You can avoid this by using a padding material between the trusses and the pipes. This way, even if weight is exerted on the floor, the pads will prevent the trusses and ducts from touching which will prevent squeaking noises on your new floor.

Proper planning is essential to preventing truss problems when installing a new floor. Work with a reputable contractor so that they can construct durable floor frame for your building.