Alpa Floor System Inc.

Most common AlpaJoist Questions and Answers

Q - Can I move the location of the opening?
A - No, every joist is manufactured in even foot increments from 12’ and up and the opening of the joist is lactated at the center of the span. However, depending on the design of the floor there are some options of offsetting the opening more than a foot by using a longer length joist and cutting on only one side. This scenario would have to be engineered in our office and reviewed.
Q - Where does the strongback have to be located when nailing?
A - If one row of strongback is specified and required, then on one side of the joist. The 2x4 or 2x6 is to be nailed on edge using 2-nail minimum. For optimal performance if they are nailed tight to the top of the opening that is ideal but in the middle or at the bottom is acceptable. Never install on strongback on flat.
Q - Can I cut a hole in web beyond the opening?
A - Yes! Depending on the size and location additional holes can be cut just like a regular I-Joist. The minimum distance from the opening is 18” see the Alpajoist manual for details and a hole chart or contact our office and we will be more that happy to analyze the design with our design software.
Q - Do I have to cut both sides of the joist because of the opening?
A - No, we have a built in tolerance for the opening being shifted slightly and as long as you keep within that you can cut one side. The most you should cut off one joist is 1’11”
Q - Is there another opening in the joist?
A - No, each joist, depending on the depth, has the exact same engineered opening located at the center. You can cut additional openings in the web within our specifications.
Q - What is the cost comparison to other I-Joist on the market?
A - The AlpaJoist is the only one of it’s kind in the market place today and pricing against a standard I-joist we are one of the most cost effective joist around.