Fixing a Notched 2×8 Floor Joist With a Repair Strap
The short version
A 2×8 floor joist was flagged in a homeowner's inspection for a notch of about 5 in. by 3 in. that removes its ability to carry tension at the bottom. Because the opening has to stay clear for a drain line and PEX lines, the creator installs a 1 1/2 in. wide joist repair strap (DP24) with pilot holes and the supplied T25 hardware. He says the job took about 15 minutes, and mentions larger straps and side plates for bigger notches or holes.
Full written account
A 2×8 floor joist carrying a notch of about 5 in. by 3 in. was called out in a homeowner's inspection. According to the creator, the notch removes the joist's ability to hold tension at the bottom, so the inspection treated its structure as no longer valid. He fixed it with a joist repair strap in about 15 minutes.
The problem
The notch sat in an area crowded with a drain line, PEX lines and other items. That ruled out the usual fix of sistering a new 2×8 to the side, because the opening had to stay open. The goal was to restore the joist's capacity to carry tension at the bottom.
The strap
The product is a strap 1 1/2 in. wide, matching the width of the 2×8. It has many holes along each side and comes with custom hardware and a T25 bit for driving the fasteners. The creator says it has been tested and proven to bring back the structure, and even more than the original 2×8.
Because so much hardware goes into a 1 1/2 in. width, pilot holes must be drilled. Skipping them risks splitting the 2×8, which would nullify the structure the strap is meant to restore.
Choosing a size
The first step is measuring the width of the notch. Here it was 5 in. The smaller strap is 24 in. long and handles notches up to 6 in. wide, provided at least 2 in. of wood remains above the notch on the top side. This joist had about 4 in. For notches above 6 in., up to a maximum of about 12 in., a larger strap is available.
Installing
The strap is centered over the notch, pilot holes are drilled, and the fasteners are driven. Start to finish took about 15 minutes, with no splits in the wood. The creator says some contractors, particularly when several joists are involved, might charge thousands of dollars and may not know the product exists.
Other options
For other situations, such as a basement where drywall is needed, the manufacturer offers other varieties. Side plates, which are more common, go up into the floor joist and keep the bottom surface clear, with additional strapping at the top. The creator says that even with large holes that have compromised a joist, these plates can bring it back to above what the original joist provided.
Questions this video answers
What was wrong with the joist?
A 2×8 floor joist had a notch about 5 in. wide by about 3 in. that took away its ability to hold tension at the bottom, and an inspection flagged it.
Why not sister a new 2×8 alongside?
The opening had to stay open for a drain line, PEX lines and other items.
What size notch does the smaller strap handle?
The 24 in. strap fits notches up to 6 in. wide, as long as at least 2 in. of wood remains above the notch on top. A larger strap covers up to about 12 in.
Do you need pilot holes?
Yes. The strap uses a lot of hardware in a 1 1/2 in. width, so pilot holes prevent splitting that would nullify the repair.
How long did it take?
About 15 minutes start to finish, per the creator.
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