Discover why the open-web TRIFORCE® joist is ideal for renovations. Most projects require flexibility, speed, and long-term reliability, which makes our joist the best choice for this type of construction. We will explore why in this blog.
Renovate more easily with the TRIFORCE® open web joists thanks to these qualities:
- Open web
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Trimmable end
- Consistent quality
- Quick installation
- Improved Energy Efficiency
Why TRIFORCE® Makes Your Renovations Easier
1. Open web
Its open-web design makes it much easier to route plumbing, ventilation, and electrical conduits, which is essential when working around fixed load-bearing walls, predefined openings, or limited floor-to-floor heights. Since most buildings already have mechanical systems in place, being able to run new ducts and pipes without cutting or drilling into the structure helps avoid damage, delays, and unnecessary costs.
The open web also gives architects greater design flexibility, allowing them to place MEP elements where they work best, not just where space happens to be available. Refer to the table below for typical mechanical clearances.
2. Lightweight and easy to handle
It is common to encounter tight spaces during renovations due to several factors, such as existing structural elements, hard-to-access basements or attics, the need to preserve the building’s original architecture, limited ceiling heights between floors, modifications made over the years, or the need to maximize space without full demolition.
These constraints make it essential to use lightweight, easy-to-handle products like TRIFORCE® joists. Their lightness is explained by the absence of metal plates (the chords are finger-jointed), the optimized use of wood in manufacturing, and their open-web design, which uses less wood than solid-web joists.
3. Trimmable end
This feature of TRIFORCE® joists makes renovation projects faster and more precise. Their adjustability provides flexibility for different types of renovations. Each building has specific needs, and the ability to trim the ends makes adjustments easier.
It also allows for compensation of irregularities in older buildings and adaptation to tight or crowded spaces without complex cutting. As a result, time and costs are saved, since there’s no need to fabricate custom joists—reducing material waste overall.
4. Consistent quality
Each TRIFORCE® joist is individually tested, resulting in a reliable, efficient, and safe product. In a renovation context, where existing buildings come with various specific constraints, this strict quality control is essential to ensure several key aspects:
- Compliance with strength standards
- Assurance that each joist will support the intended load, since some existing structures may be sensitive to uneven weight distribution, reducing the risk of deformation or cracks
- Fewer defective joists returned, saving time on site
- A flat and uniform floor
Each TRIFORCE® joist undergoes visual, mechanical, and assembly inspections, ensuring consistent quality, maximum safety, and reliable performance on the job site, even during renovations. Every stage of the production is carefully controlled, which ensures that each joist has been approved before going to the job site.
Our product is certified to comply with current building codes. We are therefore confident that the manufacture and operation of our product complies with standards that guarantee its
5. Quick installation
The fact that TRIFORCE® joists can be installed quickly is a major advantage in renovation projects—especially when time is limited, such as in occupied buildings or urban areas with strict work-hour restrictions.
In some cases, renovations take place while the building remains partially operational. Faster installation means less disruption for occupants, including reduced dust and noise.
Moreover, TRIFORCE® joists help minimize installation errors thanks to their intuitive design, meaning they are simple and logical to install.
6. Improved Energy Efficiency
The design of a structure plays a key role in energy performance. Let’s take a look at how an engineered wood floor system such as TRIFORCE® open joist can optimize energy efficiency.
The fact that it is open-core reduces thermal bridges and also means that insulation is not compromised. In other words, since the ducts pass easily between the joists, this avoids, for example, false ceilings where heat can escape. In addition, the heating/air conditioning system is optimized because air flows are better distributed.
And to conclude this section, since TRIFORCE® joists are assembled using eco-friendly adhesive, not only is the carbon footprint reduced, but so is the amount of energy used to manufacture and transport the materials. This makes them eco-friendly joists that uses less wood, making them a smart, sustainable choice for green-minded renovation projects.
TRIFORCE®: peace of mind for contractors
With its open-web design, lightweight construction, consistent quality, and energy-efficient performance, TRIFORCE® makes renovation projects faster, simpler, and more reliable. No matter the constraints of the existing building, it delivers the flexibility and peace of mind contractors and designers need on every job.
Ready to simplify your next project? Download the TRIFORCE® Spec Guide to explore all the possibilities of our open web joist.
