TRIFORCE® open web joists are more than just cost-effective, they’re designed to make your job easier on site. From faster installation and fewer callbacks to proven strength and energy efficiency, they deliver one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the industry. And with lasting durability, they protect both your budget and the long-term value of the building.
8 factors that prove TRIFORCE® open web joists are an economical choice and of excellent quality:
1) Reduce installation time: Since they are lighter than metal plate connected wood joists and I-joists, TRIFORCE® open joists are easier to transport and to handle on a construction site, therefore reducing labor costs during installation. Also, the fact that they are trimmable on one side means you don’t have to wait for new joists if they are the wrong size, or wait for an engineer’s repair detail.
2) Less wood material: Its open web configuration offers a product that contains less wood than conventional wood joists or I-joists. Thanks to its open web design, unlike a solid core, TRIFORCE® joists use 40% to 60% less wood for the same load-bearing capacity. Although they are economical in terms of consumable wood material, their strength remains excellent
3) Adding Strongbacks, a low-cost benefit: They greatly improves the floor system’s performance. Here’s a simple, cost-effective way to add strength and stability to your engineered wood floor structure. Strongbacks will help reduce vibration considerably. These 2x dried lumber should be installed as close as possible to the mid-span and they may be cut to allow access for mechanical systems. Their purpose is to ensure transverse rigidity. In the picture below, we see the addition of a secure vertical side block to the strongback:
4) TRIFORCE® joists can span longer distances than conventional wood joists: They are designed to provide long spans without the need for intermediate columns or beams, thus reducing overall construction costs. This is proven to be very useful for open spaces with design flexibility in mind. See all the possibilities by consulting the TRIFORCE® open web joist span table:
5) Reduced Waste : The manufacturing of TRIFORCE® is in itself economical, resulting in lower costs for customers. The aim is to have as little wood waste as possible in the factory. As a result, the facility has significantly minimized its raw material losses, achieving a remarkably low loss rate of approximately 3%. Not only does this reduce production costs, it’s also a very environmentally-friendly process.
6) Time savings for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing contractors: Thanks to its open web design, ductwork, wires and pipes can be easily installed, with less holes to make. What’s more, it eliminates the risk of making mistakes and putting holes in the wrong place, which also wastes time if you have to wait for a repair detail.
See the Mechanical Clearances Table Below:
7) Reduced maintenance and repair costs : Because they are designed to resist warping, shrinking and twisting, TRIFORCE® joists require less attention over time than traditional wood joists.
They are designed to resist these deformations caused, among other things, by changes in temperature and humidity.
The resulting issues can include uneven floors, squeaking noises, and even structural problems. Because TRIFORCE® joists stay straighter and more stable for longer, builders spend less money on maintenance.
8) Low cost for basement ceiling fire protection : Protecting TRIFORCE® open web joists against fire is a cost-effective solution that guarantees a safe and durable structure. When constructing or renovating a single-family home, the basement floor system must meet fire-resistance standards. TRIFORCE® joists comply with IRC requirements when a layer of cladding is added to their trimmable end.
This effective additional protection for unfinished ceilings can lead to lower insurance premiums and ensures compliance with standards without costly additions like chemical treatments. Moreover, adding cladding to this small section is quick and easy to install, which helps reduce labor costs.
Download the TRIFORCE® Spec Guide
All things considered, TRIFORCE® joists give you a cost-effective way to build stronger, faster, and smarter, whether it’s residential or commercial.
Get the complete picture: download our Spec Guide for technical data, span charts, and practical installation details.
