FIRST FLOOR JOISTS ARE UP

The EcoBeam joists arrived on site Tuesday, and we had them all up on Wednesday. They consist of 76x50mm top and bottom chords of Grade 5 treated pine wood, with a zig-zag galvanised steel web. This is a more technologically engineered solution than using solid timber joists. It combines the best characteristics of both wood and steel to create an exceptionally strong beam. It uses very little material compared to a solid joist, and the web voids allow for the very flexible insertion of electrical and plumbing services. The joists were bolted to the brick walls using galvanised steel truss hangers.

The EcoBeam joists are lightweight and easy to handle, and very economical to purchase. We have no hesitation is recommending this product. If you are planning a double storey house, please do not put up a concrete first floor structure. This is far more expensive, and the masses of cement used would increase the carbon footprint of your building substantially.  An EcoBeam floor structure will save you more than 50% on the cost of an equivalent prestressed concrete slab structure.