How to Fix a Broken Floor Joist
Creating Room for the New Joist
I had a few obstructions in my way; there were electrical wires, thermostat cables, a refrigerator water line, electrical conduit and heating pipes all in the way. Plus old nails and pipe brackets, from years past, left in place – I hate that.
The first step was to temporary remove or even relocate these electrical cables, and pipes. This necessitated shutting off the electricity and temporarily disconnecting a smoke alarm and some thermostat wiring. I also had to pull wire staples and unscrew conduit and heating pipe supports. These items will all need to be replaced after I was done sistering the joist.
Once complete I checked the subfloor above for any penetrating nails that would inhibit the new joist. There were none but if there was I would have used end nippers and cut them flush with the subfloor.
I also removed all of the nails and old pipe hangers.
