Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

Which of the following is true regarding joists supporting a bearing wall?

1. They should be made of wood

2. They should be sloped

3. They need to be doubled

4. They must be at least 16 inches apart

The correct answer is: They need to be doubled

Joists that support a bearing wall play a critical role in ensuring structural integrity. It is essential for these joists to be adequately sized and positioned to distribute the weight from the wall above effectively. Doubling the joists—using two joists side by side—provides extra support needed for the additional load imposed by the bearing wall. This doubling enhances the overall strength and stability of the structure, helping to prevent deflection or failure over time. It's worth noting that while other factors such as the type of material used and spacing between joists are relevant in construction, they do not specifically address the additional support required by joists carrying a bearing wall load. Using wood is common for joists, but they can also be made from engineered materials. Sloping joists may apply to specific design considerations, but they are not a requirement for supporting bearing walls. Finally, while a 16-inch spacing is typical in residential framing, it may not be sufficient for all designs and loads, thus emphasizing the importance of doubling joists for bearing walls regardless of spacing. This understanding is crucial for any home inspector evaluating the structural integrity of residential properties.