A joist hanger provides a secure structural anchor point to connect wooden joists to beams or walls without needing to cut into the load-bearing surface. To fit one, you position the hanger flush against the supporting beam, ensure it is level, and secure it using the correct structural nails or screws through all the pre-drilled holes.
Essential Metalwork Fixings & Structural Supports
This category features an essential range of builder's metalwork, encompassing wall ties, joist hangers, restraint straps, angle brackets, and wall starter kits. These structural connectors are relied upon to safely anchor, join, and support various materials across building projects, from roofing framing to masonry reinforcement. Many of these metalwork components are fundamental when working with structural joist & studding timber, creating a secure framework that properly distributes heavy weight loads and provides necessary lateral restraint. The selection includes galvanised and stainless steel options to ensure corrosion resistance and lasting stability within the structural fabric of a building.
Choosing the correct metalwork component offers clear practical benefits, ensuring a straightforward installation process and strict compliance with current building regulations. Wall ties bridge the gap in cavity walls to maintain structural integrity, whilst joist hangers provide a reliable anchor point without the need to cut into load-bearing surfaces. When working on masonry projects, using wall starter kits alongside standard brick & block allows for new wall extensions to be securely tied into existing structures. These items are produced to meet standard load-bearing capacities and are compatible with both timber and masonry applications, providing reliable support under different environmental conditions.
Proper application of these components prevents structural movement and ensures a safe, level finish across floors, walls, and roofs. Fastening joist hangers, truss clips, and straps requires using the appropriate structural nails to achieve the correct shear strength and load capacity, as standard fixings may not offer adequate support. Items like metal studding are widely utilised to build partition walls, offering a straight and rigid base for attaching plasterboard during interior fit-outs. By incorporating the right metalwork into a project, structural junctions remain secure, well-supported, and resilient against everyday stresses.
Expansion Joint FAQ's
The correct wall tie depends on the cavity width, the building height, and the type of masonry being used. Stainless steel wire ties are commonly selected to prevent rust and corrosion within the cavity, and they must be long enough to embed at least 50mm into the mortar joints on both the inner and outer blockwork leaves.
Yes, standard screws do not have the required shear strength for structural metalwork. You should always use manufacturer-approved structural nails, such as square twist nails, or heavy-duty structural screws to ensure the connections meet building regulations and can safely carry the intended weight.
The load capacity of an angle bracket depends on the thickness of the metal, the size of the bracket, and the type of fixings used. They are designed to reinforce right-angle connections in timber framing or shelving, but for heavy structural loads, it is essential to check the specific load-bearing rating provided by the manufacturer.
Twisted straps are designed to accommodate specific building angles, allowing the metal strap to run along the side of a timber truss and then twist to lie flat across the top of a masonry wall. This eliminates the need to bend standard straps on-site and provides a much stronger structural tie.