Gang-Nail Systems’ Ecojoists are being used in the bottom chord of attic trusses on a number of housing projects in Ireland to help create clear passage lines for service runs. Cork Roof Trusses (R.O.I) and Clonoe Timber Mouldings (N.I) are both using this technique to help make better use of the otherwise redundant space.

The Ecojoist system is made from galvanised steel webs and stress graded timber flanges, yet is 40% lighter than the equivalent solid timber joists. Although Ecojoists are lightweight, this does not impair the quality or versatility of the product.

The Ecojoist offers increased strength capabilities compared to other timber joist systems and is ideal for use in the creation of attic rooms, where it is more financially viable to build upwards, rather than using more land for one plot by building outwards.

Brian Humphries, Director of Cork Roof Trusses commented, “The demand for Ecojoists has grown largely since 2000 due its numerous benefits over standard timber joists. Ecojoists themselves are available in longer spans and are comparatively much lighter, making installation far easier and quicker, helping to keep within strict building deadlines. The open steel webs of the Ecojoist make it possible to pass service pipes through with ease, eliminating the need to cut or drill holes into the joist for this purpose.”

He continued, “As such, Ecojoists lend themselves well to use within the bottom chord of an attic space as the added benefits of overall build time reduction surpasses all other systems when taking into account the follow-on trades. With clear access for services, any future changes to the structure due to enforced energy efficient compliances would negate expensive and time consuming structural changes to the building.”

Equally, Colm Hanna, Director of Clonoe Timber Mouldings said, “An attic holds 30% of a property’s potential space, however, this area is not often used to its full potential with many people choosing to build out rather than up. This can be a particularly costly decision to make, as a larger plot of land is needed for each individual house, equating to a larger initial financial outlay per unit. Utilising the attic space and creating further room within the existing structure itself can eradicate this cost and free up land for further units. Using Ecojoists in the bottom chord of the attic space makes it possible to enhance the space within the house at very little comparative cost.”

He continued, “The added ability to pass service and soil pipes through the open webs of the Ecojoist saves valuable space and time as there is no need to cut into the timber during installation, which can impair the strength and performance of the joist in the process.”

Ecojoists are able to deliver a stronger, more durable floor structure that can withstand heavy loads just as well as solid timber joists, yet offer greater installation advantages, and as a result, cost savings too, ensuring deadlines are met and projects are completed on time.