Home Inspection State Practice Exam

Where should squash blocks (web blocking) be located in a wood I-joist floor system?

1. At bearing ends and load-bearing walls

2. Along the edges of all joists

3. Only at the midspan of each joist

4. Inside each joist cavity

The correct answer is: At bearing ends and load-bearing walls

Squash blocks, also known as web blocking or web stiffeners, are used in wood I-joist floor systems to provide additional support at specific locations. The proper placement of squash blocks is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the joist system, especially at points where significant loads will be applied. The correct placement of squash blocks is at the bearing ends and load-bearing walls, where they help transfer the loads from the joists to the supporting structure. This added support helps to distribute the weight more evenly and reduces the risk of deflection or failure in the joists. By placing squash blocks in these key locations, the overall strength of the floor system is enhanced, ensuring that it can safely handle the loads from above. In contrast, placing squash blocks along the edges of all joists, only at the midspan, or inside each joist cavity does not adequately address the load-bearing requirements. These locations do not provide the necessary reinforcement at critical load points, which could compromise the safety and stability of the structure. Therefore, properly locating squash blocks at bearing ends and load-bearing walls is essential for effective structural support in I-joist systems.