11/30/2023 0 Comments Diamond on measuring tape![]() You are right it might be problematic for wall framing, and really not necessary from a structural point of view, but floors are not often insulated and do need more strength. Thinking about it, using diamond framing now would be problematic because there is no insulation designed to fit it." Thanks Tom. It's really common to find diamond spaced framing on the floor joists of homes build around the turn of the century (1900). In fact, the markings pre-date engineered lumber by probably over 100 years. ![]() Marked at 19.2 inches apart, using this type of placement also allows for more weight loads with fewer pieces of wood. This marker is commonly used in building a concrete block chimney. "I've been noticing across the internet that the common answer to the "black diamond framing" question is that it is for engineered trusses. What do the black diamonds mean The black diamond marker on a tape measure falls between the 16-inch and 24-inch spacing. Thanks Stef for a 2017 correction to my original entry made way back in 2003.Īnd in 2018, Tom gives us a lesson in history showing that people were using 5 spans in 8 feet a long time ago: They are referred to as a ' truss marks'. That means that you have to install floor trusses on 19.2" centers - which is exactly what those diamond marks are for. Both work for nicely fitting 4 foot wide panels, like drywall or plywood.įloors are usually laid out on the 8 foot run - 24 inch centers will give you 4 spans in 8 feet - but engineered floor truses are lighter and less expensive than solid wood, but require one more support in that 8 foot span, giving 5 spans in 8 feet. With 24 inch spacing you get two spans in 4 feet. Three times 16 is 48 - so you get an even three spans every 4 feet. Studs and traditional floor joists are usually either 16 or 24 inches on centre, and every 16 inches on the tape is marked with a triangle. These marks are for laying out 5 engineered flooring trusses per 8 feet, like those wooden I beams. In fact if you divide 96 inches by 5 you will get 19.2 inches, a decimal measurement on a fractions tape. Finally when you get to 8 feet it is dead on. Look further down the tape and you will see it repeated every 19+ inches, always at some imprecise measurement, not really a multiple of 3/16 of an inch. Dan wrote in asking what is that little diamond mark on his tape measurer at 19-3/16 inches?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |