Hi
I have notched out space to fit 4 10mm Speedfit pipes that will be serving two radiators one up stairs and one below. However I couldn’t get clips in as it was tight. I didn’t want to take a load of joist out.
I’ve improvised and used plaster board washers one each side screwed to the joist therefore pinning the pipes into the notch.
Is this okay? I know they expand but that would be okay wouldn’t it. The floor board fit back down perfect. Does it matter if they are in tight.. how much room do they need? Will the metal washer cause any problems long term? I actually pushed some folded duct tape underneath just incase to stop any friction.
Your expect views are welcomed.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
The meatal washers might corrode over time because as you walk on the floorboard it will slowly keep pushing the washer Into the pipe causing it to leak.
You are allowed to notch 1/8 of the depth of the joist for pipes or if you've already done that much, just make some holes in the joist for the pipes to go through and you shouldn't get any long term issues that way.
I use copper clips (https://www.screwfix.com/p/15mm-pipe-clips-copper-10-pack/2716j) to flush fasten pipes to notched joists. Yes you'll have to take into account that they will expand & possibly move a bit & create noise so I ensure the notched bed is smooth & you can even place some pipe insulation under them to reduce noise. Danger is that they are exposed from above so drilling through the centre joist to protect them is preferred but not always possible I know that.
I'd strongly recommend that you mark on the floorboards the location of these pipe runs to not only assist you (in case you come back for whatever reason) but mainly for future tradesmen. I personally use red/blue line spray paint cans to mark all runs on floorboards. You can never over mark with information IMO.
Personally I never notch the tops of joists. Someway down the line someone might screw into/saw the boards and then you have a world of pain! Wherever possible, drill a hole through the joist in accordance with current Building Regs. Viz:
Holes should only be drilled on the centre line of the joist. This is where the compressive and tensile load distribution is neutralised
Holes should have a diameter of no greater than 0.25 times the depth of the joist
Holes should be no closer together than 3 times the largest diameter permitted
Holes should be no closer to the support than 0.25 times the span and no further away than 0.40 times the span
