During an inspection of an existing commercial building, you notice that the floor joists are sagging. What is the first step you should take to determine the cause of the sagging?
- AMeasure the joist spacing
- Inspect the subfloor for damage
- CCheck the floor joists for termite damage
- DMeasure the floor joist depth
Exam tip
Remember that the subfloor can be a significant factor in joist sagging and should be inspected first.
Why B is correct
According to Section 1603.1 of the 2021 IBC, the first step in determining the cause of joist sagging is to inspect the subfloor for damage. This can help identify if the sagging is due to a problem with the subfloor, which can then be addressed accordingly. Options A, C, and D are also important but not the first step.