Choosing a Nolan Joist Repair Kit for an Exposed Joist
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For an exposed basement joist, start by reviewing Nolan’s Joist Repair Kits and confirming that the joist fits the 2026 Joist Repair Kit design report and installation instructions revised August 19, 2026. Once the joist qualifies, use Nolan’s sizing reference to match the strap length to the documented notch or hole width.
The sizing table applies only to a documented notch or hole. Do not use those width limits for rot, splits, deterioration, insect damage, or an undefined damaged area.
- Confirm the joist is qualifying solid-sawn dimensional lumber before choosing a kit.
- Measure and document the notch or hole width, then use Nolan’s sizing reference to select the strap length.
- Verify joist size, species, grade, span, spacing, loads, remaining wood, and sound fastening wood.
- Use all 32 Simpson Strong-Tie SDS25212 structural screws, 1/4 inch by 2-1/2 inches, with 16 at each end.
What should you check first?
An exposed basement ceiling provides access to the joist’s bottom edge, but access alone does not determine whether the repair qualifies.
Use the design report for engineering criteria and the August 19, 2026 instructions for installation requirements. Confirm:
- Solid-sawn dimensional-lumber floor-joist construction.
- Joist size, species, and grade.
- Joist span and spacing.
- Floor dead and live loads.
- The width and location of the documented notch or hole.
- The depth of sound wood remaining above the notch or hole.
- Sound wood at every required screw location.
- Access to the joist’s bottom edge for the specified strap orientation.
The report analyzes Douglas-Fir-Larch No. 2 and Spruce-Pine-Fir No. 2. For an unlisted species, obtain confirmation from Nolan Structural Products or a qualified design professional rather than assuming it is covered as a “weaker species.”
Joist span and spacing must fit the assumptions and span tables cited by the design report.
Which strap length matches the documented notch or hole width?
Measure the notch or hole, then use Nolan’s supplied sizing reference:
| Strap Length | Maximum Documented Notch or Hole Width |
|---|---|
| 24 inches | Up to 6 inches |
| 30 inches | Up to 12 inches |
| 34 inches | Up to 16 inches |
| 42 inches | Up to 24 inches |
These measurements select the strap length for a documented notch or hole. They do not expand the product’s applicability or override any limit in the design report or installation instructions.
What remaining wood is required?
After identifying the joist species and size, measure the sound wood remaining above the notch or hole. Table 2 of the design report and the August 19, 2026 instructions provide these minimum values:
| Joist Size | DF-L No. 2 Minimum | SPF No. 2 Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| 2×6 | 1.8 inches | 2.3 inches |
| 2×8 | 2.4 inches | 3.0 inches |
| 2×10 | 2.9 inches | 3.8 inches |
| 2×12 | 3.4 inches | 4.4 inches |
Use the column for the verified species. These values work together with the report’s maximum spans, loading, joist spacing, and other assumptions; they are not stand-alone minimums for every floor joist.
If the species, grade, size, span, spacing, load, notch or hole dimensions, or remaining sound wood cannot be verified, get engineering review before ordering or installing a strap.
What comes in each strap kit?
The kit information used for this guide specifies:
- One A36 steel repair strap, 1¼ inches wide and ⅛ inch thick.
- Thirty-two ¼-inch × 2½-inch Simpson Strong-Tie SDS25212 structural screws.
- A 3/16-inch pilot drill bit.
- A compatible nut-driver socket.
Follow the August 19, 2026 instructions for the complete installation sequence. The strap sits tight against the bottom edge of the joist and is centered beneath the qualifying notch or hole, with fastening length extending into sound wood on both sides. Install all 32 screws, with 16 screws into sound wood at each end.
If the bottom edge is inaccessible, the strap cannot lie flat, or every screw cannot enter sound wood, contact Nolan Structural Products or a qualified design professional rather than changing the orientation or fastening pattern.
Can more than one strap be installed?
The August 19, 2026 instructions allow multiple straps on the same joist when required, provided they do not overlap. They also allow kits on adjacent joists.
Each repair must independently meet the applicable limits and fastening requirements. A qualifying repair on one joist does not establish that another notch, hole, or adjacent joist also qualifies.
What does restoring strength mean?
The design report concludes that a properly installed strap restores the full intended strength of a qualifying floor joist within the report’s assumptions and limitations. That conclusion depends on the verified joist species and grade, size, span, spacing, loads, remaining wood, strap selection, fastening, and installation.
FAQ
Which Nolan strap matches a documented notch or hole up to 6 inches wide?
Nolan’s sizing reference pairs a documented notch or hole up to 6 inches wide with the 24-inch strap, subject to every design-report limit.
Which strap matches a documented notch or hole up to 12 inches wide?
The sizing reference pairs a documented notch or hole up to 12 inches wide with the 30-inch strap. The design report and instructions still determine whether the joist qualifies.
Which strap matches a documented notch or hole up to 16 inches wide?
The sizing reference pairs a documented notch or hole up to 16 inches wide with the 34-inch strap, without overriding any design-report limit.
Which strap matches a documented notch or hole up to 24 inches wide?
The sizing reference pairs a documented notch or hole up to 24 inches wide with the 42-inch strap. Confirm every applicable requirement before selection.
Can the sizing table be used for rot, splits, or deterioration?
No. The table applies only to a documented notch or hole. Rot, splits, deterioration, insect damage, and undefined damage require separate evaluation.
What screws does the Nolan Joist Repair Kit use?
Use all 32 Simpson Strong-Tie SDS25212 structural screws, each 1/4 inch in diameter by 2-1/2 inches long, with 16 installed into sound wood at each end.
Can multiple straps be installed on one joist?
Yes. The August 19, 2026 instructions allow multiple straps when required, but they must not overlap and each repair must independently qualify.
Can this kit be used on an engineered I-joist?
No. The documents used for this guide cover qualifying solid-sawn dimensional-lumber floor joists, not engineered I-joists.
Choose the kit in three steps
First, document the joist and the notch or hole. Second, confirm the joist meets the design report. Third, use the sizing reference to choose the correct strap length. If a required condition cannot be verified, contact Nolan Structural Products or a qualified design professional before ordering.
