Best of IBS™ 2020: Most Innovative Building Material

Rectangle piece of wood with silver plate nailed to it with a hallowed out circle in the middle of the piece

2810HR Joist Reinforcer by Metwood Building Solutions

The Metwood 2810HR Joist Reinforcer is an innovative product that allows up to a 6” diameter hole to be cut through a 2×10 or 2×12 wood floor joist and a 4” diameter hole in a 2×8. The main purpose of this product is to allow for plumbing, HVAC and other utilities to pass through.

Section 2308.4.2.4 (Notches and Holes) of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) states that holes bored in joists shall not be within two inches (51 mm) of the top and bottom of the joist and the diameter of any such hole shall not exceed one-third the depth of the joist.

Prior to 1996, the code allowed for larger holes to be placed in joists. Therefore, when renovating homes built prior to 1996, utilities routed through floor joists will no longer pass required codes. The 2810HR alleviates the need to reroute utilities, as it meets today’s code requirement.

Here’s what a few of the Best of IBS Show judges had to say about the Metwood 2810HR:

“Absolute best innovation I have seen. Very useful to all builders and remodelers.”

“In my view, the most innovative building products are those that solve a problem or help builders/remodelers do their job better. That’s this product in a nutshell. Enabling holes to be cut for HVAC and plumbing into floor joists without weakening the material is a big deal. Smart, affordable, sensible. Two thumbs up.”

Congratulations to Metwood 2810HR Joist Reinforcer for winning the Most Innovative Building Material product category. Be sure to learn more about all of the Best of IBS Awards 2020 Winners.

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