Red Seal Carpenter Practice Exam

When should the bottoms of the cross bridging be fastened?

1. Immediately while building floor so the floor is complete before sheathing.

2. Once floor sheathing is complete because now joists have been nailed straight.

3. Before the subtrades come in so they can not knock them out as easily.

4. Just prior to drywalling so floor has had time to straighten and settle.

The correct answer is: Once floor sheathing is complete because now joists have been nailed straight.

The correct answer focuses on the practical management of construction workflows and ensuring that various trades can work together efficiently. Fastening the bottoms of the cross bridging before the subtrades come in minimizes the risk of damage or removal. If the cross bridging is installed after other trades have begun their work, they might inadvertently knock it out or damage it while performing their tasks, such as running electrical or plumbing. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the structural system and prevents delays that could arise from having to replace or reinstall cross bridging after other work is done. By considering the sequence of construction activities, it becomes clear that the timing of fastening cross bridging is crucial for both structural stability and workflow efficiency. Fastening it early allows for a smoother transition to subsequent tasks, keeping the overall project on schedule.