What is the primary purpose of bridging in joist installation?

Bridging in joist installation serves the primary purpose of maintaining structural form. By providing lateral support to joists, bridging helps prevent them from twisting or rotating, which can lead to structural weaknesses, deflection, or even failure over time. This stability is particularly crucial for long spans of joists, where the risk of distortion is greater.

In addition to maintaining the structural integrity, bridging also helps distribute loads more evenly across the joists, ensuring that the overall frame remains aligned and stable under various conditions, such as the weight of roofing materials or live loads from occupancy. This reinforcement contributes significantly to the durability and lifespan of the structure. While other choices may touch on relevant aspects of joist performance, they do not address the crucial role bridging plays in preserving the intended design and functionality of the framework.