Chassis Rigidity Simulator
Will your drywall crack? Test your subfloor strategy.
1. Steel Framing
2. Subfloor Connection
Structural Rigidity
100%
NO CRACK RISK
Settings optimized. The frame acts as a rigid beam.
The Science of Stiffness
Composite Action
When you only screw subfloor down, the wood slides slightly over the steel as it flexes. When you glue it with heavy-duty construction adhesive (e.g., PL Premium), the wood and steel become one solid unit. This increases chassis rigidity by up to 400%.
The Thermal Break
Steel is cold; wood is warm. Always apply a Sill Gasket or foam tape between the steel frame and your subfloor if not using glue (though glue acts as a break too). This prevents condensation “ghost lines” from rotting your subfloor from below.