RIM BOARD ATTACHMENT, AND RELATED ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

Abstract

A building assembly is provided which includes in certain embodiments a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides, joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, a rim board positioned at aligned first ends of the joists, and connectors. Each of the connectors is fastened to and/or embedded in the perimeter structure, and is fastened to the front face of the rim board. Methods of constructing a building structure are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of provisional application 61/103,000 filed on Oct. 6, 2008, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Decks and other structures (e.g., stairs) attached to the sides of buildings, such as home residences and commercial buildings, are typically attached to what is generally known in the art as a “rim board.” A rim board is a component typically made of wood that fills the space between the sill plate and the bottom plate of a wall or, in second or higher floor construction, between the top plate and the bottom plate of two wall sections. If the deck or other structure is not properly attached to the rim board, then the deck or structure may pull away from the building and collapse. Similarly, if the rim board is not properly secured to the building during construction, the load of and forces acting on the deck may pull the rim board away from the building foundation, causing collapse of the deck or other structure attached to the rim board.

Generally, 2×-lumber material is used as the rim board. This material is strong enough to support the lateral load of a deck when installed properly. However, “[w]hile lumber has been the traditional product used for rim boards, it is not compatible with the new generation of wood I-joists used in floor construction. With increasing use of wood I-joists, a demand for compatible engineered wood rim boards has resulted.” (2004-APA Performance Rated Rim Boards Data File, Form No. W345G, p. 1.)

The order of events for connecting a rim board to a home is generally as follows. First, a pressure treated sill board is installed and attached to the foundation walls. Second, manufactured I-joists are then nailed down in a visible pattern according to specifications. Third, a rim board (e.g., 1⅛ inch) is attached to the ends of the I-joists. Fourth, plywood floor sheathing is installed over the joists. After the plywood floor sheathing is installed, pre-fabricated exterior walls are installed.

The plywood floor sheathing and exterior walls completely cover the nail pattern by which the rim board is attached to the sill board and I-joists. As a consequence, a building inspector who arrives at the building site after construction has occurred is often unable to visually inspect the rim board to ensure that it has been installed correctly using the correct size and type fasteners, e.g., nails, in the proper locations. Because construction take place at a quick pace, it is impractical to expect the inspector to show up at the building site at exactly the precise moment of rim board installation or to stay at the site during the entire process to verify that ever nail is properly installed. Further, it is not economically feasible to have the builder cease construction until the inspect is able to schedule and perform the inspection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a first aspect of the invention provides a building assembly featuring a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides, joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, a rim board having a rear face positioned at aligned first ends of the joists and a front face opposite to the first ends of the joists, and connectors. Each of the connectors is fastened to the perimeter structure, a corresponding joist and the front face of the rim board.

A second aspect of the invention provides a building assembly featuring a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides, joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, a rim board having a rear face positioned at aligned first ends of the joists and a front face opposite to the first ends of the joists, and connectors. Each of the connectors is partially embedded within and secured to the perimeter structure and fastened to a corresponding joist and the front face of the rim board.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of constructing a building assembly is provided. Connectors are fastened to a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides while leaving first overhang portions of the connectors extending inside a perimeter of the perimeter structure and second overhang portions of the connectors extending outside of the perimeter of the perimeter structure. Joists are supported on the perimeter structure so as to extend between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, the joists having respective first ends aligned with one another. A rim board is positioned at the aligned first ends of the joists, and the second overhang portions of the connectors are fastened to the front face of the rim board.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of constructing a building assembly. First portions of connectors are embedded in a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides while leaving overhang second portions of the connectors extending outside of the perimeter of the perimeter structure. Joists are supported on the perimeter structure so as to extend between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, the joists having respective first ends aligned with one another and respective second ends. A rim board is positioned at the aligned first ends of the joists, and the overhang second portions of the connectors are fastened to the front face of the rim board.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a connection between a rim board and other components of a building structure.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a method of connecting a rim board to other components of a building structure.

Other aspects of the invention, including devices, structures, assemblies, systems, attachments, methods, and the like which constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and viewing the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In such drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are fragmented, side sectional views of an assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, with FIG. 1A depicted in an exploded (disassembled) state and FIG. 1B depicted in an assembled state;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are fragmented, side sectional views of an assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, with FIG. 2A depicted in an exploded (disassembled) state and FIG. 2B depicted in an assembled state;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are fragmented, side sectional views of an assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, with FIG. 3A depicted in an exploded (disassembled) state and FIG. 3B depicted in an assembled state; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B are fragmented, side sectional views of an assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, with FIG. 4A depicted in an exploded (disassembled) state and FIG. 4B depicted in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in this section in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

It is to be noted that, as used in the specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

First Exemplary Embodiment

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1A and 1B, an assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The assembly 10 is part of an overall building structure, such as a residential house or commercial building, for example. The assembly 10 includes a footing 12 (FIG. 1B) and a foundation wall 14 resting on the footing 12. The foundation wall 14 defines the perimeter of the base of the building structure. Typically the footing 12 and foundation wall 14 are made of concrete, and may be poured or assembled at the construction site of the building structure.

Resting on top of the foundation wall 14 is a sill plate 16. It should be understood that the sill plate 16 may actually be comprised of multiple plates laid end to end. The sill plate 16 will typically extend along the entire perimeter of the building structure. A connector (not shown) such as a “Simpson” strap may be used to join the sill plate 16 to the foundation wall 14. For example, a Simpson strap may be wrapped over and fastened, typically using nails, to the top surface and opposite sides of the sill plate 16. The opposing ends of the Simpson strap are buried in the foundation wall 14, optionally in-situ as the foundation wall 14 is poured or otherwise formed. Typically multiple Simpson straps or other connectors are arranged about the perimeter of the building structure to secure the sill plate 16 to the foundation wall 14.

A plurality of joists 22, such as those sometimes referred to in the art as I-joists, are arranged to extend across the building structure. Typically, the joists 22 are arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another (in a direction perpendicular to their length) at relatively uniform intervals across the building structure. The lower edges of the joists 22 rest on the sill plate 16. The ends of the joists 22 are aligned in planar relationship to one another, and are offset slightly from the outer face of the sill plate 16 to leave a shoulder area for receiving an edge of a rim board 18. Although not shown, the opposite ends of the joists 22 rest on a sill plate 16 at an opposite side of the perimeter of the foundation wall 14. These opposite ends are similarly aligned with one another and leave a shoulder area for receiving an edge of another rim board. While the joists 22 are described as extending from one side of the foundation wall 14 to the other side, it should be understood that the term “side” in this context is chosen arbitrarily, and that the joists 22 may extend between opposite ends of the perimeter structure (e.g., walls 14) or between non-opposite (e.g., adjacent) walls, that is, joists 22 may extend diagonally relative to the perimeter structure walls.

The rim board 18 is placed at the ends of the joists 22. The lower edge of the rim board 18 rests on the top shoulder area of the sill plate 16. A flooring member 24 typically configured as one or more planar boards rests on top of the joists 22 and the top edge of the rim board 18. It should be understood that various materials may be used for these components, and that the components may be made of the same or different materials. Typically, the components are made of wood and composite wood materials.

A connector (also referred to herein as an attachment member) 20, more typically a plurality of connectors 20, secure the joists 22 and rim board 18 to one another and to the sill plate 16 as follows. As best shown in FIG. 1A, a terminal end portion of the connector 20 extends along the bottom edge of an end portion of the joist 22. The connector 20 continues to extend along the interfaces of (i) the bottom edge of the joist 22 and the top surface of the sill plate 16 and (ii) the bottom edge of the rim board 18 and the top surface of the sill plate 16. At the front of the bottom edge of the rim board 18, the connector 20 is bent about 90 degrees upwards and continuously extends upwards across the outer face of the rim board 18 and the front edge of the flooring member 24. At the top of the front edge of the flooring member 24, the connector 20 is bent about 90 degrees and continuously extends across at least a portion of the top surface of the flooring member 24. One or more connectors 20 may be provided for each joist 22 or for less than all of the joists 22. The connector 20 may be made of any suitable material, whether rigid or flexible, especially those capable of acting as a hold-down tension device. It is contemplated that a flexible strap such as, for example, a Simpson strap or comparable product, which is bendable around the rim board 18 face may be used as the connector 20. Holes or location indicia optionally may be preformed in the connector 20 to ensure proper spacing between fasteners. The fasteners connect each of the connectors 20 to the top surface of the sill plate 16, the lower edge of a corresponding joist 22, the outer face of the rim board 18, and the upper surface of the flooring member 24.

A vertical wall 26 is constructed over the top edge of the rim board and the flooring member 24. Reference numeral 28 represents a weather barrier (e.g., siding) attached to the outer face of the wall 26.

Typically, though not necessarily, construction will proceed as follows. The connector 20 is placed perpendicularly over the top surface of the sill plate 16 before the joists 22 and rim board 18 are laid on the sill plate 16. Each connector 20 is placed at a position corresponding to the location at which a corresponding joist 22 will be laid. Connectors 20 may be provided for all or less than all of the joists 22. For example, a connector 20 may be provided for every other joist 22. Portions of the connector 20 will overhang both edges of the sill plate 16, typically with a majority of the length of the connector 20 located outside the perimeter of the building. Fasteners, typically nails, are inserted (e.g., driven) through the connector 20 into the top face of the sill plate 16 to secure the connector 20 to the sill plate 16. Next, the joists 22 and the rim board 18 are laid on the sill plate 16 and over the connector 20 as described above. The flooring member 24 is laid on top of the upper edges of the joists 22.

Fasteners (e.g., nails) are driven into the terminal end portion (located inside the building perimeter) of the connector 20 and the bottom edge of the joist 22 (in FIG. 1B, to the right of the sill plate 16) from below. The connector 20 is bent 90 degrees upwards at the front of the bottom edge of the rim board 18, and extended along the face of the rim board 18 to the top of the front edge of the flooring member 24. The connector 20 is fastened (e.g., nailed) into the front face of the rim board 18. The nails or other fasteners penetrate through the rim board 18 into the joist 22. The connector 20 is again bent 90 degrees at the top of the front edge of the flooring member 24 and extended across at least a portion of the flooring member 24. Fasteners such as nails are driven downward through the connector 20 into the flooring member 24. The nails or other fasteners may be arranged directly over and penetrate into the joists 22, preferably at the upper edge midpoint, under the flooring member 24. The walls 26 and weather barrier 28 are then constructed on the flooring member 24.

It should be understood that construction may proceed in alternative sequences of steps than described above.

The connector 20 provides a continuous and secure attachment between the joists 22, the sill member 16, the rim board 18, and the flooring member 24. As constructed, it is believed that the connector 24 significantly lessens the possibility of a deck or stair structure (attached to the rim board 18) from pulling the rim board 18 away from the joists 22, even under heavy loads or severe weather conditions.

Additionally, the attachment 20 secures the rim board 18 to a building in such a manner as to create a safe structure that an inspector can view even after the plywood flooring 24 has been installed. The fasteners (e.g., nails) are exposed at the bottom edges of the joists 22, the front face of the rim board 18, and the top surface of the flooring member 24. As a consequence, a building inspector who arrives at the building site after the assembly 10 has been completed or substantially completed is still able to view the construction and nail patterns to ensure that the rim board 18 is securely and correctly fastened to the building structure, e.g., using prescribed nails and spacing.

According to one implementation of this first embodiment, the footings 12 are 2 feet by 12 feet, and the concrete foundation wall 14 is 8 inches in depth. The connector 20 is a 1¼ inch by 36 inch continuous Simpson MSTA36 strap. A 1⅛ inch APA rim board and 2 inch by 6 inch PT wood sill plate are selected, as is ⅝ inch plywood flooring. The joists 22 are 12 inch JSI. The plywood flooring 24 is nailed a minimum of every 32 inches at the center of every other joist 22. The wall 26 includes 2 by 4 inch studs. Other materials and dimensions may be selected.

It should be understood that various modifications to this first exemplary embodiment (and other embodiments discussed below) may be practiced. For example, the connector 20 may extend along the top edges of the joist 22, below the flooring member 24, by installing the connector 20 before the flooring member 24 is laid. This modified embodiment also provides a secure construction, although it is not as accessible to inspection after the flooring member 24 has been laid. As another example, additional components (e.g., insulation) may be included in the assembly 10. Fasteners such as screws may be used instead of nails, depending upon building codes.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 30. The assembly 30 is part of an overall building structure, such as a residential house or commercial building, for example, The assembly 30 includes a footing 32 (FIG. 2B) and a foundation wall 34 resting on the footing 32. The foundation wall 34 defines the perimeter of the base of the building structure. Typically the footing 32 and foundation wall 34 are made of concrete, and may be poured or assembled at the construction site of the building structure.

Resting on top of the foundation wall 34 is a sill plate 36. It should be understood that the sill plate 36 may actually be comprised of multiple plates laid end to end. The sill plate 36 will typically extend along the entire perimeter of the building structure. A connector (not shown) such as a “Simpson” strap may be used to join the sill plate 36 to the foundation wall 34. For example, a Simpson strap may be wrapped over and fastened, typically using nails, to the top surface and opposite sides of the sill plate 36. The opposing ends of the Simpson strap are buried in the foundation wall 34, optionally in-situ as the foundation wall 34 is poured or otherwise formed. Typically multiple Simpson straps or other connectors are arranged about the perimeter of the building structure to secure the sill plate 36 to the foundation wall 34.

Unlike the first exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a lower wall 37 on the sill late 36. The lower wall 37 may comprise, for example, 3(1¾ inch LVL) APA shear paneling.

A plurality of joists 42, such as those sometimes referred to in the art as I-joists or beams, are arranged to extend across the building structure from one side to another. Typically, the joists 42 are arranged parallel to one another and are spaced apart from one another (in a direction perpendicular to their length) at relatively uniform intervals across the building structure. The lower edges of the joists 42 rest on the upper edge of the lower wall 37. The ends of the joists 42 are aligned in planar relationship to one another, and are offset slightly from the outer face of the lower wall 37 to leave a shoulder area for receiving an edge of a rim board 38. Although not shown, the opposite ends of the joists 42 rest on an upper edge of a lower wall 37 at an opposite side of the perimeter of the building structure. These opposite ends are similarly aligned with one another and leave a shoulder area for receiving an edge of another rim board. While the joists 42 are described as extending from one side of the building structure to the other side, it should be understood that the term “side” in this context is chosen arbitrarily, and that the joists 42 may extend from one end of the perimeter of the building structure to the other end of the perimeter.

The rim board 38 is placed at the ends of the joists 42, with the lower edge of the rim board 38 resting on the top shoulder area of the lower wall 37. A flooring member 44 typically configured as one or more planar boards rests on top of the joists 42 and the top edge of the rim board 38. It should be understood that various materials may be used for these components, and that the components may be made of the same or different materials. Typically, the components are made of wood and composite wood materials.

A connector (also referred to herein as an attachment member) 40, more typically a plurality of connectors 40, secure the joists 42 and rim board 40 to one another and to the sill plate 36 (via the lower wall 37) as follows. As best shown in FIG. 2A, the connector 40 extends along the bottom edge of an end portion of the joist 42, and along the interfaces of (i) the bottom edge of the joist 42 and the top surface of the lower wall 37 and (ii) the bottom edge of the rim board 38 and the top surface of the lower wall 37. At the front of the bottom edge of the rim board 38, the connector 40 is bent about 90 degrees upwards and continuously extends upwards across the outer face of the rim board 38 and the front edge of the flooring member 44. At the top of the front edge of the flooring member 44, the connector 40 is bent about 90 degrees and continuously extends across at least a portion of the top surface of the flooring member 44. A connector 40 may be provided for each joist 42 or for less than all of the joists 42. The connector 40 may be made of any suitable material, whether rigid or flexible. It is contemplated that a flexible strap such as, for example, a Simpson strap or comparable attachment member may be used as the connector 40. Holes or location indicia optionally may be pre-formed in the connector 40 for ensuring proper spacing between fasteners. The fasteners connect each of the connectors 40 to the lower edge of a corresponding joist 42, the top surface of the lower wall 37, the outer face of the rim board 38, and the upper surface of the flooring member 44.

An upper vertical wall 46 is constructed over the top edge of the rim board 38 and the flooring member 44. Reference numeral 48 represents a weather barrier (e.g., siding) attached to the outer face of the upper wall 46.

Typically though not necessarily, construction will proceed as follows. The connector 40 is arranged on the top surface of the lower wall 37 so as to extend perpendicularly across the top surface of the lower wall 37 before the joists 42 and rim board 38 are laid on the lower wall 37. The connectors 40 are each placed on the lower wall 37 at a position corresponding to the location that a corresponding joist 42 will be laid. Connectors 40 may be provided for all or less than all of the joists 42. For example, connectors 40 can be provided for alternating joists 42. Portions of the connector 40 will overhang both edges of the lower wall 37, typically with a majority of the length of the connector 40 located outside the perimeter of the building. Fasteners, typically nails, are inserted (e.g., driven) through the connector 40 into the top face of the lower wall 37 to secure the connector 40 to the lower wall 37. Next, the joists 42 and the rim board 38 are placed on the lower wall 37 and over the connector 40 as described above. The flooring member 44 is laid on top of the upper edges of the joists 42.

Fasteners (e.g., nails) are driven into the overhanging end portion (inside the building periphery) of the connector 40 and the bottom edge of the joist 42 (in FIG. 2B, to the right of the lower wall 37) from below. At the front of the bottom edge of the rim board 38, the connector 40 is bent 90 degrees upwards and extended across the front face of the rim board 38 and the front edge of the flooring member 44. The connector 40 is fastened (e.g., nailed) into the front face of the rim board 38. The nails penetrate through the rim board 38 into the ends of the joists 42. The connector 40 is again bent 90 degrees at the top of the front edge of the flooring member 44, and is extended across at least a portion of the upper surface of the flooring member 44. Fasteners such as nails are driven downward through the connector 40 into the flooring member 44. The nails or other fasteners may be arranged directly over and penetrate into top edges of the joists 42 under the flooring member 44. The walls 46 and weather barrier 48 are then constructed on the flooring member 44.

Construction may be carried out in other sequences than described above.

The connector 40 provides a continuous and secure attachment between the joists 42, the lower wall 37, the rim board 38, and the flooring member 44. As constructed, it is believed that the connector 44 significantly lessens the possibility of a deck or stair structure (attached to the rim board 38) from pulling the rim board 38 away from the joists 42.

Furthermore, the attachment 40 secures the rim board 38 to a building in such a manner as to create a safe structure that an inspector can view, even after the plywood flooring 44 has been installed. The fasteners (e.g., nails) are exposed at the bottom edges of the joists 42, the front face of the rim board 38, and the top surface of the flooring member 44. As a consequence, a building inspector who arrives at the building site after the assembly 30 has been completed or substantially completed is still able to view the construction and nail patterns to ensure that the rim board 38 is securely fastened to the building structure, e.g., using correct nail types and spacing.

According to one implementation of this second embodiment, the footings 32 are 2 feet by 12 feet, and the concrete foundation wall 34 is 8 inches in depth. The connector 40 is a 1¼ inch by 36 inch continuous Simpson MSTA36 strap. A 1⅛ inch APA rim board and 2 inch by 6 inch PT wood sill plate are selected, as is ⅝ inch plywood T&G flooring. The joists 42 are 12 inch JSI. The plywood flooring 44 is nailed a minimum of every 32 inches at the center of every other joist 42. The wall 46 includes 2 by 4 inch studs. Other materials and dimensions may be selected.

It should be understood that various modifications to this second exemplary embodiment (and other embodiments discussed herein) may be practiced. For example, the connector 40 may extend along the top edges of the joist 42, below the flooring member 44, by installing and fastening the connector 40 before the flooring member 44 is laid. While this modified embodiment provides a secure connection, it is not as accessible to inspection after the flooring member 44 has been laid over the joists 42. As another example of a modification, the connector 40 may extend along the face of the lower wall 37 and across the upper surface of the sill plate 36, optionally wrapping across the back surface of the lower wall 37. As yet another modification, additional components may be included in the assembly 30. Fasteners such as screws may be used instead of nails, depending upon building codes.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, an assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 50. The assembly 50 is a modification of the assembly 10 of the first exemplary embodiment described above. Like reference numerals have been used to designate like parts, where appropriate. In the interest of brevity, the description of the first exemplary embodiment is incorporated herein, and only differences between the third and first exemplary embodiments are discussed below.

The connector 60 is positioned and fastened to the rim board and joists (and optionally the flooring member) as described above with reference to connector 20, except that the connector 60 extends along an interface at the lower surface of the sill plate 16 and the upper surface of foundation wall 54. The end portion of the connector 60 is embedded in the body of the foundation wall 54. For construction purposes, this design may be established by in-situ integration of the end portion of the connector 60 into the foundation wall 54 during its construction. The embedment of the connector 60 in the foundation wall 54 may take place before the sill plate 16 is laid on the foundation wall 54. The connector 60 is attached to the face of the rim board 18 and the top surface of the flooring 24 as described above.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, an assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 70. The assembly 70 is a modification of the assembly 30 of the second exemplary embodiment described above. Like reference numerals have been used to designate like parts, where appropriate. In the interest of brevity, the description of the second exemplary embodiment is incorporated herein, and only differences between the second and fourth exemplary embodiments are discussed below.

The connector 80 is positioned and fastened to the rim board and joists (and optionally the flooring member) as described above with reference to connector 40, except that the connector 80 extends along the front face of the lower wall 37 to the bottom of the front edge of the sill plate 36. The connector 80 is bent about 90 degrees and extends continuously across a portion of an interface defined by the lower surface of the sill plate 36 and the upper edge of foundation wall 74. The end portion of the connector 80 is embedded in the body of the foundation wall 74. For construction purposes, this design may be established by in-situ integration of the end portion of the connector 80 into the foundation wall 74 during the wall's construction. The embedment of the connector 80 in the foundation wall 74 may take place before the sill plate 36 is placed on the foundation wall 74. The connector 80 is attached to the face of the rim board 38 and the top surface of the flooring 44 as described above.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A building assembly comprising:

a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides;

joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, the joists having respective first ends aligned with one another and respective second ends, the joists further having respective lower edges and upper edges;

a rim board having a rear face positioned at the aligned first ends of the joists and a front face opposite to the first ends of the joists; and

connectors, each of the connectors fastened to the perimeter structure, a corresponding one of the joists and the front face of the rim board.

2. The building assembly of claim 1, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall; and

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall.

3. The building assembly of claim 1, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall;

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall; and

a wall structure supported on the sill plate.

4. The building assembly of claim 1, wherein the connectors comprise flexible straps.

5. The building assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a flooring member having a lower surface supported on the upper edges of the joists and an upper surface facing away from the joists, wherein the connectors are fastened to the upper surface of the flooring member.

6. The building assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the connectors is fastened to the lower edge of said corresponding one of the joists.

7. The building assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a flooring member having a lower surface supported on the upper edges of the joists and an upper surface facing away from the joists,

wherein each of the connectors comprises a flexible strap extending along and fastened to the lower edge of said corresponding one of the joists, the perimeter structure, and the front face of the rim board, and fastened through the upper surface of the flooring member into the upper edge of said corresponding one of the joists.

8. A building assembly comprising:

a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides;

joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, the joists having respective first ends aligned with one another and respective second ends, the joists further having respective lower edges and upper edges;

a rim board having a rear face positioned at the aligned first ends of the joists and a front face opposite to the first ends of the joists; and

connectors, each of the connectors partially embedded within and secured to the perimeter structure and fastened to a corresponding one of the joists and the front face of the rim board.

9. The building assembly of claim 8, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall; and

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall.

10. The building assembly of claim 8, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall;

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall; and

a wall structure supported on the sill plate.

11. The building assembly of claim 8, wherein the connectors comprise flexible straps.

12. The building assembly of claim 8, further comprising:

a flooring member having a lower surface supported on the upper edges of the joists and an upper surface facing away from the joists, wherein the connectors are fastened to the upper surface of the flooring member.

13. The building assembly of claim 8, further comprising:

a flooring member having a lower surface supported on the upper edges of the joists and an upper surface facing away from the joists,

wherein each of the connectors comprises a flexible strap extending along and fastened to the front face of the rim board, and fastened through the upper surface of the flooring member into the upper edge of said corresponding one of the joists.

14. A method of constructing the building assembly of claim 1, comprising:

fastening connectors to a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides while leaving first overhang portions of the connectors extending inside a perimeter of the perimeter structure and second overhang portions of the connectors extending outside of the perimeter of the perimeter structure;

supporting joists on the perimeter structure so as to extend between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, the joists having respective first ends aligned with one another and respective second ends, the joists further having respective lower edges and upper edges;

positioning a rim board at the aligned first ends of the joists, the rim board having a front face opposite to the first ends of the joists; and

fastening the second overhang portions of the connectors to the front face of the rim board.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

fastening the first overhang portions of each of the connectors to the lower edge of a corresponding one of the joists.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

supporting a flooring member having a lower surface on the upper edges of the joists, the flooring member further having an upper surface facing away from the joists;

fastening each of the second overhang portions of the connectors through the upper surface of the flooring member into the upper edge of a corresponding one of the joists.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

fastening the first overhang portions of each of the connectors to the lower edge of said corresponding one of the joists.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall; and

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall;

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall; and

a wall structure supported on the sill plate.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the connectors comprise flexible straps.

21. A method of constructing the building assembly of claim 8, comprising:

embedding first portions of connectors in a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides while leaving overhang second portions of the connectors extending outside of the perimeter of the perimeter structure;

supporting joists on the perimeter structure so as to extend between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, the joists having respective first ends aligned with one another and respective second ends, the joists further having respective lower edges and upper edges;

positioning a rim board at the aligned first ends of the joists, the rim board having a front face opposite to the first ends of the joists; and

fastening the overhang second portions of the connectors to the front face of the rim board.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

supporting a flooring member having a lower surface on the upper edges of the joists, the flooring member further having an upper surface facing away from the joists;

fastening each of the second overhang portions of the connectors through the upper surface of the flooring member into the upper edge of a corresponding one of the joists.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall; and

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the perimeter structure comprises:

a foundation wall;

a sill plate supported on the foundation wall; and

a wall structure supported on the sill plate.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the connectors comprise flexible straps.