Rim Joist Repair Specialists: Get Quotes in St. Louis
Vetted perimeter structural experts—not insulation contractors who noticed rot.
The Rim Joist: Your Floor System's Weak Point
Most homeowners have never heard of a rim joist until something goes wrong. It's the board that runs around the entire perimeter of your floor system—and it's the most vulnerable to moisture and pest damage.
Here's the problem: Rim joists sit at the junction of inside and outside. Temperature differences cause condensation. Water runs down exterior walls and finds its way in. Termites and carpenter ants enter through the rim joist area.
Fixing a damaged rim joist requires understanding how it integrates with the sill plate below, the floor joists it caps, and the subfloor above. A structural repair specialist knows how to remove and replace sections without destabilizing your floor system.
Why Our Vetting Process Matters
- 🛡️Licensed & Insured
Every contractor carries proper licensing and minimum $1M liability coverage.
- 🔍Full Perimeter Assessment
Our pros check the entire rim joist system, not just the visible damage area.
- ⭐Verified Reviews
Real reviews from homeowners with completed rim joist repairs.
- 💨Moisture & Pest Control
Understanding of vapor barriers, flashing, and pest treatment integration.
Warning Signs of Rim Joist Damage
- Bouncy or sagging floors near exterior walls
- Visible rot when looking at the rim joist from basement/crawl space
- Pest activity (termite tubes, sawdust, carpenter ant frass)
- Musty smell along the perimeter of your basement
- Cold drafts coming from floor edges in winter
- Water stains on basement walls near the rim joist
- Exterior siding damage at floor level
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rim joist and why is it important?
The rim joist (also called band joist or header joist) runs around the perimeter of your floor system, capping the ends of the floor joists. It provides crucial structural support and prevents twisting of floor joists. When damaged, floors can sag and walls can shift.
How much does rim joist repair cost?
Rim joist repair in St. Louis typically costs $200-$500 per linear foot depending on accessibility and extent of damage. A typical repair section runs $1,000-$3,000. Full perimeter replacement can cost $10,000-$20,000+.
What causes rim joist damage?
Rim joists are vulnerable because they sit at the edge of the floor system near exterior walls. Common causes include: water intrusion from exterior, condensation from temperature differences, improper flashing, gutter issues, and termite/carpenter ant damage.
Can rim joist damage spread to floor joists?
Yes. Rim joists connect to every floor joist at their endpoints. Rot or insect damage that starts in the rim joist can spread to the ends of floor joists, creating a much larger structural problem.
Protect Your Floor System's Perimeter
Get matched with a rim joist specialist who understands the full structural picture—not someone who just patches what they can see.