What is the purpose of joist hangers in construction?

The purpose of joist hangers in construction is to provide a reliable and secure method for supporting floor joists. These metal "U" shaped items are specifically designed to hold the ends of joists in place, ensuring that they are properly anchored to beams or other structural elements. Joist hangers help distribute the weight evenly and enhance the overall stability of the structure.

By using joist hangers, builders can achieve a stronger connection between the joists and the supporting beam, which is crucial for the structural integrity of floors and ceilings. This use of joist hangers prevents movement or sagging that could occur if joists were simply nailed or screwed directly into the beams without additional support.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of joist hangers; they serve specialized purposes that do not align with the role of joist hangers in providing support for floor joists.