Why is balloon framing no longer used?
Since the house was originally built with balloon construction, there are void spaces that can allow fires to spread easily from floor to floor. Balloon framing is no longer used today, Stack said.
What is the problem with balloon framing?
Balloon-framed buildings are also very susceptible to sagging (particularly the floors) making these old houses very challenging and therefore expensive to renovate well, with some materials and methods not being compatable at all.
Is balloon framing good?
The main advantage balloon framing has over platform framing is the increased wind load strength. The roof structure tied to the sole plate by the continuous studs make balloon framing very popular in hurricane-prone areas. Balloon frame structures also have less settling than platform framing as a result of shrinkage.
Do balloon framed houses have load bearing walls?
The balloon frame, essentially, eliminates the heavy timber frame. Instead, the floor members sit on the walls directly, which become load bearing elements.
Why do they call it balloon framing?
Balloon framing makes use of many lightweight wall members called studs rather than fewer, heavier supports called posts; balloon framing components are nailed together rather than fitted using joinery. The name comes from each floor level being framed as a separate unit or platform.
What is the difference between balloon and platform framing?
The central difference between balloon and platform framing is that the studs in a balloon frame extend from the foundation to the rafters, whereas in a platform frame, the studs are independent on each storey.
What is the difference between platform and balloon framing?
Why is it called balloon framing?
These materials were used to build lightweight buildings with nailed frames made of dimensional lumber. It was said to have been called balloon construction because the buildings were so light they looked like they would float away.
What is a balloon wall in framing?
Balloon framing is a style of wood-house building that uses long, vertical 2″ x 4″s for the exterior walls. These long “studs” extend uninterrupted, from the sill on top of the foundation, all the way up to the roof. The balloon frame relies solely on nails to secure each piece.
When did they stop balloon framing?
Post and beam, which is now used predominantly in barn construction. Balloon framing using a technique suspending floors from the walls was common until the late 1940s, but since that time, platform framing has become the predominant form of house construction.
What is balloon framing used for?
Balloon framing makes use of many lightweight wall members called studs rather than fewer, heavier supports called posts; balloon framing components are nailed together rather than fitted using joinery. The studs in a balloon frame extend two stories from sill to plate.
What type of construction is balloon frame?
Balloon framing is a style of wood-house building that uses long, vertical 2″ x 4″s for the exterior walls. These long “studs” extend uninterrupted, from the sill on top of the foundation, all the way up to the roof.
How is a floor made with balloon framing?
With balloon framing the floors are built after the long-tall stud walls are in place. By the way, keep in mind that good quality wall stud material is hard to find and comparatively expensive. A ledger which constitutes the rim (or perimeter) of the floor is “let-in” (inlaid into) the wall framing.
What do you use to support a balloon frame house?
Floor joists on the second and third floors are supported by let-in ledger boards, and the joists are usually nailed to the side of the studs. The ledgers essentially act as headers and the studs surrounding the doors and windows act as jack studs, transferring the loads around the openings.
Which is better platform construction or balloon construction?
To help you, here are the advantages and disadvantages of both. It is a simpler construction process compared to balloon construction. The technique involved also makes it a quicker method of construction. One structure is constructed and is well supported by a foundation. Builders then use the first level as a platform to project the next floor.
How big should a rough opening be for a header?
Once you know the depth of the header, it’s width is cut to fit from king stud to king stud, with the jack studs fitting under it to help disperse the loads. A typical header width with single jack studs is cut 3″ larger than the rough opening. An example: A 36″ door has a rough opening width of 38″ so your header is cut at 41″.