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.
A balloon frame structure is a timber frame structure, where the studs run continuously from the sole plate to the rafter plate. The studs are typically a soft pine dimensional lumber. These studs are placed 16 inches on center, OC, to accommodate the 4 foot increments of the sheathing material. Wall width could vary depending on the project and the lumber size would be one of the following: 2x4s, 2x6s or 2x8s. Once the framing is complete, the walls are sheathed.
The framing system is the structure of the building holding up the walls, floors, and roof. Framing systems use structural elements and dimensional lumber to support the wall and sheathing materials to cover them. The benefit of this method is that it requires less material to create structures.
The ribbon is typically a piece of 1x6 that runs the length of the wall and is used to rest the joists on while they are being installed. Once the floor joists are installed, the floor can be laid and the ceiling joists are installed on top of the rafter plate.
The three main types of wall framing systems are post and beam, balloon framing, and platform framing. This article will discuss balloon framing, its history, and the benefits and drawbacks of its use. Updated: 08/14/2020
However, as we learned, it also has certain drawbacks. These drawbacks include excessive air flow in the structure, heightening fire risk, and necessitating the use of fire stops, which prevent the flow of fire from moving easily. The balloon frame remains a useful wall system, though in most applications, platform frame structures are built instead, which build single-floor height walls upon which second floors are built.
Post and beam construction in many ways was the predecessor of balloon framing. Post and beam construction uses large structural members to resolve loads; horizontal beams carry the load to vertical posts. The post and beam construction system creates large openings in between the posts. This relatively intuitive and simplistic building system necessitates lumber that is strong enough to carry these larger loads.
Advanced framing is a proven method for cost-effectively meeting energy code requirements by maximizing space for cavity insulation and minimizing the potential for insulation voids , advanced framing delivers significant energy performance for the homeowner and cost savings for the builder. Walls built with 2x6 wood framing spaced 24 inches on center have deeper, wider insulation cavities than conventional 2x4 framing spaced 16 inches on center. Increasing the amount of insulation inside the wall improves the whole wall R-value (resistance to heat flow). By installing fewer framing members, it is easier for the builder to apply complete insulation coverage and achieve a tighter building envelope.
Advanced framing is less expensive than conventional framing because it is more resource efficient than conventional framing. By optimizing framing material use, the builder can cut floor and wall framing material costs by up to 30 percent while reducing framing installation labor.
The advanced framing method, combined with continuous wood structural panel sheathing, delivers builders with a solution: a cost-effective framing system that will produce more energy-efficient homes without compromising the strength or durability of the structure. These key advantages of advanced framing help produce energy-efficient, structurally sound homes with lower material and labor costs than conventionally framed houses. Structures built with advanced framing techniques are more resource efficient and offer more space for cavity insulation than similar structures built with conventional framing.
Advanced framing techniques fit well within green building strategies. Wood frame construction that utilizes advanced framing techniques delivers even greater environmental dividends by optimizing material usage and reducing construction waste. Many advanced framing construction techniques may be eligible for points under the leading green building standards and guidelines, such as the National Green Building Standard™ (ICC 700-2008) and the U.S. Green Building Council LEED® for Homes Rating System.
This framing method began in the 1830’s, and was common in North America through to the mid 1950’s. It made use of very long, continuous, lightweight, wooden wall members (called studs) that typically extended at least two floors of building height, at a time when really long lumber was common and plentiful. (FYI: In a budget-built balloon-framed house, the 2x4’s might have been scabbed together to reach the desired two, or three story height.) The rough-sawn, lightweight studs were a true 2”x4” dimension and they greatly reduced the costs, labour and skills required to erect long-lasting dwellings. Dwellings could now be more easily constructed by as few as one, or two persons, rather than requiring big teams of people, as in the case of the earlier timber framing method.The floors were then constructed inside the wall structure and suspended on what is called the “rim board, ribbon board, or ledger board” that was notched into the studs (similar technique to attaching a deck to the side of a house) .
Interior walls were then nailed up and covered with thin, horizontal strips of wood (known as lathe ), and then the gaps and the wall surface covered over with plaster (a wall construction and finishing technique known as lath and plaster) and often painted with lead-based paints (which form a hazard during renovations).