What is the balloon framing system?
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What is the balloon framing system?
In balloon framing, the studs (vertical members) extend the full height of the building (usually two stories) from foundation plate to rafter plate, as contrasted with platform framing, in which each floor is framed separately.
How do you know if a balloon frame is construction?
As a homeowner you might be wondering how to tell if your house is balloon frame construction? The most common characteristics of balloon frame constructed houses are that the windows are stacked. Meaning that the windows on the second floor are directly above those on the first floor.
What is the major problem with balloon frame construction?
Balloon-frame, which was built from the early 19th century until World War II, poses unique firefighting problems because it lacks horizontal fire stops between the studs inside of the exterior walls.
Why is it called balloon frame construction?
The name comes from a French Missouri type of construction, maison en boulin, boulin being a French term for a horizontal scaffolding support. Balloon framing uses long continuous framing members (studs) that run from the sill plate to the top plate, with intermediate floor structures let into and nailed to them.
When was balloon frame construction used?
Balloon framing was the most common form of construction in America from about the 1880s to the 1930s. In the 1800s, people started looking for a way to build houses faster and more inexpensively.
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.
Is balloon framing strong?
Though not as strong and imposing as a timber frame, balloon frames were eventually regarded as a more than acceptable way to build a house. And from the 1890s until the 1930s it was the most common form of construction in the country. The one rather large drawback to balloon framed houses is their fire risk.
Why is it called balloon frame?
When did balloon frame construction stop?
Balloon framing was the most common form of construction in America from about the 1880s to the 1930s.
What are the benefits of balloon framing?
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.
Who used balloon framing?
The balloon frame can trace its origin to Chicago in the 1830s. Accounts vary, but the most common story is that it was first built by George Snow, a lumber magnate, as the framing for a warehouse in 1832.
Who invented balloon frame construction?
carpenter George W. Snow
Chicago architect John M. Van Osdel attributed the invention to Chicago carpenter George W. Snow in 1832. The Chicago History Museum and other scholars point out that Virginia carpenters in the 17th century — facing similar pressures to build fast — employed similar techniques.
What is the benefit of balloon framing?
What are disadvantages of balloon framing?
The two major cons of balloon framing are that long studs are less efficient to erect then shorter ones used in platform framing and the continuous spaces between studs act as chimneys during a fire, unless closed off with a fire-stop.
Is balloon framing still used?
Balloon framing is no longer used today, Stack said. It has been replaced by a style called platform framing, which eliminates the problem of void spaces that comes with balloon framing, he said.
What are advantages and disadvantages of balloon framing?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of balloon framing? The advantage of balloon framing is there is not a lot of vertical shrinkage. The disadvantages of balloon framing are the lumber is large and hard to handle and the vertical hollow spaces allow for fires to travel quickly.
