what is the main difference between balloon and platform framing

by Darrion White Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Platform Framing vs Balloon Framing

Platform Framing Advantages. It is a simpler construction process compared to balloon construction. ...
Disadvantages. Structural problems may occur after completion of the house. ...
Balloon Framing Advantages. You can expect fewer problems once construction is complete. ...
Disadvantages. In the event of a fire, the building is likely to be destroyed more quickly. ...

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.Mar 31, 2022

Full Answer

What is the difference between platform and balloon framing?

Mar 19, 2022 · The main difference between platform and balloon framing is at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the first story all the way to the top plate or end rafter of the second story. The platform-framed wall, on the other hand, is …

What are two advantages of balloon framing?

Apr 04, 2020 · The main difference between platform and balloon framing is at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the first story all the way to the top plate or end rafter of the second story. The platform-framed wall, on the other hand, is …

When did they stop using balloon framing?

May 19, 2020 · The main difference between platform and balloon framing is at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the first story all the way to the top plate or end rafter of the second story. The platform-framed wall, on the other hand, is …

What does balloon framing mean?

Mar 17, 2020 · The main difference between platform and balloon framing is at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the first story all the way to the top plate or end rafter of the second story. The platform-framed wall, on the other hand, is …

What is the main difference between balloon and platform framing quizlet?

In balloon framing, the studs run in one piece from the sill to the rafter plate, whereas in platform framing, the studs are interrupted by floor platforms.

What is balloon and platform framing?

Platform framing developed out of balloon framing. This framing system starts with a floor platform on top of which stud walls are built. A second platform is built on top of those load bearing walls and additional walls are built on top of the second platform. Those walls support the roof.May 17, 2020

What is balloon framing?

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.Jan 12, 2022

What are the advantages and disadvantages of balloon framing and platform 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.

What is platform framing used for?

Platform framing (also known as western framing) is the most common framing method for residential construction where each floor of a pole barn or conventional building is framed independently by nailing the horizontal framing member to the top of the wall studs.

What is platform framing in construction?

In platform framing, each floor is framed separately, as contrasted with balloon framing, in which the studs (vertical members) extend the full height of the building. Freed from the heavy timbers of the post-and-beam system, platform framing offers ease of construction.

Where is balloon framing used?

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. Balloon framing is used primarily in Scandinavia and in the United States.

Why was balloon framing 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.Aug 10, 2015

Why is balloon framing called that?

The name was made into a running joke that the framework looked so light that it could float away like a balloon, or be popped as easily as one.Dec 16, 2020

Why is balloon framing no longer used?

Firefighters who frequently respond to fires in the area usually instantly recognize if the home is balloon-framed and take proper precautions. “The problem with balloon framing is that it creates a lot of open chase way,” Erwin said. “Anytime there are empty vertical spaces, there is an increased fire hazard.”Apr 24, 2013

What is a balloon frame in construction?

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. Some also assumed this type of framing could only be used in utilitarian, box-like buildings.

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.

How do you identify a balloon frame construction?

If you look around the edges of the 2nd story subfloor or attic subfloor in a balloon frame house, you’d be able drop a penny down to the basement in the stud bay. In a platform frame, the penny would rest right there at the break between stories.

Is balloon framing stronger?

Balloon framed houses use some very long pieces of lumber. 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.

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 is the most common type of framing?

Platform. Platform framing, also referred to as stick framing, is the most common method of framing in modern-day residential construction. The builder creates a frame using uniform-sized lumber pieces such as 2-by-4s spaced in consistent increments.

Why is framing required?

Framing is a function of the data link layer. It provides a way for a sender to transmit a set of bits that are meaningful to the receiver. Frames have headers that contain information such as error-checking codes.

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