Replies

1. 
   Davo_ | Jan 28, 2001 08:45am | #1

   *
   Good question. An architect could surely answer this one much better than I can.

   A book titled "Graphic Guide To Frame Construction by Rob Thallon (who is an architect)indicates that balloon framing first came about in this country in the 1840s. It did not say when this framing practice began dying out in favor of platform framing. However, and I'm guessing, I would say platform began somewhere in the mid to late 1940s; when plywood became available. I am certain that homes built from 1960 onward were mostly platform framed.

   My own home is balloon framed, and was built in 1937.

   Please keep in mind that due to engineered lumber being introduced into the market, balloon framing is making a bit of a comeback; if not for every wall of a newly framed home, then at least for perhaps one of the walls; such as a framed "great room" with vaulted ceilings, and large windows and such. This would be more prevalent on custom designed homes, rather than in tract housing locations.

   I have seen recent advertisements by companies such as Tru-Joist McMillen(sp?) touting the benefit of using their lumber in balloon framing situations.

   So, please keep in mind that the practice of balloon framing is not entirely dead.

   Hope this helps somewhat.

   Davo.

   BTW. Through the years I've had to tear into my walls and do structural work here and there. And I can tell you firsthand that my house contained little if any fireblocking between the first and second floors. A friend of mine watched his parent's house burn down (it was balloon framed) to the ground (a 2 story house) in less than 12 minutes. They can and do burn fast; which I'm sure you already know. Good luck with the teaching.

1. 
   Jim_Walters | Jan 28, 2001 01:42pm | #2

   *; such as a framed "great room" with vaulted ceilings, and large windows and such. In this situation, baloon framing works far better than the normal (use pre-cuts, header and then more pre-cuts) Have you ever shaken a wall built in pieces? Especially on houses built by framers used to only platform building. My house was built in about 1912, baloon framed using full 2x4's out of solid oak. I've got flying squirrels living in my walls. We lay in bed at night and listen to them running around in there, no fireblocks to slow them down. Drives my cat and wife nuts, but living in an old growth woods, we're just another tree to those guys. I have tried to find their way of entrance a hundred times, but haven't yet.

1. 
   calvin_ | Jan 28, 2001 02:36pm | #3

   *Jim, look up. Those squirrels sure like to go up, then down into their living qtrs. Bet you got a hole or opening up near the eaves. Flying squirrels, might have to check near the airport. Best of luck.

1. 
   Jim_Malone | Jan 28, 2001 05:27pm | #4

   *The concept of fire blocking in baloon framing was around at the turn of the last century as 1903 newspapers in a wall will attest. When joists were allowed to bear on properly let-in 1x (full dimension) wood, the system is structurally sound. However I've seen hatchet jobs and worse. With the split ends of joists held only in shear with framing nails, it's a wonder that upstairs floors are even standing. That horse hair in the plaster below is probably integral to the integrity of the structure. And if the midspan bearing wall was breeched (in a "lets open up this kitchen remodel") such could be a dangerous situation for a firefighter. Platform framing, at it's inception, was not accepted too readily in certain locals since it's logic (like stacking blocks) didn't agree with the sentiments of many of the the stalwart builders at the time who were often their own architects and designers. When the V-8 engine was introduced, many said that it would never hold up. It would have to wear out the cylinders on the bottom sides because of the force of gravity. They were following their logic, but... PS: Very thorough post Davo. Good Building,Jim Malone

1. 
   Francis_Voignier | Jan 28, 2001 06:18pm | #5

   *I am in the process of remodeling a two-storied, baloon-framed apartment building erected in the early 1900's that is stunning in its lack of engineering. No blocking over a 35' eight, joists nailed to the studs, unsupported by neither ledgers nor any form of of sistering to the studs, trusses spanning incredible distances with 1X collar ties, ridiculously short diagonal braces, etc... If it wasn't for its historical status, that building would be nothing but a pile of wasted lumber. I'm sure glad we now have walked away from such shoddy construction practices.fv

2. 
   Robert_Haugen | Jan 28, 2001 06:38pm | #6

   *Davo has it right. Balloon framing with small dimension lumber (not timber framing) is coincident with the introduction of mass produced nails which was sometime in the mid-1800's. Platform framing evolved after World War 2 with the need for housing of returning servicemen and the ensuing baby boom.

3. 
   Dave_Richeson | Jan 28, 2001 06:47pm | #7

   *If it was not for 1x sheating and plaster lath many of these old ballon frame structures would have failed years ago. I watched a video a few years ago about compressive loading on 2X4 studs.It was amazing to see how much strength was added to a wall by just adding blocking. I think it was on the magnitude of 3 to 4 times the unblocked failure weight.Dave

4. 
   Dan-O | Jan 28, 2001 08:08pm | #8

   *Hi Chris, Baloon framing is still in practice. Jiim points this out. On add-a-levels I'll frame the atrium styleentrance baloon style with modern code requirements.Also in some gable style sidewalls with vaulted ceilings. Joists are let in and fire stops are used. Dan-O

5. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | Jan 29, 2001 04:22pm | #9

   *i An architect could surely answer this one much better than I canNo, they couldn't. 1840's - 1940 matches my experience too. Our 1932 is balloon-framed, but with fireblocks.Jeff

6. 
   Chip_Tam | Jan 29, 2001 04:42pm | #10

   *I believe that Davo and Robert are correct that balloon framing developed when cheap mass-produced nails became easilly available around the mid-nineteenth century. I've also heard that balloon framing declined in favor of platform framing when straight 20' 2x4s became more difficult to obtain with the decline of old-growth forests beginning in the 1940's.

7. 
   joe_d | Jan 29, 2001 07:08pm | #11

   *A minority opinion:Plywood had nothing to do with the change whatsoever.The widespread manufacture of wire nails at the turn of the century was an important impetus to the change. Baloon frames use less nails than platforms.The switch to platform framing was around WWI.joe d

8. 
   Norm_Kerr | Jan 29, 2001 07:20pm | #12

   *Not all balloon framing lacks blocking, as I learned the hard way running all new wiring around a 1900 Queen Anne. There was blocking at each floor level (maybe not enough for today's code, but better than nothing, I figger).Hopefully the DP Cellulouse will now provide the rest of the protection against fire spread in there.

9. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Jan 29, 2001 08:50pm | #13

   *The term balloon friming is almost always applied to any wall that is built to a height greater than nine feet. A single story wall that is balloon framed is really just a wall.When the term balloon frame is applied to a two story structure, or even one that has significant height above the ceiling line, the significance of the term implies something. It implies that the studs rise continuously for several floors. We all assume that a one story house has continuos studs. So the implication that a one story room can be balloon framed is actually a misrepresentation of the term.But we all know what it means so we continue to us it.Anyways, I would have no idea when they stopped balloon framing. It might have something to do with codes, or the availabilty of straight, strong lumber. The practice of platform framing might have become popular because of safty issues or speed.I know I didn't help with the question. Sorry.blue

10. 
    HomeBldr_ | Jan 29, 2001 11:39pm | #14

    *The best I can tell the complete balloon framing pretty much ended in the late '30's. I still use balloon framed walls in my 1-1/2 story homes with 2-story family rooms....I also use it for my 2 story entry ways although obviously no fire blocking is needed...Steven

2. 
   Chris_O'Brien | Jan 29, 2001 11:39pm | #15

   *
   Does anyone know what the dates surrounding the beginning and more appropriately the end of baloon framing occurred? I am currently teaching a building constr. class for a fire academy and it would be great to know for the benefit of my students (fire extension, floor failure, etc.)
   Thanks
   Chris