*
I have a 70 year old balloon framed house,two stories, 1800 sq. feet.About ten years ago, I had new kitchen cabinets installed which included ductwork for a hood fan with venting thru the weightbearing sidewall. The duct was typical rectangular(4×10?) with a plastic exhaust hood outside, with a spring loaded flapper/damper, which I recently was forced to replace when the flapper broke. Needless to say, I was quite unhappily surprised to discover(after I pulled off the old exhaust hood) that the installer had totally cut about 4″ of one of the balloon framing members which was in the way off the ductwork as it went thru the wall. As I understand balloon framing, this compromises the support of the floor and roof structures above( although the second floor joists are also supported by a ribbon let into the framing studs which I guess distributes some of the load to the adjoining studs. I don’t notice any particular evidence of sagging, cracked plaster, etc. Bottom line, should I be concerned or just forget about it?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
From plumbing failures to environmental near disasters, OHJ staffers dish on our worst and best moments.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
Relax Tom, your house won't fall down in the night.
Gabe
*Probably shouldn't worry too much about it. Those old balloon frames are mighty tough. Not only do you have the suppot of the adjacent studs and the band joist but you also have a good 3/4" or better sheathing of 1x's on the exterior (I am assuming). How long has this condition been present?Pete Draganic
*Gabe,Sneaking in the short reply while I am typing, are you? Ya dirty rascal!Pete
*Sorry Pete,But not knowing the time zone of the poster, I didn't want him to lose any sleep over this.Gabe
*
I have a 70 year old balloon framed house,two stories, 1800 sq. feet.About ten years ago, I had new kitchen cabinets installed which included ductwork for a hood fan with venting thru the weightbearing sidewall. The duct was typical rectangular(4x10?) with a plastic exhaust hood outside, with a spring loaded flapper/damper, which I recently was forced to replace when the flapper broke. Needless to say, I was quite unhappily surprised to discover(after I pulled off the old exhaust hood) that the installer had totally cut about 4" of one of the balloon framing members which was in the way off the ductwork as it went thru the wall. As I understand balloon framing, this compromises the support of the floor and roof structures above( although the second floor joists are also supported by a ribbon let into the framing studs which I guess distributes some of the load to the adjoining studs. I don't notice any particular evidence of sagging, cracked plaster, etc. Bottom line, should I be concerned or just forget about it?