The Balloon frame was a popular form of timber structure used to build houses in the United States and Canada from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. It is often associated with the style of Queen Anne.

This construction was popular back in the days of long timbers, but gradually each floor was constructed with floor-to-ceiling panels and replaced with a floor timber-framed foundation that served as the base for the next one.

---

Balloon Frame Construction

---

Balloon frame construction consists of a wooden structure, and ligaments holding the structure together. In balloon framing, vertical studs connect the entire height of the building from foundation slabs to rafters, as opposed to a platform frame where each floor is framed separately. The balloon framing system replaces heavy beams and columns with dozens of long continuous framing posts, running from the building floor to the top of the building, and uses intermediate inserts to allow horizontal elements to pass through. These are connected to create windows, doors, and openings that differ from the other floors of the building.

---

Balloon Frame Construction vs. Platform Frame Construction

---

Balloon frames were one of the first wooden construction methods. A lightweight timber frame is built around the columns that run continuously from the bottom to the top floor of the building. The roof is a truss structure consisting of slopping rafters and ceiling joists.

The platform frame is a more modern construction approach. It uses the panels/plates to extend the building upwards. The connecting rods of each tier is placed on the top of the tier below.

However, the main difference between the balloon frame and platform frame is that the columns of the balloon frame run from the foundation to the rafters whereas the columns of the platform frame are located independently on each floor.

---

Advantages Of Balloon Frame Construction

---

Balloon frame construction is useful in situations where a vaulted ceiling, large fireplace, or two-tier open fireplace is required. You will also have more flexibility in your window design. This method makes it easier to obtain a curved window covering. Large or arched windows are also possible in this structure than platform frame construction. This method creates a more resilient structure as the wall frame lasts longer. As a result, this means the building is better able to withstand high-speed winds or gusts of wind. You can increase fire safety by installing power poles in the wall, especially in residential areas on each floor.

---

Disadvantages Of Balloon Frame Construction

---

The two main disadvantages of balloon frame construction are that the long studs are less efficient to install than the short studs used in the platform frame construction, and the continuous space between the studs acts like a fire chimney without a fire stop.

The platform frame construction will be more profitable and easier to build. However, since vertical shrinkage of the frame is minimal, this method can be used in situations where cracking of finishes such as plaster is a concern.

---

Related Posts

---

• What Is Residential Construction?
• What Is Commercial Construction?
• What Is Frame Construction: Types And Components?
• What Is Timber Frame Construction?
• What Is Post Frame Construction?

Lumber outlined homes and augmentations use boards worked out of wood studwork. At their generally essential, wood outline dividers comprise of lumber studwork fixed set up (ordinarily) with OSB or compressed wood. The strength and unbending nature are provided by the board, which, when nailed to the studwork, spreads the word about an exceptionally inflexible box as an open board – the board is ‘shut’ whenever protection has been presented. The edge is wrapped remotely in a waterproof hindrance prior to cladding is added. Read this post about “What is timber framing?”

Various Methods of Timber Framing

A wood outlined home can be based nearby; this technique for development is known as ‘stick fabricate’. This strategy is regularly utilized for expansions, where it is hard to get precise assembling aspects until the current design is uncovered. (This strategy is normal in the US, as well.)

Notwithstanding, in the UK, wood outline homes are normally underlying a production line and afterward quickly gathered nearby. Processing plant construction is by a wide margin the most well-known course picked by self-developers, as producers need to work to severe quality control strategies, guaranteeing the right particular of materials are utilized and a serious level of dimensional exactness is accomplished

In any case, in the UK, wood outline homes are generally inherent a processing plant and afterward quickly collected nearby. Processing plant construction is by a long shot the most well-known course picked by self-developers, as makers need to work to severe quality control techniques, guaranteeing the right determination of materials are utilized and a serious level of dimensional precision is accomplished

Wood outline development utilizes pre-created (off-site fabricate) outer and inner stud dividers, floor joists, and rooftop brackets to shape the super-structure which is a finished primary edge that moves the vertical and level burdens to the establishments. The lumber outline design would then be able to be clad in the block, wood, fiber concrete board, delivered or tiled which will go about as the embellishment for the home just as climate insurance. The outside cladding would be introduced nearby. The forming cycle is displayed in the pictures beneath which individually portray…

1. Ground floor open board wood outlines
2. First-floor lumber outline boards are introduced once joists and deck fixed
3. First-floor joists introduced to the highest point of the ground floorboards
4. Inside view from the first floor to rooftop supports
5. Traditional green oak area to the ground floor to make coated single-story augmentation
6. Finished wood outline house provided and fitted by Vision Development

Floor to roof tallness boards structure every story and the floor deck of one story likewise goes about as the erection foundation of the following. This is displayed in the photos underneath which separately portray…

1. Posi metal web joists produced and introduced by Vision Development
2. 22mm chipboard flooring fitted to the highest point of joists to make first-floor level
3. Internal first floorboards fitted to sole plates on chipboard deck to make inward dividers
4. Most wood outline developments in the UK utilize pre-assembled boards created by expert organizations like Vision Development. Industrial facility creation of these lumber outline boards guarantees that they are precisely produced to exact resilience’s in a controlled manufacturing plant climate rather than being developed outside on a structure site helpless before the climate.
5. The lumber outline boards are quickly raised nearby and, with a rooftop structure shaped from supported rafters (reliant upon plan) a climate confirmation building can be made in only a couple of days. This empowers work to proceed in protected conditions inside the structure while the external cladding and rooftop complete are applied. This saves time as well as permits adornment to be done before long fulfillment of the development without the hazard of breaking and disintegration of completions.

Wood outline development isn’t only for houses – it is additionally utilized broadly for schools, inns, workplaces, squares of pads, and donning offices. Lumber outline development can be utilized for structures of up to eight stories in tallness. With the expansion in a combination of lumber and (metal web posi joists and primary pillars) bigger ranges are attainable with link/pipe available floors for first fix administrations. Lumber outline divider boards are comprised of softwood vertical studs and even rails with a wood-based board sheathing and a plasterboard lining. The upward studs bear loads through the construction to the establishments. The sheathing gives protection from wind. Warm protection materials are generally joined in the spaces between the studs of outside dividers. For more data see Insulating Materials.

Contingent upon the plan of the divider, defensive film materials may likewise be required. For most outer dividers a breather layer on the outside substance of the boards secures the boards during development. This breather film additionally gives additional protection against any wind-driven downpour that might infiltrate the finished outer cladding. A fume control layer is normally needed on the inward side of the protection, behind the plasterboard lining, to forestall water fume entering the divider board. If it’s not too much trouble, read more data on these materials here Insulating Materials.

The divider boards are generally intended to consolidate ducting for administrations. Lumber outline boards can both be fabricated and provided as Closed Panels or Open Panel Systems. The advantageous help void is available in the two frameworks. The open board framework is produced off-site so that once collected nearby, the primary fix administrations can finish their works, and afterward, the divider board can be secured and plaster-boarded. The shut board has the assistance void previously fused inside the board just as Fermacell Board which replaces the requirement for plasterboard.

Related Posts:

 

Frame construction is a building technique that involves creating a supportive framework of studs, beams, and timbers and connecting everything else to this framework. This building style can be achieved very quickly with an experienced crew, and it is common around the world.

The process of frame construction begins with building up a sill on the ground. Long framings connect to the sill at set intervals to build a system that can be connected to the beams and rafters that make up the roof or extra stories. Actually, frame construction creates a skeleton, and a fast crew can construct a house fast. After the frame is complete, other features can be attached. The structure becomes more stable as stiff flooring and walls are added, creating extra support and resistance to the elements.

---

Classifications Of Frame Construction

---

Frame construction is classified into the following categories that are;

1) Timber Framing

Timber framing includes fitting large columns and beams and joining them with wooden pegs, which was common in the 18th and 19th centuries. In timber framing, contractors work with logs and trees instead of lumber pre-cut to regular dimensions. This framing style fell out of practice because timbers were hewing, and the surfacing of machine-sawn lumber allowed builders to construct homes more quickly with standard-sized logs.

2) Balloon Framing

In the 18th century, balloon framing became popular. This method includes using long, vertical studs that reach from the sill on top of the ground up to the roof, which is fastened by nails instead of wooden pegs. In balloon framing, a singular stud can run up to 25-30 feet. The difficulty with using consecutive studs is the fire hazard; without breaks in the studs, a fire that excites low in the house can suddenly shoot up to the top, destroying the structure to the ground.

3) Platform Framing

The current framing technique in modern construction is platform framing, in which each story is framed on top of the former one. Platform framing is a lightweight construction type for roof, wall, and floor plans.

Contractors will frame in one-story floors of typically 8-9-foot-high stud walls placing on a subfloor. This method can be used for one or two-story buildings and has become the norm among modern contractors because:

• Platform framing uses shorter pieces of lumber than previous methods, like balloon framing, which is a benefit because longer studs are more difficult to reach and more costly.
• The breaks in the studs from level to level form firebreaks.
• It requires less labor (fewer construction costs)

4) Post and Beam Construction

Post and beam construction is a construction method that relies on heavy timbers rather than lumber. In early Asian construction, the use of post and beam construction methods has expanded across the World. Posts and beam structures constructed during ancient times are still standing as an example of well-crafted durability. As the result of natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, post and beam buildings are usually the only structures that outlast erect.

Post and beam structures can be erected comparatively fast due to their deficiency of load-bearing walls. With fewer restrictions on structural elements, post and beam construction allows itself to extremely customizable floor plans, such as windows, doors, and horse stalls can be added anywhere the owner sees fit. This method of construction is relatively rare, likely a result of high material expenses and a lack of knowledge by builders.

5) Structural Steel Frame Construction

The steel frame consists of a vertical column and horizontal beams that are nailed, bolted or joined together in a rectilinear framework. Steel beams are horizontal members that oppose loads applied parallel to their axis. Columns are vertical members that transfer compressive loads. Structural steel framing is a long-lasting, strong, affordable choice for low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise construction projects.

---

Components of Frame Construction

---

Here are common framing components you will use in each section of the building:

---

1) Floor

---

• Joists:

Joists are horizontal structural members used in framing to traverse an open space, usually between beams that transfer loads to vertical members. When joined into a floor framing method, joists assist to provide stiffness to the subfloor, letting it work like a horizontal diaphragm. They usually doubled or tripled, laid side by side, where conditions warrant.

• Truss:

Truss is consisting of two is truncated lumber, used in modern roof construction. A metal plate attached wood truss is a floor truss whose wood members are connected.

• Sheathing:

Floor sheathing, usually known as the sub-floor, is a fundamental panel that is attached to the floor construction. It transfers the loads from above to the floor joists below.

---

2) Walls

---

Interior walls divide into two sections:

• Load-bearing
• Non-load bearing

A load barring wall carries a load from above, such as an extra story or a roof. A non-load bearing, or a partition wall, is built independently from the central load-bearing structure. It works as a divider but holds no weight. In-wall following frame components are used;

• Sill:

This part of lumber attaches the house to the ground. The first-story frame is mounted on top of the sill plates and consists of joists, which traverse the foundation walls.

• Top and bottom plates:

The top plate is a piece of timber that supports the roof and ceiling. The bottom plate is a section of timber that rests on the floor and makes the bottom of the wall except at door openings.

• Studs:

Studs are framing elements that run among the top and bottom plates. They are normally spaced 15 or 24 inches apart and are the most basic components of the wall panel.

• Sheathing:

Wall sheathing reinforces the walls by fastening the studs together. Moreover, Contractors commonly use wall panels such as reinforced cement boards, or gypsum. Builders secure the sheathing to the frame, then made openings for the windows and doors.

---

3) Roof

---

• Rafters:

These structural elements run from the elevation of the roof to the wall plate of the wall. The construction method that normally uses rafter roof construction is known as stick framing.

• Trusses:

A truss is a wooden structure that is prefabricated in a kind of grid shape of beams. The shape is meant to divide the weight of a roof over a broad area. Trusses can be using shorter, less expensive lengths of wood.

• Decking:

The roof decking is the part of the roof construction that lies on top of the trusses and gives the deck the weatherproofing layer.

---

Related Posts

• What Is Commercial Construction?
• What Is Residential Construction?
• What Size Are Floor Joists In Residential Construction?