What is the difference between platform framing and balloon framing?

What is the difference between platform framing and balloon framing?

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.

What are the benefits of platform construction as compared to balloon construction?

Those walls support the roof. The pros of this system are that it uses shorter pieces of lumber than balloon framing making it easier and cheaper to construct and the platforms between each floor act as a fire-stop.

Why is a platform frame construction generally preferred over balloon framing?

Balloon framing has less vertical shrinkage from drying out of the wood, while platform framing is easier and safer to erect, uses shorter lengths of lumber for studs, and is automatically firestopped, for which reasons it has become the method of choice. Why is little added firestopping required in platform framing?

When did platform framing replace balloon framing?

However, balloon framing did require very long studs and as tall trees were exhausted in the 1920s, platform framing became prevalent. The main difference between platform and balloon framing is at the floor lines.

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.”

What are the disadvantages of platform framing?

Other major cons to wood platform framing include its risk to homeowners’ health (wood plays host to mold and mildew that can make homes toxic) and a home’s longevity (the wood used in platform framing is subject to rot and termites that can compromise your home’s structural integrity, requiring major repairs down the …

What are the major advantages of using platform framing?

Today, platform wood framing remains the favored method for home construction for a number of reasons: wood is still relatively abundant, the cost of materials is low (compared with other methods), and wood components are easily customizable.

Why is balloon framing no longer used in residential construction?

Balloon-framed buildings are also very susceptible to sagging (particularly the floors) making these old houses very challenging and therefore expensive to renovate well, with some materials and methods not being compatable at all.

What is the advantage of platform framing?

1. Platform/Stick Framing with Wood. Today, platform wood framing remains the favored method for home construction for a number of reasons: wood is still relatively abundant, the cost of materials is low (compared with other methods), and wood components are easily customizable.

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 the problem with balloon framing?

Well, of the three types of framing, balloon frame houses have the greatest danger of catastrophic fires. To be clear, there is nothing intrinsically more flammable about a balloon frame house. It wasn’t built with kindling in the walls. The problem comes down to design.