Balloon framing
Balloon framing is a form of timber construction that was commonly used to build houses in the United States and Canada from the late-19th century to the mid-20th century. It was often incorporated in the Queen Anne style and Shingle style architecture of the period.
This technique was popular at a time when long timbers were readily available, but it was gradually replaced by platform timber framing, in which each storey is formed by floor-to-ceiling timber panels and a floor deck which then becomes the platform for constructing the next storey. 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.
One of the primary problems with balloon framing, aside from the availability of long timbers, was that, by creating continuous spans free of any separation, fire could spread easily. Indeed, fires were common in balloon framed houses. Platform framing enabled a fire break to be included between each floor.
In terms of existing balloon frame houses, fire safety can be improved by adding fire-stopping to the walls, particularly in the breaks at each storey. However, this can be a difficult and time-consuming process, as the interior walls or exterior siding need to be removed to allow access to the stud top plates to add the fire-separating element.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Advantages and disadvantages of timber frame buildings.
- Delivering sustainable low energy housing with softwood timber frame.
- Fire-stopping in buildings.
- In-situ reinforcement of timber beams.
- Queen Anne style.
- Shingle style architecture.
- Stud.
- The use of timber in construction.
- Timber frame.
- Timber framed buildings and fire.
- Types of frame.
- Types of timber.
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.