Balloon Framing

also known as –constructionwoodBalloon framing is a method of"Chicago construction" in the 19th century– used primarily

s). It 1950-(up until the midUnited Statesand theCanada,Scandinaviainsill utilizes long continuous framing members (studs) that run from the

to the top plate, with intermediate floor structures let into and plateHere the heights of window sills, headers and next ]10[]9[nailed to them.

. Once storey polefloor height would be marked out on the studs with apopular when long lumber was plentiful, balloon framing has been largely replaced by platform framing.

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While no one can be sure who introduced balloon framing in the U.S., the first building , Illinois,Chicagoin1832 using balloon framing was probably a warehouse constructed in

) 1891–1796following year, Augustine Taylor (The .George Washington Snowbyusing the balloon framing method. Chicagoconstructed St. Mary's Catholic Church in

Alternatively, the balloon frame has been shown to have been introduced in Missouri as much as fifty years earlier.

The name comes from a French Missouri type of construction, maison en boulin.The curious name of this framing technique is conventionally thought to be a derisive one. Historians have fabricated the following story: As Taylor was constructing his first such building, St. Mary's Church, in 1833, skilled carpenters looked on at the comparatively thin framing members, all held together with nails, and declared this method of construction to be no more substantial than a balloon. It would surely blow over in the next wind! Though the criticism proved baseless, the name stuck.

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Since steel is generally more fire-resistant than wood, and steel framing members can be made to arbitrary lengths, balloon framing is growing in popularity again in light gauge steel stud construction. Balloon framing provides a more direct load path down

in tradesmento the foundation. Additionally, balloon framing allows more flexibility forthat it is significantly easier to pull wire, piping and ducting without having to bore through or work around framing members.

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Typical balloon frame house

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Drawing showing the layout of wood in a balloon framed house.

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Balloon framing revolutionized the homebuilding trade

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Nice model of a home built w balloon framing. Found at the Chicago History Museum

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Wood-frame construction using balloon-framing methods.

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Ballon Wood Framing

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Typcial Balloon Framing System with Gable Rafter Roof Framing