Bringing Back Balloon-Framed Walls

This framing method helps create a more energy-efficient thermal envelope and air barrier.

On many of our homes, we balloon frame the exterior walls. This way, the studs carry past the floor system, instead of the more traditional method that has the floor system sitting on top of the wall. The reasoning for this is 100% based on creating a more energy-efficient thermal envelope and air barrier, and I’m not totally convinced it takes any longer to do—yet. But even if it did, the trade-off is worth it.

The ProHOME has 12-ft.-high exterior walls because the second floor has knee walls much like a traditional Cape design. Building double-stud walls this high all at once poses a bit of a challenge because of the weight of the wall, so we build only the exterior 2×4 wall before standing it up. Once all the walls are standing, the 2×12 top plate is fastened into place and then the interior 2×4 studs are framed.

Exterior 2×4 wall framed and lifted with 2×12 top plate attached.

Mike nails off the top plate to accept the interior studs of the double-stud wall.

The interior row of studs is framed with Weyerhaeuser’s TimberStrand 2×4 LSLs. Talk about straight! It’s nice to work with straight lumber from time to time and they are a real benefit on the kitchen walls. The crew much preferred to work with them over spruce lumber—so much so that I ordered a batch for a separate project we just began framing.

John nails the interior wall of TimberStrand 2x4s in place.

Critical to maintaining as complete an air barrier as possible is paying attention to details, no matter what method of framing you undertake. Since the floor system is hung from ledgers and we are relying on the Intello Plus membrane to carry the brunt of the air-barrier load, it’s imperative that a strip is stapled to the studs before the floor system is framed. This way, the air barrier is continuous from the floor to the roof. Later, after the mechanicals have been roughed in, this strip will be taped to the Intello Plus on the first and second levels.

A splice of Intello is tacked in place before Mike uses the MAX framing nailer to hang the rim board for the second floor system. The strip of membrane ensures a continuous air barrier after framing is complete.

t’s not a traditional way of framing a house—there is no denying that—but from an energy efficiency standpoint, it’s worth it. By building this way, we have eliminated the heat loss that is all too common when a traditional floor system sits on the exterior wall. The crew does gives me a hard time about changing up the “way things have always been done” from time to time, but a delivery of donuts tends to quiet them down. Based on the mean-spirited comments hurled in my direction last time I was on site, it’s probably high time for another delivery. Just kidding … kind of.