Picture Perfect: House Framing Facts

A house’s frame is what keeps it from falling down. It is composed of beams that are joined together to form the “bones” of the structure. While a solid frame with a good foundation build can keep a house up for centuries, a faulty frame or weak foundation can bring it tumbling down in no time at all.

Building Code

Building code is one of the reasons why we don’t often see houses tumble down. It is a set of rules in place to ensure that any large structure follows basic principles of engineering. Any kind of house framing must adhere to these codes.

House Framing Materials

While many commercial buildings are framed using metal, most house framing is done with wood. Wood is less expensive, easier to work with (it requires no welding, can easily be cut, and weighs a whole lot less), and has proven durability. Homes with metal frames are not unheard of, but the ease and cost effectiveness of wood most often outweighs the stability benefits of metal.

Foundations for houses are concrete. It is inexpensive, versatile, and above all, tough.

House Framing Basics

Start with a large amount of concrete. This concrete can be poured a floor beneath the ground if there is to be a basement, or near the surface for a “slab” foundation. Either way, basement or slab, extra long and wide sections of concrete (called “footers”) are poured along the perimeter to provide the support needed for the exterior house walls. Beams are often sunk into the foundation to provide support for load bearing walls inside the house.

“Balloon” House Framing

Balloon framing, though once very popular, has been replaced in most new houses with platform framing. Wall studs that extend from the foundation all the way to the roof of the house characterize balloon framing. The two major reasons for its unpopularity are: the length of lumber needed for balloon construction has become expensive, and fire spreads quickly through the continuous walls. Metal house framing is responsible for a recent (though small) rise in balloon construction. Metal studs decrease the fire risk and can come in longer lengths than wood without significantly raising costs.

Platform House Framing

Most modern houses make use of platform framing. Walls on each floor are independent of each other and rely on their own construction for stability, rather than depending on foundation to roof studs. Platform framing is less of a fire hazard than balloon framing. It is also preferred because the platforms make it easier to work on upper floors (a task that requires scaffolding in balloon framing).

Basement Framing

Basement framing is the process whereby a cement or concrete wall is overlaid with a more finished, more usable wall, which can be wired for electricity and insulated against the elements. As in regular wall framing, vertical 2x4s, called studs, butt against horizontal 2x4s, called plates, at the top and bottom; these form the “ribs” of the walls. But basement framing comes with its own unique set of issues.

Things to think about when you decide to undertake the wall-framing process in your basement include:

• Leveling: Not all basement walls and floors are completely level. You will need to measure all of the walls ceiling-to-floor, and use a plumb line to make sure they’re vertical before you start.
• Materials: For the bottom plates, pressure-treated lumber should be used, since dampness can be an issue with basement framing, and causes the wood to weaken over time.
• Moisture Problems: Many basements are plagued by leaks during thunderstorms, or an excess of condensation. This can cause mold to grow in your walls, and needs to be addressed prior to beginning.
• Obstructions: Most basements hold ductwork, furnaces, hot water heaters, and all manner of equipment for the house. You should make note of where these things are, and plan ways to work around them.
• Building Codes: Depending on where you live, you will probably need to get a building permit before you start work. Codes may require inspections at various stages, and things like large “egress” windows in case of emergency.

Although wall framing is a fairly simple task for your average carpenter, these issues, along with the considerable time that the project takes, convince most homeowners to bring in professional help for this job. Either way, the cost to frame a basement is a worthwhile investment for your home, as it will increase your space while you’re there, and add to your home’s resale value in the future.

Conclusion

The type of house framing you employ will depend largely on the area where you are building. Certain techniques are more desirable in certain places. Whatever your needs (a basement, a flat roof, or even stilts), there is a frame to match them. Choosing the right one will ensure a solid structure for years to come.

2 Comments

1. Paul lewis, March 12:

   Need bid on 600 square foot new construction in Granbury TX.

2. E Williams, January 11:

   Whats the best color to frame a new home in