QA

Quick Answer: How To Frame A Second Story Floor

Why is platform framing the easiest type on two story buildings?

Platform framing is easier than balloon framing because you can construct and erect the second story walls on the second story floors. Wall construction on a concrete slab is anchored to the slab with anchor bolts through the wall sole plate. Either construction can be done on a concrete slab or on a foundation.

Is it cheaper to add a second story or build out?

When building new construction, building up with a two-story home is cheaper than building out. When remodeling, building out with a one-story addition is cheaper than adding a second story to an existing dwelling.

Is it hard to add a second story to a house?

It’s a good idea to visit your local government zoning office to find out if you are permitted to add a second story. A good rule of thumb is that if other houses near you have second stories, you should be able to build that high as well, but it’s best to check.

Are 2nd floor walls load bearing?

A bearing wall is one which supports the structure of the house. The primary bearing walls in most homes are the exterior walls. There are secondary interior bearing walls which support a second floor or the attic above the first floor. This may result in a gradual settling or cracking in adjacent and walls above.

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 Feb 9, 2015.

What are 3 common problems with caulking trim and flashings?

What are 3 common problems with caulking, trim and flashings? Missing flashings, Ineffective or incomplete flashings, Caulking missing or ineffective. You just studied 151 terms!.

Is balloon framing still used today?

Balloon framing is no longer used today, Stack said. It has been replaced by a style called platform framing, which eliminates the problem of void spaces that comes with balloon framing, he said.

Can my foundation support a second story?

The truth is, most foundations for single story homes aren’t sufficiently reinforced to support the weight of a second story, but there are ways to fix that. That’s where the services of an engineer are required.

What is the cheapest way to add square footage to a house?

If you’re not willing to bear the expense of building an addition, finishing an unfinished portion of your home, such as an attic, basement or attached garage, is a great way to add square footage at a reasonable cost.

Does a bump out need a foundation?

For bump-out additions that rest on the ground, footers and a foundation wall must be built. Soil is dug out by hand or with a small excavator. The depth is dictated by local building code, often to a level below the frost line—sometimes, as deep as 36 to 42 inches.

Is it cheaper to build up or out?

Building up is always the least expensive option for increasing your home’s square-footage because it requires less material and labor. On the other hand, if you build out, you’ll have to add footers, concrete, fill rock, roof system, and more excavation cost.

How much value does a second story add?

According to the site, a second story addition can cost somewhere between $100 to $300 per square foot. $100 per square foot is the lowest estimate you’ll get and that will work out to be around $70,000 if you want a second story that measures 700 square feet.

Is it more expensive to build a two story house?

Per square foot, a one-story house is more costly to build than a two-story home. There is a larger footprint, meaning more foundation building and more roofing materials. Two-story homes, on average, command higher prices, because the demand among families is higher.

How can you tell if a wall is load-bearing 2nd floor?

Generally, when the wall in question runs parallel to the floor joists above, it is not a load-bearing wall. But if the wall runs perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the joists, there is a good chance that it is load-bearing.

How big can an opening be in a load bearing wall?

Any opening that’s 6 feet or less can have just one 2×4 under the beam. This creates a bearing point 1.5 inches wide. Any opening wider than 6 feet should have a minimum of two 2x4s under each end of the beam. CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local bearing wall carpenters.

What happens if you remove a load bearing wall?

Removing a load bearing wall may create structural problems in a home, including sagging ceilings, unleveled floors, drywall cracks, and sticking doors. Removal of load bearing walls without properly supporting the load they’re carrying may occasionally result in a structural collapse and even injury.

Is balloon framing bad?

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.

What is the difference between balloon framing and platform 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.

Why is platform framing used instead of balloon framing?

Why has platform framing become the method of choice. 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.

Does flashing go over or under house wrap?

Flashing always goes under the housewrap. It’s your final line of defense against water infiltration. If (somehow) water should find a path behind the wrap, the flashing is there to divert it away from critical access points.