Building a gable end wall using balloon framing requires careful planning and execution. The wall's height can reach up to 20 feet, making it a significant structural component of a building.
To ensure stability, the top plate must be securely fastened to the wall studs. This is typically done with 3-inch screws spaced 6 inches apart.
The wall's height also means that the studs will be spaced 16 inches on center, with the top plate being the same width as the wall. This configuration helps distribute the weight evenly.
A gable end wall's design allows for the use of a single top plate, which can be a cost-effective option. However, this design also requires careful planning to ensure the top plate is properly secured.
Gable Wall Basics
Gable walls are a crucial part of balloon framing, and understanding the basics is essential for a successful build.
Balloon framing of gable walls is common in new home construction, often used when there is a cathedral or vaulted ceiling in the room. It's a method that requires a basic knowledge of conventional roof framing.
A standard wall height, roof pitch, rafter size, and stand of the common rafter must all be known before beginning the layout procedure. This information can be obtained with the help of a Construction Master calculator or by using alternative methods.
Sheathing the gable wall is a critical step that involves installing the sheathing hanging over the bottom plate. This detail is often specified by engineers and is preferable to using metal straps.
Leaving 1/2 inch or so to spare when measuring the overhang is a good idea, as the floor system and plates will compress as the house settles and loads up with finish materials. This will ensure a secure and stable connection between the upper and lower walls.
Construction Process
The construction process for a balloon framing gable end wall involves several key steps.
The first step is to frame the wall, which typically starts with installing the top plate, also known as the girt, at the top of the wall.
The wall studs are then installed between the top and bottom plates, usually spaced 16 inches on center.
The bottom plate is installed last, usually after the wall is fully framed.
Tips and Considerations
When working with balloon framing gable end walls, it's essential to create a diagram on the floor deck to ensure the wall is square. This can be achieved by properly doing the arcs for the center line.
You should only use standard wall height, center, and bottom plate reference lines for balloon framing gable walls. Using the two outside standard wall lines can lead to issues if you're not perfectly square.
To save on material and ensure your studs line up every 4 feet, it's best to lay out gable walls from the center. This method also applies to gable trusses.
Tips
When creating a gable wall, it's essential to start with a diagram on the floor deck to ensure accuracy. This will help you achieve a square wall if all measurements are taken from the center line.
Use standard wall height, center, and bottom plate reference lines for balloon framing gable walls. This will save you from potential issues if you're not perfectly square.
Keep in mind the method you'll use for fly rafters and whether you'll be using look-out's. If so, make sure they're flat and at least half an inch below where you need to be.
A single top plate is often sufficient, and it's easier to just put studs on the layout marks and mark and cut in place. This will save you time and effort.
Laying out gable walls from the center will save on material, just like gable trusses. This will also ensure that your studs line up every 4 feet.
Home Exterior Maintenance
Gable end frames are designed to transfer vertical loads from the roof to the continuous bearing wall below, but they can be prone to buckling if the vertical studs are too long.
The maximum length a vertical member can be before a lateral brace is required depends on the wind load, but it's essential to consider this when designing gable ends.
Vertical studs in gable end frames are usually spaced at 12, 16, or 24 inches on center, and they play a crucial role in transferring loads to the roof and ceiling diaphragms.
The sheathed frame transfers wind loads to the roof and ceiling diaphragms, which then transfer shear loads to the gable end frame, ultimately to the end wall below and into the foundation.
Well-designed connections between the gable end frame and the bearing wall and diaphragms are vital to ensure the frame can transfer loads effectively.
If the wind load is high enough, a brace may be required to prevent the frame from rotating or buckling the verticals, and the truss designer should indicate the location of the bracing for the vertical studs.
Raising the Gables
Balloon framing of gable walls is common in new home construction, especially when there's a cathedral or vaulted ceiling in the room. This method is usually chosen for its unique design and aesthetic appeal.
A basic knowledge of conventional roof framing is required to lay out and complete this task, which can be a challenge for rookie carpenters or DIY enthusiasts. It's recommended to have experience with this type of framing before taking it on.
The standard wall height, roof pitch, rafter size, and stand of the common rafter must all be known before beginning the layout procedure. This information can be calculated using a Construction Master calculator or alternative methods.
An experienced carpenter can complete the layout procedure in 5-10 minutes, armed with the necessary information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced balloon framing?
Platform framing replaced balloon framing as the standard wooden framing method, named for its use of separate platforms for each floor level. This shift has led to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness in construction.
Are gable end walls load bearing?
Gable end walls are technically load bearing, but their load-bearing capacity is often less than the side walls. However, it's still essential to consider them as bearing walls in construction and design.
Sources
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