BALLOON FRAMES. 203 



the timbers above the first floor joists are ripped from common 1^ inch floor 

 plank — thus maiie studding, ceiling joists, and rafters, 1^ inches by 5 inches. 



For large harns, storehouses, &c., largiT sizes will be required. The weight 

 and power necessary to injure a building with 3 by 8 studding, with a double 

 row of bridging, is more than is ever practically applied to any storehouse. 



The lining of a balloon frame adds immensely to its strength, particularly 

 so if put on diagonally ; it may be done outside or inside, though on the 

 whole the inside is preferable. If done outside, it should be carried over the 

 sill and nailed to it ; the sill being wider than the studding, in order to get a 

 larger bearing on the masonry, and the floor joists being in the way, does not 

 admit of inside lining being put on in the same manner. Close or continuous 

 lining is not necessary for strength, but for dwelling houses adds much to the 

 warmth. Large buildings, not used as dwelling houses, can be sufficiently 

 well braced by diagonal strips of 1 inch board, 6 inches wide, nailed to the 

 studding inside, 6 feet apart. Where vertical siding is used, these same strips 

 can be put on in the same manner outside the studding. Let the strips run 

 over the sill and nail to it. Between the strips on the sill, n»il an inch board, 

 and it is then ready for upright or battened siding. Small outbuildings, barns, 

 &c., do not require any diagonal bracing. 



Every stick of timber in a balloon frame not only has a weight to support, 

 but its tensile and compressible strength, which theoretically is 11,800 pounds 

 per square inch of its end area, is taken advantage of. This is not the case 

 with the old style of frame. A balloon frame looks light, and its name was 

 given in derision by those old fogy mechanics who had been brought up to rob 

 a stick of timber of all its strength and durability, by cutting it full of mor- 

 tices, tenons, and auger holes, and then supposing it to be stronger than a far 

 lighter stick differently applied, and with all its capabilities unimpaired. 



The balloon frame has been known in the newer sections of our country for 

 many years ; it has been tested and found to stand the test. It is not, nor 

 cannot be patented ; there is no money to be made out of it except as a public 

 benefit, in which all share alike. 



The following are some of the advantages claimed for it : 



1. The whole labor of framing it is dispensed with. 



2. It is a far cheaper frame to raise. 



3. It is stronger and more durable than any other frame. 



4. Any stick can be removed and another put in its place without disturb- 

 ing the strength of those remaining — in fact the whole building can be 

 renewed, stick by stick. 



5. It is adapted to every style of building, and better adapted for all irreg- 

 ular forms. 



6. It is forty per cent, cheaper than anv other known style of frame. 



7. It embraces strength, security, comfort and economy. 



Architects, builders, mechanics, and practical men, are respectfully invited 

 to prove the contrary. 



