Framing
Balloon
Framing
An older style of framing in which the studs in the bearing walls
are run uninterrupted from the sole plate up to the roof plate.
The floor joists are nailed to the studs. This style of framing
is no longer allowed, in large part because the open stud cavities
allow a fire that starts in the basement or first floor to travel
rapidly to the upper floor and attic. Back to alphabetical
list
Beam
Horizontal structural member that carries a heavy load. It's supported
at each end and sometimes in between. Usually quite heavy and made
of wood or steel. Back to alphabetical list
Bearing
Wall
A wall that carries the load of the structure above it, as well
as its own weight. Most exterior walls and some partition walls
are bearing walls. Joists frequently cross over top of a bearing
partition wall. Back to alphabetical list
Bird's
Beak
A notch cut into a rafter that allows the rafter to sit flush on
the top plate of the wall. A flush seat cut and a plumb heel cut
comprise the bird's beak. Also called a bird's mouth. Back
to alphabetical list
Cripple
Stud
A shortened stud used to fill around an opening, usually under a
window opening or over a door opening. Also called a cripple. Back
to alphabetical list
Donkey
Tracks
Semi-circular marks left in wood by errant hammer blows. Back
to alphabetical list
Header
A framing member that supports the cut ends of studs or joists,
usually over a window or door or at either end of a floor or ceiling
opening. Back to alphabetical list
Hip
Roof
A roof that slopes up from all four sides. Back
to alphabetical list
Hip
Rafter
The rafter placed where two planes of a hip roof meet. Back
to alphabetical list
Jack
Rafter
A short rafter, usually running between top plate and hip rafter,
or from valley rafter to ridge rafter. Back to alphabetical
list
Jack
Stud
Shorter studs that support the ends of a header, which in turn supports
the load of the studs above the opening. Also called trimmers. Back
to alphabetical list
Joist
The parallel, horizontal framing members that carry the load of
a floor or ceiling. They are supported in turn by beams, girders,
or bearing walls. Back to alphabetical list
King
Stud
The outer, full-height studs on either side of a window or door
opening. The shorter jack studs are nailed to the king studs. Back
to alphabetical list
Knee
Wall
The
short wall that supports the roof rafters. Back
to alphabetical list
Lookout
Short pieces of lumber projecting from the sides of the house to
support an overhanging section of roof. Back to
alphabetical list
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