Balloon framing is where the wall studs run from the sill plate(foundation) to the roof. Instead of building a outside wall to outside wall platform at each level, the floors are "hung" off of the wall studs.
This is very convient when running wires up the walls because there are none of those pesky "fire breaks" that you have to drill thru. On the other hand, if a fire starts in the wall, it has an easy path to get up to the top stories.
Larry C
Home owner and NOT a construction trades worker.
