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Many homes built before1930 used balloon framing.
Balloon framed houses require temporary support headers called whalers
when making alterations that affect more than one stud in a load-bearing
wall.
For instance, say you plan on making an opening for an archway
or window on a ground floor exterior (load bearing) wall. The whaler
would be anchored to the wall studs above the planned rough opening,
and extend at least 20-inches beyond each side of the opening. It
would be supported with wall studs and bracing that would run adjacent
to the rough opening.
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To accomplish this, you would follow the directions below:
- Mark the area for the rough opening; remove wall surfaces around
the rough opening, from floor to ceiling.
- Using a 2X8 long enough to extend beyond the planned opening;
center the whaler against the wall studs, flush with the ceiling.
Tack in place using 2-inch wallboard (flattop) screws.
- Cut two lengths of 2X4 to fit snuggly between the bottom of
the whaler and the floor.
- Slide the 2X4s into position at the ends of the whaler; carefully
tap until the 2X4 and whaler surfaces are flush and the 2X4s vertically
straight. Attach using nailing plates and 3-inch nails.
- Use a drill with a 3/16-inch bit to drill two holes through
the whaler and into each stud it spans; secure the whaler using
3/8 X 4-inch lag screws with a washer.
- Using a hammer, carefully tap tapered shims into place between
the bottom of each temporary 2X4 support and the floor.
To make changes to an interior load-bearing wall on a balloon framed
house, or one located on an upper floor, confer with a professional
contractor. Have the contractor assess the wall before suggesting
the best placement and type off temporary support for your project
needs.
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