Hi guys, I'm planning an addition to my house. The addition will be roughly a 1:2 plan dimension (likely 22'x44'), with one half being two-level and the other a double volume space with stairs.
The double volume space will need balloon framing, with plate height roughly at 17'. I have a good handle on the design and detailing, and have done some rough framing myself, but never a balloon frame. I have confidence I can do the platform portion with some help.
Assuming I frame the high wall on the floor, how does one raise the tall walls into position? Wall jacks? I've seen wall jacks for high rake walls, but not this tall. I don't know that I can get a big crane in my backyard. Is there another lift of something that I can rent?
Thanks in advance.
You have a few options, but it depends on a few factors:
1) What size studs, 2x4, 2x6 etc?
2) Installing shear panel/ wall sheathing?
3) Do you need a forklift for other things?
4) Are you working alone or have help?
5) Will you need scaffolding at some point on this wall (assume so)
First scenario is no cost (except beer for friends) but requires friends that aren't sissies.
If you want to frame it on the ground and have enough help to raise it, after the wall is framed, raise the top plates off the ground a foot or so, allowing you to slide 2x6's ( 10' apart +/-) on edge under the top plates and attach them to the side of your wall studs ( In your case I would suggest using one 5/16" bolt. we used to place 3 or 4 16d nails in tight formation, but we were professionals, so I would not suggest this method for rookies)) per connection, allowing the 2x6 to pivot as the wall is raised. be sure the 2x6 is long enough to reach the ground when the wall is stood, if you need to use them as bracing.
The idea here is have one man on each 2x6 and one man spaced about every 8' of wall (depending on their strength). When raising the wall, do a 3 count, with the first being to your hips, next 3 count raise to shoulders, next 3 count to extended arms. At this point the men on the 2x6 can start pushing and help the rest as the lower guys work their way down the studs until the wall is vertical. Lastly, to get the bottom plate up onto the slab and anchor bolts, while the men on the 2x6's hold the wall vertical, nail 3' long 2x6's approx. 6' apart, horizontally through the wall (each nailed to a stud) at waist height, allowing 2 men, one on each side of the 2x6 to lift the wall. Only you will know how many guys you'll need. As long as you all lift in unison, it works smoothly.
Next scenario, you have limited friends.
Only using the 'layout' plate, frame the wall, but only place studs 8' to 10' apart. Next using above method, raise the wall and brace it off. lastly, set-up scaffolding and stick frame the rest of the wall.
Last scenario, you have no friends and have room to operate a SKYTRAK type (including a truss boom) lift and $ to rent one for the day.
Frame the wall complete, including shear panel / wall sheathing (double check ...no triple check that the wall is square and the plates straight. Next, of you have sheathing on the wall, cut small holes (or use a hole saw) large enough to fit lifting slings through about 8" below the top plates (you'll need to be the judge on how many you'll need to lift the wall without snapping the top plates. Walls less than say 20' in length, two slingss will suffice, space them so each slingp has the same length of wall on each side...ie, if the wall is 20' long, come in 5' from the ends for your slings, so each sling carries 10' of wall. Next, nail a 2x6 across at least 2 studs each side of the sling hole,placed above the sling hole so the slings don't rip thru the sheathing. Even if you don't have sheathing, you still need the horizontal 2x6's (if you try to just sling the top plates, you risk ripping the top plates off the wall) Use the 'CHOKE' method when you run your slings so the sling is trying to tighten itself and pulling from the bottom side of the top plates.
I've raised many, many walls in my life using both methods and each work well, if you think things through, don't get in a hurry and be safe.
