Which framing system consists of wood studs that run from the foundation to the roof, can be recognized by windows that align in a straight vertical line, and is similar to post and beam but with no inherent fire stopping between floors?

• A. Post and Beam
• B. Type II - Non-Combustible
• C. Balloon Frame
• D. Type III - Ordinary Construction

Answer: (C)

The framing system described is balloon framing. Its defining feature is wood studs that run from the foundation all the way to the roof, creating a continuous wall skeleton. Because the same vertical studs extend through multiple stories, windows tend to line up in a straight vertical column. A key hazard with balloon framing is the lack of fire stopping between floors; there aren’t inherent fire blocks interrupting the stud bays, so fire can spread quickly up the wall cavities from one level to another.

This differs from post-and-beam, which uses large timber posts and beams rather than slender full-height studs, giving a different exterior-wall appearance and structural method. The other two options describe building classifications based on material or fire resistance, not the specific wall framing method.