Building and Raising a 44-Foot Balloon Wall | Zip-R + LVL Framing Masterclass

We framed, sheathed, and lifted a 44-foot balloon wall—about 25 feet to the peak and ~3,800 lbs—using LVL studs, LVL double plates, and Zip-R for continuous insulation. In this masterclass, I walk through layout, math, fastening, sheathing, fire blocking for balloon framing, safe rigging, and bracing so the wall goes up straight, safe, and tight.

What you’ll learn

Story-pole layout, snapping lines, and why we toenail to the line (and from which side)

LVL studs & double top plates for stiffness on tall walls

4x6 fire-blocking strategy to meet code with balloon framing

Zip-R sheathing workflow (1-7/16") and the router trick for clean window/rake cuts

Pre-building overhangs, using an I-joist strongback for the lift

Safe rigging with a basketed strap over both forks, chafe guards, and pick points

Why we brace with structural screws (not nails), and how we plumb fast with a laser

Tools/Materials shown
PWT LVL studs & plates • Zip-R panels • Simpson fully threaded truss/rafter screws & SDWS • High-pressure nailers • Makita XGT router + DIY base • LP ExpertFinish soffit • I-joist strongbacks

If you’ve got questions on 24" o.c. advanced framing, the air-barrier hand-off (“monopoly framing”), or the floor system tie-in—drop them below. We read and reply. Trolls get ignored or roasted (your call 😄).

Watch next (playlist): Tall walls, advanced framing, and air-sealing details across the series

0:00 Cold open & what we’re building
0:37 Layout: story pole, snapped lines, toenails that hold
2:58 LVL plates & studs: why stiffness matters on tall walls
5:12 Window packages & efficient sequencing
7:45 Fire-blocking balloon walls (4x6 blocks)
10:18 Zip-R sheathing plan, staggering vs railroading seams
12:40 Router setup for windows/rake (clean cuts fast)
15:05 Pre-building overhangs; “monopoly framing” air-barrier hand-off
18:22 Rigging plan: straps, chafe guards, pick points, safety
20:10 The Lift (drone + multi-cam)
22:48 Bracing with screws, plumbing with the laser
24:30 Post-lift checks & why LVLs stayed so straight
26:05 Time-lapse: framing windows & wrap-up




Some of the links below are affiliate links. I may make a small commission off of them.

5% coupon code "NGDAWESOME" and the free freight on fastener orders over $1,000 with code "FREESHIPPING

The tools I use and recommend https://acmetools.pxf.io/AwesomeFramers

Nick's Boots + Awesome Framers boot The Wood Butcher https://rb.gy/x316yv

Instagram www.instagram.com/awesomeframers/

website https://www.awesomeframers.com/blog

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Company https://pioneerbuildersonline.com/

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Nicks Boots https://bit.ly/3MEHY56

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Oh and another takeaway, if you use a drone for commercial work, you need to be part107 certified. Commercial work includes social media like YouTube if you plan to make an income off of that. I watched a video about this last May and then purchased the Part 107 Course https://sso.teachable.com/secure/2458... I studied and learned for 1 month and then took my test. I scored a 95%, which is a testament to how good Greg and the crew over there teach. That link will save you $100 off the course and support this channel.

badgertoolbelts.com

https://wavecel.com/

https://jackasssawhorse.com/

Spotify Playlist ??
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ni...


#building #construction #framing #huberpartner #ontheroadwithhew

balloon framing, tall wall lift, LVL studs, LVL top plate, Zip-R sheathing, advanced framing, 24 inch on center, fire blocking, Simpson Strong-Tie, SDWS screws, truss rafter screws, high pressure nailer, I-joist strongback, safe rigging, forklift wall lift, layout story pole, rake wall, air sealing, WRB, Awesome Framers