Existing Apartment Bldg. Design

[rgsdez]

I recently reviewed a 2 story apartment building (approx. 24'x 110', built 1960)which had minor fire damage to its 3/8" exterior sheathing. The building appears to be typical light frame construction. An area of the sheathing, 10' x 15', had been charred and the existing vinyl siding melted away. The charred sheathing was removed and no other damage observed. My question is that the original construction omitted the second floor rim boards from what I could see from the exposed area. Since the fire damage affects only a small section of the entire building (5% or less) I do not expect to bring any structural aspects up to current day code requirements. Was the omission of the rim boards in 1960 typical of "construction of the day" or was it a way for the contractor to cut costs? Although, I can't see it being a significant saving with respect to the total cost of the structure.

 

[Ron]

Sounds like it might have been balloon framing. Was fairly common in that time frame, but lost favor as longer members became more and more expensive.

 

[rgsdez]

Ron,
Thanks for the response, although that doesn't seem to be the case. You can clearly see the framing is typical of light framed construction with its system of repetitive wood framing members. The cut studs with top and bottom plates are evident. What is also evident are actual 2"x4" rough cut studs, not dimensional lumber (this structure is located in eastern New York). I'm tending towards the idea that the contractor only buttoned up the framed exterior walls with the exterior sheathing. The 4'x8' sheathing would fit very nicely on an 8' framed wall but there is no extra for overhanging the joist cavities. Another reason for a contractor trying to cut costs, since he would have had to cut and install an additional 1/2 sheet of plywood all around the building ( a 110'x24' building would mean approximately 268 lin. ft. of additional 2'x8' sheathing, approximately 17 4'x8' sheets cut in half)

 

[queque]

I would appreciate a sketch of this problem if possible?