Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

Which construction type has fire-stopping built in?

1. Balloon framing

2. Western framing

3. Platform framing

4. Both B and C

The correct answer is: Both B and C

The presence of fire-stopping in construction types is crucial for enhancing fire safety by preventing the spread of fire and smoke through building cavities. Western framing and platform framing both incorporate design features that facilitate the installation of fire-stopping measures. In platform framing, each floor is built as a separate unit, which allows for more effective installation of fire-stopping materials at the interface between floors and walls. This design creates distinct compartments that help contain any potential fire, thus minimizing its spread. Similarly, Western framing, which is a variation of platform framing where horizontal members are laid flat, also includes provisions for fire-stopping. The construction techniques used in these methods allow for easier placement of materials designed to inhibit fire movement within the walls and floors of a structure. In contrast, balloon framing lacks these fire-stopping features because it uses continuous vertical framing members that run from the foundation through to the roof. This design creates a pathway for smoke and flames to travel more easily between floors, making it less effective in containing a fire compared to the other methods. Therefore, both Western framing and platform framing are constructed to include fire-stopping, leading to the conclusion that these two types are better equipped for fire safety than balloon framing.