RenoAtlas

Balloon framing and continuous cavities in old homes

Recognize multi-storey continuous stud cavities before opening, insulating or routing services because they can transmit fire, smoke and air between levels.

VERT / GREEN

Framing identified and cavities properly compartmented: document before new work.

JAUNE / YELLOW

Opening walls/floors in an older house: check cavity continuity and existing fire blocking before closing.

ROUGE / RED

Do not blindly cut, drill or fill an old cavity without understanding structure, services and fire-blocking needs.

Project triage

What the professional checks

Official sources

Sources checked: 2026-08-22. Always confirm local rules and the applicable edition.

V47

V47 interfaces not to miss

These details are small on a drawing but can control water, structure or durability.