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This depends on the type of construction.
My guess is that you want to either take down or open up a wall and that's why you're asking this.
You really should get a pro to look at it before you go knocking anything down,
because any wall could potentially be load bearing.
Go down into the basement and look up at the ceiling, you'll see the joists.
These are heavy boards that are 1 1/2" to 2" wide and 8" to 12 " tall.
Unless the house is really tiny, they will be attached to the main beam that's got some posts or a wall supporting it.
If the wall you want to mess with runs in the same direction as the main beam, it may be load bearing, especially if there's a flight of stairs attached to it.
If it sits directly on top of the main beam, it's definitly load bearing and you'll need to add more structural elements to make up for what ever you're planning to take out.
If the wall runs in the direction of the joists, it mat be a curtain wall. (not load bearing).
Try and find the joist directly under the wall. Sometimes they're doubled up under a curtain wall, but if they're 3 or more joists under the wall, or there's stairs attached to it, don't mess with it.
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How do you know if its a load bearing wall?
Usually, a load bearing wall will be perpendicular to the roof ridge.
How do you find load bearing walls in a 2 story?
You will need to go to the level above the wall. If girders, joists or another wall is supported by your initial wall, then that becomes a 'load'. Supported by by the wall downstarirs, Thus bearing a load
What is a load bearing horizontal component over a wall opening is called?
header
How can you tell a load bearing wall?
All exterior walls in a home are load bearing. The exterior walls on the gable end of your house do not bear much load, but the walls that the hip of the roof bear on carry your roof and ceiling joints. Interior walls are another story. Usually in a smaller one story home there is a wall that runs the midspan of the house that is load bearing for your roof and ceiling joints.
How do you know if it is a load bearing wall?
A wall without column structure. The wall itself support the loading from the upper floor. In conventional structure, the column support the loading from the upper beam and transfer it to the lower beam.
What is load bearing wall?
A load bearing wall supports a structure or weight that is above it, transferring that weight to what is below the wall. Also - The most common, as easiest to identify is the exterior wall.
Define - No load bearing wall?
A wall bearing no load.
How do you know if its a load bearing wall?
Usually, a load bearing wall will be perpendicular to the roof ridge.
What is Load-bearing?
Load Bearing - something that bears a load. Like a load bearing wall in a house. The wall is holding something up like the roof, another floor, etc.
Can you run electrical wire's in load bearing wall?
Yes, you can run electrical wires in a load bearing wall.
Will a load-bearing wall cause structeral damage?
A load-bearing wall itself will not cause structural damage. However, if a load-bearing wall is removed without structural replacement, yes structural damage will occur.
If I'm interested in having a wall knocked down to open up the space, should I hire a professional to do the job?
If the wall is load bearing or you are not sure if it is load bearing I would definately hire a professional. If you are sure the wall is not load bearing and you have some basic carpenters skills this should be a manageable job for a homeowner.
How do you find load bearing walls in a 2 story?
You will need to go to the level above the wall. If girders, joists or another wall is supported by your initial wall, then that becomes a 'load'. Supported by by the wall downstarirs, Thus bearing a load
Is plinth wall a load bearing wall?
Lath and plaster is just an old type of wall finish. Like drywall is a wall finish. What the wall is constructed of underneath the lath and plaster and where it is placed in the building determine if it is load bearing or not. A lath and plaster wall could be load bearing or it might not be. IF it is an outside wall, it most certainly is load bearing. other than that, the best way to figure it out is to have a structural engineer tell you wether it is or not. Even if it is load bearing it may be possible to remove it if a beam is put up in place of the wall. Really, the best and safest way to decide is to have a engineer look at it.
What is non load bearing partition walls?
A partition wall divides a larger space. Non load bearing means that it's not supporting the floor or wall above.
How can you tell an interior load bearing wall?
Center of a structure is usually load bearing. Look in attic or basement to see where the support is.
How much does it cost to tear down a load bearing wall?
I just got a quote this week from a professional contractor on tearing down 2 load-bearing walls in my new home. He said he would do 1 wall for $3600, and the 2nd wall for an additional $2600. Hope this helps!
