How To Tell if a Wall is Load Bearing

As the name suggests, a load-bearing wall is a wall that is an active part of the structure of the building, meaning that it bears the weight of the elements above the wall. It’s important to know which walls in your structure are load bearing because you don’t want to get rid of those, it could cause a major problem! Load bearing walls support the structure all the way to the roof, so it’s incredibly important to ensure that the wall isn’t load bearing before you demolish it. So, how do you tell which wall is load bearing in your home or building?

1. Check the Blueprints

If you still have them, looking at the building’s blueprints will be able to tell you which walls are load bearing and which are not. Any experienced handyman or contractor should be able to tell by looking at the plans. Load bearing walls are marked with an “S” in the plans, which stands for “structural.”

1. Check the Foundation

If you can see that a wall or beam is connected to the foundation of your building, that means that it is a load bearing wall. If your house or building had an addition, this is especially true, because those walls were once exterior walls. Exterior walls are extremely load bearing, so you definitely don’t want to get rid of those.

1. Look in Your Basement

Take a look around the basement of the structure to look for steel beams or joists. Joists are lengths of steel or timber arranged in a parallel series that supports a floor or ceiling. If you see a wall that runs perpendicular to the joists, this wall is likely load bearing. If there’s a wall that’s parallel to the joists, it most likely isn’t load bearing. Simple as that!
 
How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall
While removing a non-load bearing wall is much easier, a load bearing wall can be removed, you just have to be careful. Definitely consult a proper engineer or licensed builder before attempting to do so. Before an expert takes a look, know that you might need a permit, as some municipalities require one if walls are being replaced or taken down. You will definitely need to be prepared with placement support to take on the load that the wall was previously carrying. Always remember that removing a load bearing wall is dangerous and should only be done under expert supervision.
 
Instead of removing a load bearing wall, you can hire a handyman to help you create a pass-thru opening. These attractive openings are common in kitchens and give the space a much more open feel. Call San Bernardino Handyman today to talk about this, or any other home renovation projects!

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