How to tell if an internal wall is load bearing
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Load bearing walls are walls that can support their own weight as well as the weight of the additional structural loads placed on them. Most importantly, they have additional support underneath them, as they also need to be able to carry what are called ‘live loads’ – furniture, people, carpets etc. While they may look the same as non-structural walls they aren't.
Removing structural walls without replacing them with RSJs or some other method of transferring the load will compromise the structural integrity of the property.
So how do you tell if a wall is structural or not?
Many people assume that you can tell a if a wall is load bearing or not dependant on whether or not it’s a timber wall covered in plasterboard or if the floor joists run parallel to the wall you want to take down or if there is no solid wall directly above it. Or, the assumption that if there are no roof supports on the wall is a popular one.
Unfortunately none of these are definitive ways of being 100% sure that your wall is not load bearing.It’s best to consult a builder or a structural engineer in order to be 100% certain. Although consulting an expert can be expensive, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to pulling down parts of your house. As well as determining whether or not a wall is a load bearing wall a Structural Engineer will be able to calculate what size of RSJ (steel lintel or beam) or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber beam) would be needed to replace a load bearing wall.
These calculations will be required by all builders before a load bearing wall can be removed, they will also be required in order for such alterations to compliant with Building Regulations.
The RSJ/LVL needs to be purchased in both length (known as span in the building trade) and structural strength ie how much weight it can take. It also needs to be in place before the structural wall is removed which can be tricky and is only work for very experienced DIYers.
Tips
- Always get some advice from a builder or engineer before starting. Pulling off the plasterboard will make it easier for the builder to assess.
- Ensure that plumbing and electrical work is removed by a licensed electrician or plumber before starting
- Although your wall may not be structural, there are also ceiling supports to consider - are you going to remove a wall that will mean your ceiling struts hang in mid air?
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Thanks for this info.
over a year ago by Helen
I'd really like to knock down the wall between our lounge and dining room, I think that it would open up the house and make it feel really spacious.
Are you saying that a qualified builder would check to see if the wall is load bearing, and if it is he/she would put a strong beam into the roof so that the house doesn't fall down?
Thanks
Helen -
Hi Helen
over a year ago by liz_brock
Yup, that's exactly right. Basically, the weight would be transferred from the load bearing wall onto the other structural supports in the house - using a beam of either timber or steel (usually timber).
At the same time if you've got a plasterboard ceiling like most houses do, you can attach the ceiling struts to the new beam so that the ceiling doesn't fall down.
If the wall isn't load bearing, then at least you'll know you're safe :)
PS A friend of mine did this, had great fun taking off the plasterboard, knocking out some of the wooden studs, and only then found that the wall was structural. The problem was then that the beam (6 metres long) wouldn't fit into the ceiling space without a crane so he had to put a support pillar in and two smaller beams. Builders are great because they always have alternative plans :) -
I am also considering opening up the two rooms in our two story terrace in Newtown. Does usually require council approval?
over a year ago by Peter -
Hi Peter
over a year ago by liz_brock
Apologies for the late response. Usually internal changes don't need council approval but definitely best to confirm with the council before proceeding. Funnily enough, that's exactly what they say on the website! Check this link out and ask them your question! http://www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au/residents/planning/services/article/8cc03628d02372e.aspx
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