My upstairs living room and kitchen are seperated by a wall, and I want to know if I can remove it with just poles replacing it and if not, can i cut a hole to see through?
2006-08-16 11:17:31 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
If you can get into the attic above this wall, check and see if there is a joint in the ceiling joist directly above this wall. Also see if the roof is being supported by this wall. If the answer is YES to either then it is a bearing wall. If not, you could remove the entire wall.
Removing the wall means any electrical boxes or outlets will have to be removed also.
2006-08-17 05:26:55 · answer #1 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A partition will have a single 2x4 laying flat across the studs. A load bearing wall will have two 2x4's on their edges at the top of the wall.
Usually. Not a 100% guarantee. Hire a structural engineer if you want to be certain.
Or just go with a framed opening rather than tearing out the wall. Whether the wall is load bearing or not, frame it the same as a window in an exterior wall. This can actually have a much more striking effect than simply removing the wall, as it allows the two rooms to remain independently defined spaces but still open to each other.
2006-08-16 12:45:49 · answer #2 · answered by Gitchy gitchy ya ya da da 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tap it. If you get an echo type sound you have a partition, if it sounds solid you have a load bearing wall. Then try and push something like a thin screw driver into it about two feet apart over the span of the wall. If you can get through the plaster you have a partition.. If you meet a solid residence it is a load bearing wall. You can buy very cheaply devices that will check if what is behind the wall may be an electrical line or water or gas pipe.
****** Very much recommended before poking into any wall.******
2006-08-16 11:39:48 · answer #3 · answered by john b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A load bearing wall is part of the structure that a building is built from. A partition wall seperates rooms. If it's an outside wall it most likely is loadbearing, if it's an inside wall it's probably partition.
Without knowing which it is, your best bet is to cut the hole.
2006-08-16 11:25:35 · answer #4 · answered by rustybones 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I highly recommend getting a professional in there to tell you if it's a load bearing wall. If you knock a load bearing wall out you could be seriously injured or killed when the roof collapes on you. If you're hell bent on knocking this wall out. I would put up some temorary supports just to be on the safe side ... 4x4s or some adjustable collums right underneath the ceiling joist.
2006-08-16 11:39:45 · answer #5 · answered by Freddie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
an interior wall can be a load bearing wall. the thickness of the wall can differe if it's less then 10cm then it's a partition if it is more then it could be a load bearing wall. my advice is to get the architectural plans of your house and show them to an architect.it is dangerous to mess with a structural wall.
2006-08-16 12:29:58 · answer #6 · answered by cactus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you get into an attic space above the wall in question? See where the ceiling joists and roof rafters are resting. If they are parallel to the wall, then the wall is not supporting them.
2006-08-16 12:19:15 · answer #7 · answered by harley2ms 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a pro, or you will find out the hard way! Good luck.
2006-08-16 12:27:39 · answer #8 · answered by iceberg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋