not to sure if it is a supporting wall it's made from wood and plasterboard
2006-09-23 11:46:06 · 15 answers · asked by Tug 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Be careful! Not trying to be mean, but if you don't know how to tell, call someone who does before you start. Generally the ceiling joist will run opposite of the load bearing wall.
2006-09-23 11:50:48 · answer #1 · answered by pigment 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start by determining whether a wall is load bearing. All this means is that the wall may support either the floors or roof joists above. The wall may also support water tanks and RSJ's (metal) or concrete lintel's.
Find out by starting at ground level and follow the wall up to the roof. Check to see if floor joists or any thing else is supported on the wall, check both sides. You may have to remove a floor board or two. If all is clear go into the loft (if you have one) and see if any of the roof members are sitting on the wall. Check and make sure the water tank is not being supported and there are no beams supported.To find out if its a timber partition simply tap it, if a brick wall it will feel dense and sound dense, if is plasterboard the wall will have a loud hollow sound. Try drilling a small hole, if the wall is plaster board the drill bit will easily pass through leaving no doubt (word of warning, always check for electrical services so do not drill directly above or below light switches or plug points)
2006-09-24 05:04:19 · answer #2 · answered by Redmonk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
O.K. Here we go again......Removing a wall is a easy task, but adding a beam to support the ceiling/floor above is not. If your wall runs parallel to the joists above it, have fun! If it runs perpendicular, call a pro.
A couple of recommendations: Demolition is dusty work, seal the room from the rest of the house with plastic, and tape. Don't forget the ducts.
If there are any outlets in the wall, cut the power before starting. Crowbars, and hammers conduct electricity very well, directly to the user. Pre-arrange for an electrician to handle the exposed wiring.
Rent a small dumpster. You didn't expect to cram all of that debris into a plastic garbage can? Renting a dumpster means you will only move the debris once, and you will be plenty wore-out.
Flooring....You do realize that you are going to have to replace the flooring. Good thing you rented that dumpster! Top it off with your old flooring.
Have fun!!!Be Safe!!!!!
2006-09-23 20:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by Don 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Supporting walls generally aren't plasterboard and wood.
Someone in your local pub will know of a builder, if you buy him a few pints he might take a look for you!!
2006-09-23 18:56:37 · answer #4 · answered by bambam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your building is old the foundations wont be designed for heavy traffic going past, if you are on a road. Alot of old buildings started to sag years ago. knocking a wall down could be the straw that broke the camels back.
2006-09-24 05:16:35 · answer #5 · answered by Gordon C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a supporting wall if upstairs there is a wall directly above it. If you remove it, the weight and forces would cause it to eventually sag very slowly.
2006-09-23 18:50:11 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wood and plaster board is not a wall it is a partition. a supporting wall will be made of something a bit stronger that wood.
2006-09-23 19:04:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well after you knock it down if your wearing a roof that would mean it was bearing. Call a contractor to give it a check and advise you.
2006-09-23 20:33:15 · answer #8 · answered by Jack 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure the otherside is clear then just go at it with senor sledge its fun
2006-09-23 18:49:25 · answer #9 · answered by Bond,James Bond 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a professional in or your house will collapse, did you ever see the fawlty towers episode the builders......
2006-09-26 02:17:44 · answer #10 · answered by mini the prophet of fubar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋