how can i remove sections from an interior load bearing wall without damage to adjacent ceilings?

Question

i want to remove an 8' section of a 1st floor interior load bearing wall of a 2 story house with a concrete floor slab. how do I know if the floor slab will take the more concentrated loads from the wall next to the opening? any hints to support and remove the section of the wall? i expect to use 2-2x12's as a header over the opening to catch the ceiling joists, supported by 3-2x4 jack studs on each end. temporary supports will be 4x6 headers on 2-2x6 columns each end, about 2 feet out from the existing wall. ceiling joists are running perpendicular to the load bearing wall. I have a fair amout of experience in home repairs, etc.

Answer 1

You don't say where you are located (city, state) so giving general advice would be risky. You should contact an architect or structural engineer who is familiar with the building requirements for your area. If your location has earthquake, tornado or hurricane risks, then there will be more stringent codes to comply with.

A professional designer can also estimate the 2nd floor loads that will be carried down to the header and support posts. You don't say whether you have a fiberglass shingle over plywood roof, or a a clay tile roof. Or if you have a cast-iron bathtub or a carpeted hallway directly above your load-bearing wall. In other words, the loads from the 2nd floor have a great deal to do with the proper removal and redesign of this interior wall.

Another consideration is that your homeowner's insurance may reject any claims that you make in the future if you decide to design this project yourself without proper engineering or pulling building permits.

I suggest you hire a professional and do it the right way.

Answer 2

We did almost exactly what you are doing (3 years ago). We have a single-story home with a basement and the change was made on the first floor (not the basement level). We had a load bearing wall that had a 3'0" door in the middle. We wanted to remove the door and open the entire wall up to about 8 feet. We nailed several 2 x 4's together (I think it was three 2x4's) and put a piece of plywood on top (to make a flat surface) to hold the weight of the load bearing wall while it was being "dismantled" and the new header and side supports installed. I would suggest that you get the advice of a good contactor before doing anything....you might also check with a reputable building supply company (not Lowe's or Home Depot).

Answer 3

Sounds like you've done a little homework on this. Any chance you can get original plans for the house? Probably not, huh? Typically, when a slab is laid, they will pour a monolithic pier where the load bearing, center wall will be. But not always. I would guess that they might have if it is a two story home. The only other suggestion I would make is to put addition support in the middle of the temp 2x6 supports on either side of the proposed opening. Those 2x6's will sag under the pressure. Better safe than sorry. Good luck.