NEED HELP QUICKLY: I have removed a load bearing wall and want to make it an open space?

Question

without having any support beams in the way, how can I do this?
Is there a way to do it from the attic, like supporting it from above???
Do you of any good websites that can give some advice on thsi????

Answer 1

Is there any temp support in place right now? If so, no biggy. If not get that done first.

Check into engineered horizontal beams. You will need to know the load above to be supported. If roof trusses are being supported do not forget snow load if applicable. You will also need to determine if the points on the floor where the beam will be supportted can handle the weight - which may require added support on floors or crawlspace below. Support must carry through to solid footing that can support the weight.

You can put the beam into the ceiling space and attach joists on either side with hangers. However, you can't just go and cut pre engineered trusses and so on. If you don't have the skills to determine this - Hire a VERY GOOD experienced contractor to see what options you have.

Bearing walls should not be tackled lightly. Done wrong and you risk life and potential insurance problems.

Answer 2

without seeing it heres what i suggest. first build a temporey wall on both sides of the area your removining leaving room to work on both sides, lest say 30" to 36" away from the existing area. make sure this tempory wall fit tight but doesnt bow the framing( the reason i say this if you put them to tight they will push the cieling up when you remove the wall). asumming you have rafters and cieling joists you will want to cut these free from the wall pl;ate and remove the wal area. once youve done this you need cripples studs and king studs on both ends of the opening these will support the new header butruss. next I would recomend that you contact your local lumber yard and give them the dimension of your opening they can in turn determine the size of the new header material. I alway laminate 2 boards with plywood between glued and nailed every 12 inches this make a very strong header. now measure the width of the header if you used 2x material and plywood it should be around 31/2" now remove that material from your joists and side the new header between the joists support both emds with your criplle and king studs and nail them to your header. now take joist hangers and attach them to your header and joists. look for other areas such as the ridge ir rafters that may need rurther braching and attach them now. at this piont everything should be attached and you can remove the temoray wall. good luck if you have any questions ask your local lumber yard, i'm sure theyl be glad to help.

Answer 3

if you didnt think it was a load bearing wall when you took it out how do you know it is a load bearing wall now.it is apparently the top floor. in most residential construction for the past thirty years trusses have been used. most of the time these are designed to be clear span. if you have trusses and not supported rafters more than likely it is not a supporting wall unless it falls on the joint between two systems of trusses. more info would be helpful.

Answer 4

FIRST OF ALL WHY DID YOU REMOVE A LOAD BEARING WALL WITHOUT PUTTING IN SOME SORT OF SUPPORT STRUCTURE IN THE FIRST PLACE? NO JACKS,NOTHING TO HOLD THAT WEIGHT?/////// WOW WHAT A COSTLY MISTAKE........OK HERE IS SOME HELP,MAYBE BUT BET YOU NEED TO CALL SOMEONE IN BEFORE THE WHOLE HOUSE FALLS IN ON YOU!!!!!
DIY has some good tips and so does HGTV,but it sounds like you have made a HUGE costly mistake in removing a load bearing wall without supporting the structure FIRST...........sounds like you are in for one costly repair to fix your mistake ........sorry to say but good luck

Answer 5

You Have to have some support like on the two ends put a header between them

Answer 6

you can make the support out of wood or steel on top inside the ceiling if you like and make the support as wide as you like the room just make sure your supporting whats needs supporting above that,

Answer 7

You'll need a steel beam in the ceiling. Talk to a structural engineer.

Answer 8

Flying buttresses of some kind.