How To Replace Existing Load Bearing Wall With A Beam

Need of Replacing Existing Walls

Need of Replacing Existing Walls

There are many situations where you need to replace your existing walls with new ones. Maybe your wall needs some renovation over time or you simply want to improve the quality of wall over time. No matter what the reason is, it is important to consider a number of things carefully before replacing existing walls. The most important thing to be kept in mind is not to hinder the structure quality of the wall.

Replacing Load Bearing Wall with a Beam

It is necessary to take help from a structural engineer in determining whether the wall is load bearing or not. A load bearing wall is the one which has the ability of supporting additional weight of roofs and floors. A helpful way of determining this is to observe the direction of support. If the wall is running perpendicular to the support, it might be a load bearing wall, whereas if the wall us running parallel to the support, it may not be a load bearing one. This can be confirmed by an expert structural engineer.

It is possible to replace some load bearing walls with beams. Span and weight of the load decides it. That is why they are rated in accordance to their span and load capacities. A lumber yard can easily guide you the size of the beam you need depending upon the load it has to bear.

Easy Instructions

Here are some easy steps which will help you to replace a load bearing wall with a beam with ease.

It is highly advisable to protect the floor surface of the room properly which is going to be renovated. This can be done by removing things from the room and if the floor is in good condition and properly covering it to be safe from dust.

You should be able to see what is inside the wall. This can be done by removing all wallboard from your load bearing wall. If your wall has got an internal support apart from standard studs, then it is better to take advice from an engineer.

You should now find studs parallel to approximately three feet from the load bearing wall. You may use a stud finder and a ladder for this purpose. Mark the positions appropriately.

Now by placing a two by four stud parallel to load bearing wall, nail the stud to three locations properly spaced evenly across the span.

Now, for the purpose of temporary support, create a frame.

Measure the distance between floor stud and ceiling properly.

Now, cut slightly longer than two by four for tight fitting.

The cut stud should now be wedged and tapped with a hammer.

Simply duplicate existing support wall by fitting the other end of temporary wall by installing studs about 16 inches.

Fit the beam carefully between joists and top of post support.

Remainder load bearing wall should now be removed and install your beam immediately. If you have followed the steps properly, your ceiling will not move when you will remove the wall.

You can secure your beam with plate supports.

by: Colleen S. Lee

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