How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall | Ask This Old House
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Tom Silva explains what load bearing walls are, how to identify them, and what needs to be done in order to safely remove them.
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Tom Silva explains how to identify load bearing walls and how to remove them. Load bearing walls are an issue for many renovators today, as more homeowners are opting for an open concept layout instead of individual rooms. Unfortunately, these walls can’t be ripped out haphazardly as load bearing walls play a vital role to the structure of a house. They distribute weight from the roof, through the floors, and down to the foundation. Tom shares tips on how to determine if a wall is load bearing or not. He suggests going down to the basement or attic to see which way the joists run. If the wall is parallel to the joists, it’s probably not load bearing. If the wall is perpendicular, it’s most likely load bearing. Tom then demonstrates two ways of removing these walls, the above-ceiling technique and the below-ceiling technique. These methods will prevent the floor above from sagging and can give you the open layout you desire.
Cost: $1,000 - $10,000
Skill Level: Expert
Steps:
1. Determine whether a wall is load bearing or not. Check an unfinished basement or attic to see which way the joists run.
a. If the wall runs parallel to the joists, it’s probably not load bearing.
b. If it’s perpendicular, it most likely is a load bearing wall
2. Start by adding temporary walls to either side of the wall being removed to hold up the weight while work is being done. Place the temporary walls close enough to the structural wall but far enough away to work on the structural wall.
3. Remove the load bearing wall.
4. Add posts to either side of the wall to accept a beam to redistribute the weight above. Place them over the weight bearing beam in the floor below.
5. Use one of the techniques Tom demonstrated in the segment: the below-ceiling technique and the above-ceiling technique. Both methods rely on redistributing the weight from the load bearing wall to the walls beside it by creating point loads.
6. In the above-ceiling technique, cut into the joists to allow a beam to be installed in between. The joists will be attached to the new beam and the beam will rest directly on the point loads, but be flush with the ceiling.
7. In the below-ceiling technique, cut the posts slightly shorter and have the joists above rest directly on top of the beam across. The beam will be exposed, but it will keep the floor flush above.
8. Removing a load bearing wall by yourself can result in a lot of costly mistakes. It is best to consult a licensed engineer prior to beginning work on the project.
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How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse
Anyone who knows EXACTLY what they are talking about can simplify it in seconds and succinctly communicate it to many. So much respect for how well this was explained, depicted!! 💪🏼 🏠
I read a quote from a philosopher somewhere at one point that said “anyone of reasonable intelligence can make something work, but it takes a genius to make it simply” or something to that affect.
I can simplify it even further for you. If it's bearing a load, it's a load bearing wall.
Just takes ittle brain power
Maybe he should be hired to design and build a new international space station?
This is the most underrated channel on TH-cam!
This load bearing wall video is the finest explanation I've ever seen. The model is really cool. Thank you.
Absolutely amazing demonstration that really clearly demonstrates the process of properly completing the process and the problems that can occur if it isn't done right. Thanks Tommy you are a brilliant educator.
10 o’clock, can’t sleep...” how to identify a load bearing wall?” Yes sir!!
Lol... Right there with ya
Same but it’s 1am.
Same but it’s 2am
Same @2:35 am
I’m in a rental apartment. Its a Tuesday. It’s 12 midnight. Why am I watching this? 🤯 this is not my beautiful house.... and you may ask yourself..... how did I get here.....
This looks like something my dad would have built to explain the concept to people. Nice work.
This is a perfect example and explanation for a basic understanding. 👍
This was great 💕 Love the balsa wood visual, that helped so much 💕 This was the first video I found that actually shows two different methods for installing a load bearing wall 💕 Thank you thank you thank you 💕💕💕
Absolutely EXACTLY what I needed to see for our first big project in our new home.
Excellent presentation. I, my wife and boys have watched you guys for years, just for this reason.
What an awesome demo model. I understood the principles behind removing a loaf bearing wall, and have seen them done in real time, but this is the best training example Ive yet to see. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊
I love learning stuff on This Old House. I never understood what a load bearing wall really look like until now
This is the best video On TH-cam about this subject I have ever seen!
This is the best explanation of load bearing walls I've ever seen. Subscribed.
This is perfect, as a architect in training who loves framing this was very helpful to understand supporting a structure better
"And here's a cutaway" - Rich Trethewey
- Tom Silva
Hold my beer, let me grab my saw
@@Kevin-mp5of Sauw
Props to whoever built that fantastic model!
Love this show. Wish I can hire them to build my custom home.
You can hire them. Silva Brothers is a contractor in New England. Just don't expect to pay under 300k for your remodel.
You can hire em. They are still in business. But you're absolutely gonna pay for the expertise.
Hang on, making cutouts of stuff is Richards job.
(that being said, nice job Tom!! very cool)
I wish all videos were this clear and concise
One of the best teachers. Thank you for demonstrations
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TH-cam CHANNELS OUT THERE. THANK YOUUUUU
This is absolutely wonderful. What a teacher!
Mastercraftsman!!! Best visualization ever for home construction.
This is probably the best video for non enginner/tradie audience to explain the situation
That model is impressive. Thank you!
to some, famous sport or movie stars are their idols, to me, Tom is XD. i am a new home owner and discovered this channel. i'm very grateful.
I have looked at so many videos and all I have to say is,
This video explains it All.
Very well explained thank you so much
Wow. This was such a helpful video. It was explained simply enough for me to understand. Thanks for the information.
This is really awesome job and I understand great! Amazing job! Thank you!
As a truss technician and someone who deals with load bearing walls daily, they forgot the step before removing anything. They need to size the bearing beam in the basement to handle a large point load now. With the wall, the load was uniform across the basement beam. Now it is in the form of a point load and may cause shear issues or cause the floor to "drop" in one spot. They also should check that the basement floor at the interior posts have enough footings for the new load.
@@Kevin-mp5of You can hope they contact a structural engineer but I have also worked in the field and people "cobble" things all the time without getting engineering.
My definition of elegance usually involves simplicity. Tommy makes it look easy.
Wow, wow and wow, AWESOME explanation, thank you so much!
Dang, I'm ready to go out and build my own house, this was great!
I was just thinking about this today. Serendipitous! Thanks!
Tom is an exceptional being. I love the model instructional.
Very cool, thank you! I learned exactly what you taught in this video!
I love TH-cam. Learned so much in less than 5 mins
Best video explaining a load bearing wall.
Very helpful to have a visual representation, good information!
Best example I’ve seen! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤
thank you. That dollhouse is really neat
So for the last example, is that where you use those U shaped joist hangers to be attached to the new middle beam (without header example).
Yes
After you have an engineer or an architect calculate the load-bearing strength in the size of that beam that's required then you buy the hardware for it
Thank you for this video! It explains load bearing walls perfectly!!
If youtube was known for just one video, this would be it. It is perfect.
that dude is the man. I wish I could pick his brain about some of my projects.
OVER THE TOP, EXCELLENT SHOW AND TELL; TOMMY THE MAIN MAN, TYVM.
Thanks, this is good to know. The various ways to support a beam was very useful!
Don't forget to solid block in the floor system where supporting posts rest on first floor plywood. That will transfer weight on to the beam in the basement
And don't forget the engineering for the upgraded post and pier size in the basement.
If I was to ever have the $$'s to build my own Dreamhouse, these "This Old House" guys would be hired in a Heartbeat! Even if Just as On-site Supervisors.
Just finished watching a 15 minute video on Load Bearing Walls that Tommy explained better in three minutes....😊
Best. Explanation. Ever.
Extremely valuable information, thank you so very much.
TOH is the only show worth watching on TV. School systems should require students to watch!
Thank you! This old house still the best
Being a construction engineer for forty years, the best way to find out if a wall is bearing or not is to cut it out and if the structure falls, you got your answer.
I’m not an engineer.
I've been a carpenter for 14 years so I already like knew this but it's just way to fun to watch Tommy explain something with a model 😂🤙
super useful. the doll house was a perfect way to show things
What a great model.
great display and sure shows the DIY people what you need to do. Do your grand kids get to play with it .Mine would.
This was super easy to follow and made soo much sense…. Thank you
I love the video and I have a question. What if it appears to be a load bearing wall because it's perpendicular to the beams but there is nothing supporting this wall in the basement? Is it still considered load bearing?
I have the same question.
@@sirmize5822 So I ended up hiring a building inspector and he said it was a load bearing wall because it was resting directly over a beam, and it was supporting the second floor and the roof. It really helped to hire the inspector. We are now at ease on what our options are on what is removable and what isn't. We did tear down a section of the wall in question and had to add an 8ft beam to provide the necessary load support. Ultimately there isn't a one answer fits all. There are different variables.
@@elenasunshine Thank you Elena. Good luck on your project.
Perfect explanation
wow super instructive !!! thank you! more video with a mini house
Yes, but what if you don’t have a basement or access to your foundation to check what those joists are doing?
Finally found a good video
Tommy...you're the best! Thanks!
Thankyou ....gracias señor
Nice job Tommy. That should really help people out
Tom great model, super, excellent example to see and follow.
Concise and informative. Thanks!
Great but a lot of areas have no basements and very limited attic access. Sure would be nice to see a demonstration in that scenario.
Perfect! Thank you!
South Park brought me here. 😮 really informative video
Amazing! A very well way of teaching!
Jheeeez. This was proof of education done simply.
What if you're only cutting a section of the wall like a window type opening?
This was beautiful
One hundred years from now American Pickers will find that training model and pay thousands for it. Mighty impressive.
Love you guys!
0:23 to 0:27 made me laugh so hard the first time I watched this video
I’d love to have this model house!
Could you replace poles with a cinder block wall
What a great video!!
You are the best! Excelent
Great video!
What if there is no second floor and the roof is supported by independent load bearing trusses going to the perimeter walls? For instance, a divider wall between a living room and kitchen in a 1960s ranch.
simple and clear, nice!
Is it only a load bearing wall if it is at the junction of two ceiling joists? Or anything that is perpendicular to the ceiling joists is a LB wall?
I have a question I bought a house that the outside wall in the living room slide off the beans how do I push or pull in back in place it's only the lower parts I can't find no video of it
I've been told and research has found that manufactured trusses with no 2x4 going from the middle of the joist to the peak of the truss means that the center wall is not load bearing. Can anyone help with this?
What about on an older balloon framed house? Still the same way of identifying or are the balloon frames a totally different animal?
Do you have any clamps in your shop?
That was perfect.
Can anyone explain the recessed part to me? The second part where the beam isn’t visible
what about load bearing posters?
Just amazing
How do you find it if you don't have a basement???
Kinda brushed past ID and into solutions. I have no basement and I am no seasoned carpenter. I see it's all in the Parallel and perpendicular but still not clear.
Technically correct. But neglects the entire restructuring of the ceiling joists to accommodate the flat ceiling choice. That's where the time and money is.
Just purchased a 46 year old house that has both a wall on the first floor above the beam in the basement and a truss roof framing above it. I was told " It's a truss roof it doesn't need the wall" Since it's a 46 year old house if I hire a PE am I going to have to pull out the 16" of insulation so the engineer can check the splices in the truss's to make sure their good. Or should I just ask him what size beam should I put up to support it as if it was built without the truss's and save myself a bunch of money and work.