How to Know if a Wall is Load-Bearing or Not. To determine if a wall is a load-bearing one, Tom 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.
How do you tell if a wall is not load-bearing?
Generally, when the wall in question runs parallel to the floor joists above, it is not a load-bearing wall. But if the wall runs perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the joists, there is a good chance that it is load-bearing.
Do I need a load-bearing wall?
If two separate floor joists or ceiling joists intersect over a wall, that wall should be considered load bearing. Is it an outside wall? You should consider all outside walls load bearing. If the house has been remodeled, a former outside wall could now be an inside wall.
Does knocking down a wall add value?
If you have an older home, you could knock down a wall or two to really open up more interior space. If they’re load-bearing walls, removing them will usually push the price tag up.
Are shower walls load-bearing?
You can’t say for sure because an internal wall load bearing is quite likely. Unless it’s an external wall or the shower is virtually in the center of the home, structural engineers rarely build load-bearing walls in showers.
When would you use a load-bearing wall?
Load bearing walls can be used as an interior or exterior wall. This kind of wall will often be perpendicular to floor joists or ridge. Concrete is an ideal material to support these loads.
Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
Usually, the removal of a load-bearing wall can be completed with a building notice, but the inspector may instruct you to hire a structural engineer who can specify an appropriate beam or lintel before they will grant approval.
Do load-bearing walls run the length of the house?
When a support beam is located directly below a wall, you can expect the wall to be a load-bearing one. You will usually find this near the center of the house and running the length of the house.
