When planning a renovation or remodel, it’s important to identify load-bearing walls before making any change. These walls support the weight of the structure above, and removing or altering them without proper support can lead to serious structural damage and a significant repair bill. Whilst it is essential to get professional advice before removing a wall, knowing what to look for is always helpful when trying to plan ahead. Keep in mind that there are many different styles of house construction, including timber or metal framing, concrete, and more. This blog will focus on the standard timber or metal-framed suburban residential home. Here are five indicators that a wall may be load bearing.
Consider the Wall’s Location
The location of the wall is a key indicator. Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, as they support the weight of the roof and/or upper floors. In buildings with trussed roofs, internal walls beneath trusses are typically non-load bearing, though exceptions do exist. For walls below floors or other non trussed roof types, the location of an internal wall offers little insight into whether it is load-bearing unless you are an experienced person who knows what to look for.
Gaps Between Roof/Floor Framing and Walls
Non-load-bearing walls often have a 1–10mm gap between the top of the wall and the underside of the framing above. This gap ensures that, as the framing deflects, it does not inadvertently transfer loads to the wall below. An internal wall bracket, such as the MiTek internal wall bracket with vertical elongated holes, is typically used in these situations to provide lateral support to the wall while maintaining the gap. For roof framing applications, this gap can be easily inspected by accessing the roof space through a manhole. However, for floor framing applications, inspecting the gap often requires cutting holes in the ceiling.
Examine the Direction of the Floor or Roof Framing Above the Wall
If the framing elements (such as ceiling joists, rafters, floor joists, or trusses) run perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the wall, it is likely that the wall is load-bearing, as it will be supporting the weight of these structural components. If the framing runs parallel to the wall, the wall may not be load-bearing. However, this is not always the case, as other structural elements such as beams or additional framing components may still make the wall load-bearing. Always consider the full scope of the building’s structural system and consult with a professional to confirm.
Look for Wall Bracing
When people think about load-bearing walls, they typically think “vertical load”, however did you know that walls are sometimes also designed to handle “horizontal loads”. To stop a house falling over like a house of cards, horizontal winds that come into contact with the walls and roof of a building are generally resisted by a network of bracing walls throughout the building. Remove the plasterboard or lining on a wall and look for plywood fixed to the wall framing, or lightweight metal straps, to get an indication as to whether the wall is being used for bracing purposes. Removing a bracing wall without providing a suitable alternative could result in substantial building sway, cracking of windows or collapse.
Inspect the Basement or Crawl Space
If you’re unable to access the attic roof space, check the basement or crawl space. Look for any beams or columns that are directly beneath the wall in question. If the wall is supported by another wall or structural elements like beams, it’s likely load-bearing, as it’s transferring the load down to the foundation.
Identifying load-bearing walls is essential for a safe and successful renovation. Recognising these walls early in the planning process not only prevents structural issues but also helps streamline project planning and reduce costs by avoiding unexpected complications.While this guide provides helpful indicators, it’s important to remember that they are not always definitive.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we’ve learned that construction can be full of surprises, and things aren’t always as they appear. Each wall must be assessed individually to determine its actual role. It’s crucial not to remove or alter any walls without consulting a qualified Structural Engineer first. If you are considering doing a project that requires the removal of a wall, or if you are in need of professional advice, call Vision Structures, as our structural engineers can assess your home’s framing and advise you on the next steps.