sonofamike

Is there a way to determine if a wall is load bearing with out calling in the experts first?

Thanks,

first timer...

ToolGuy

The load bearing wall(s) can be determined by the layout of your house. In most cases the load bearing wall runs through the center of the house, dividing the house into 2 halves.

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cheesefood

If the wall extends to another floor, it's load bearing.

sonofamike

Cheesefood,

You mean a a wall that has a matching wall below it or above it?

inspectorD

We have covered this sooooo many times. You need someone with experience to determine if you have a load bearing wall. Period.
Read through the old posts in the walls sections. You will understand why.
Sorry but this is not a place to explain to the new DIY folks what to understand without being there. I have built to many homes with strange bearing points, and seen to many just built wrong to begin with. Then to go on and disturb another load point only to have a waterbed above.

Just have a contractor come look at the job and give you some advice, some is free.

Just like you call a plumber for propane.

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cheesefood

n008 H8r.

ToolGuy

Look at what's above the wall. If there's a load, such as another wall, it's a load bearing wall.

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inspectorD

A hater of what? I guess I'm just not an abreviation guy.
Toolguy ,I wish it was that simple , and in in some homes it is. The issue is to find out.

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Daryl in Nanoose

Exactly, this is why experience in these kind of matters are so important.
Lets not forget that joists on the second floor usually have a join somewhere and is not necessarily in the center of the home so again experience people in these matters is a must. As mentioned calling a pro would probably cost nothing or very little to know for sure.
By the way sonofamike what are you up to if I might ask?

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sonofamike

First let me say that I would never begin a project without first taking in consideration the need for a pro.

In 'spirited' discussion with some neighbors this past holiday season the comment was made that in the homes in our 'hood' all the walls are load bearing, which is why the homes are basically the same floor/room layout from basement to the top floor. And that these walls cant be removed due in large part to the ceiling/floor joist that we have. (manufactured wood trusses)

I said hogwash, but I'd look into it. I thought the trusses were an engineering plus to the house and that load disbursement is what's required for the removal of the LBW, how else can 'they' make huge open rooms in buildings, the weight is distributed out.

Anyway, I have no plans for removing any walls let alone a LBW. I just thought I'd ask.

This a great forum!