Load Bearing Wall Removal
Creating an open plan space usually means removing walls
Opening up the space in your kitchen, dining room or across separate rooms, often relies on removing internal walls. Several factors affect a safe and successful completion of the task. To avoid a potential risk to the structural integrity of your property, you will need to know which internal wall is Loading.
Load bearing wall trends
The trend of open-plan spaces remains highly popular, evidenced by a significant surge in online searches for the ‘open plan’ concept in recent years. Notably, key search terms such as “Open plan house” saw a remarkable increase of 168 percent,
“Open plan kitchen living room floor plan” surged by an impressive 400 percent,
Open space home office” experienced a rise of 167 percent, and
“Decor ideas for open plan living” observed a growth of 50 percent (Source: St. Modwen Homes, 2019 – 2021).
What is a Load bearing wall
Load bearing walls are an essential component of a building’s structure. These walls are responsible for carrying and distributing the weight of the structure above them, including the roof and any additional floors. Unlike non-load bearing walls, which are primarily used for dividing spaces, load bearing walls provide structural support and stability.
Indetifcation and Signs of a load bearing wall
Signs of a load bearing wall
Identifying load bearing walls in your home is crucial before considering any renovations or removals. There are several signs that can help you determine if a wall is load bearing. First, consider the wall’s location. Load bearing walls are typically positioned perpendicular to the floor joists or parallel to the roof rafters. They are commonly found in the center of the house or along exterior walls.
Another indicator is the wall’s thickness. Load bearing walls tend to be thicker than non-load bearing walls, as they require additional strength to support the weight above. Additionally, inspect the wall for any structural elements, such as beams or columns, that are incorporated into it. These elements are often a clear indication of a load bearing wall.
Identify a load-bearing wall
One approach is to check the floor joists. If the wall runs parallel to the joists, it is likely load bearing. Another method is to examine the wall for outlets or switches. Load bearing walls tend to have fewer electrical components due to the complexity of running wires through them.
Tap the wall surface One of the most well known ways to quickly check if an internal wall is a load-bearing, structural wall or a non load-bearing wall is to tap briskly on the wall surface.
Lighter, ‘hollow’ sound – would indicate non load-bearing walls.
Heavier, ‘dull’ thud – strongly suggests a load-bearing wall.
Download Structural Survey Sample
How Can AC Design Solution help you with removal of a loading bearing wall or multiple load bearing walls in your property.
At Ac Design Solution, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive design and engineering solutions for load bearing wall removal projects. Our team of experienced structural engineers and designers will work closely with you to assess your needs, develop detailed plans, and ensure the safe removal of load bearing walls.
With our expertise in load bearing wall removal, we can guide you through the entire process, from initial assessment to the installation of suitable support structures. We understand the importance of preserving the structural integrity of your home while creating the desired open and functional spaces.
Contact us today to discuss your load bearing wall removal project and benefit from our professional and personalized services. Contact us
What replaces a load-bearing wall when it is removed?
Beams
Installing beams is a popular choice for load bearing wall replacements. These horizontal structural elements distribute the weight to the foundation or other load bearing points in the structure. This will be in the form of RSJ Steel due to spans, the other option is RC Beams however this option is only used when the building is an RC Structure already
Trusses:
In rare circumstances some cases, trusses may be used to replace load bearing walls. Trusses are pre-fabricated structural elements that are designed to bear heavy loads and provide support across large spans.
Columns
Columns can be used to replace load bearing walls, particularly in open floor plans. These vertical structures provide support and can be designed to blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the space. Generally these will be Universal Steel Columns or UB depending on complexity.
Load-bearing posts
Load-bearing posts can be used to transfer the weight from the removed wall to the foundation or other supporting structures. These posts are typically made of steel or wood and provide stability and support.
What is the cost for removing a load bearing wall
If you possess the correct plans, we can proceed to stage 2: Structural Analysis and Design. The cost for these specific services can vary significantly based on factors such as the number of walls being removed and the quantity of beams and columns needed. For instance, consider the following scenarios:
Size and Number of Openings:
If you’re looking to open up the rear of your property with a 2-metre opening, it’s possible that a single RSJ (rolled steel joist) could suffice. However, if your plan involves a larger opening, let’s say 5 metres or more, and you’re also considering a future loft conversion, the complexity increases. In such a case, a box frame setup might be necessary, involving two columns and two steel beams. These beams may also require encasement in concrete. Consequently, the pricing is intricately tailored for each unique project, based on its specific requirements and intricacies.
In essence, the cost of Structural Analysis and Design is influenced by the project’s individual characteristics, encompassing factors such as the number of walls to be removed, the size of openings, the need for additional support structures like columns and beams, and any plans for future modifications. It’s important to recognize that each project is distinct, and thus, the pricing is tailored to suit the precise demands and complexities inherent to that project.
Do i need consult Building Control for Load bearing wall removal
The removal of a load bearing wall is a notifiable work it falls under the definition of Building Work part 2 section 3 of Building Regulation 2010. Therefore you must consult with Building Control and obtain approval. Building control ensures that any structural modifications or alterations comply with the building regulations and are carried out safely. They will inspect the project at various stages to ensure compliance and issue the necessary approvals or certificates.
Consulting with building control is essential as it helps protect your investment and ensures that the work is done to the required standards. It also provides an additional layer of safety assurance, as professionals will review the plans and oversee the construction process to prevent any potential structural failures.
Why do I need a structural engineer for removing load bearing walls?
Removing a load bearing wall is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires a thorough understanding of structural engineering principles to ensure the safety and stability of your home. A structural engineer has the expertise and knowledge to accurately assess the load distribution, design temporary supports, and determine the appropriate permanent support structures.
By involving a structural engineer in the load bearing wall removal process, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home’s structural integrity is being preserved. They will provide detailed plans and calculations, ensuring that the necessary precautions are taken to prevent any potential structural issues in the future.
What are the steps a structural engineer would take to remove a load bearing wall
The Process
The process begins with an assessment of the project. The structural engineer will review the existing building plans, conduct an on-site inspection, and gather necessary information about the wall, its location, and the surrounding structural elements.
The engineer will determine if the wall is load-bearing by analyzing its role in supporting the structure above it.
Structural Analysis:
Once the load-bearing status is established, the engineer will perform a detailed structural analysis. This involves calculating the loads and forces that the wall currently supports, as well as understanding how its removal might impact the overall structural stability of the building.
Design of Support Structures:
Based on the analysis, the engineer will design the necessary support structures to replace the load-bearing function of the wall. This may involve specifying steel beams, columns, or other structural elements.
Calculations and Specifications:
The engineer will perform calculations to determine the size, type, and placement of the support structures. This involves considering factors such as load distribution, material strength, and safety margins.
Engineering Drawings:
The engineer will create comprehensive engineering drawings that provide clear instructions for the construction team. These drawings illustrate the placement of support elements, connection details, and any necessary reinforcement.
Final Inspection and Sign-Off:
After the support structures are in place, the engineer will perform a final inspection to verify that the load-bearing wall removal has been executed correctly and that the new support elements are functioning as intended. If everything meets the engineering requirements, the project will receive a final sign-off from the structural engineer. (note this would be an addtional price charge)
