load bearing wall

Hello. I have a wall that I want to remove. I knocked out the plaster and see the wall runs parallel with the ceiling joists and sits in a joist bay. However, there is another wall that sits on top of the wall I want to remove. Above the top plate there are cripple studs then the sub-flooring. A heating duct runs through this wall as well near an exterior wall and Im going to leave it there. Is the wall I want to remove a load bearing wall? If so, what size header for an 8 foot opening? If this is load bearing can someone suggest a plan for the install. I would like to hide the header in the ceiling joists if possible.

 

If it's running parallel to the joists, it doesn't sound like it's load bearing but it always pays to bring in an architect to be sure.

 

If there is a wall above it, I would want to put a header in it. Since you want to hide the header, the amount of room you have might determine the size of header. Determine the space available and go to the lumber yard and ask them to size an LDL beam for you. If space is not an issue I would use 2-2X10's with an OSB spacer in between.

 

I would check to see if the rafters are running parallel to the upstairs wall. If they are then the wall upstairs is not load bearing, therefore neither is the one you want to remove. You could then simply install a few cross braces into the upstairs floor joist at the opening and more than support the wall above it.
If rafters are indeed supported by the upstairs wall then yes you will need to carry that weight by the use of a header in the wall.
Also if this wall you are removing is indeed load bearing, there should be a beam under it, such as in your crawlspace or basement.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. The rafters are running parallel with the wall, the opening is exactly 7'4", the joists are 7 1/2" deep and the cross bracing suggested by badeyeben would be my preferred choice of support. I just met with an architect and asked her about the cross bracing and she thought the cross bracing could work but she was afraid the ceiling might crack down the line. I think the ceiling would be ok myself but she wasnt in favor and recommended a header up top. I may get another opinion.

 

I'm glad to hear that you consulted an architect. I have a feeling that a second opinion maybe the same.