demolishing an interior non-loadbearing wall
#1
01-11-09, 11:53 PM
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demolishing an interior non-loadbearing wall
Could anyone help me with a DIY project? I'm planning to demolish an interior wall separating the kitchen and living room. It's masonry, about 20 cm thick, non load bearing, and does not contain any pipes or electrical cables. My question is, what would be the most straightforward and least messy way to go about it? If I use a sledge hammer, what about straightening the edges? What alternative tools could I use? What about demolishing the wall in sections using a large drill or removing piece by piece using an angle grinder? I've not been able to find information on any of these approaches on the Internet, so would much appreciate any advice
#2
01-12-09, 01:57 PM
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what kind of masonary are we talking about? Do you want to demo the entire wall or just put a window in? Doesn't sound like you are going to get out of a huge mess.
#3
01-12-09, 02:09 PM
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Are you sure the wall is not load bearing? There are pneumatic chisels available at rental stores. Wear safety goggles and at least a paper respirator. Cover all furnishings and floor coverings. Tape plastic over doors to adjoining areas. Noise and dust will be a problem.
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01-13-09, 06:26 AM
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thanks to both of you for the replies. I don't yet know what kind of masonry it is, will that make a big difference? I'm planning to demolish the entire wall. I'm pretty sure it's not loadbearing but will check with an architect before starting work. 12pole, you mentioned a pneumatic chisel, would a large drill do the job as well? what about the edge where the wall joins the external wall, how to make that neat?
#5
01-13-09, 06:55 AM
Was the wall laid on top of the slab? How does it intersect [or tied in] with the exterior wall?
What type of finish is on the walls?
35 yrs or so ago, I lived in a inexpensively built house. It was block construction including all interior walls. Then interior sides of the block was stucco'd to resemble plaster. Is that similiar to what you have?
What type of finish is on the walls?
35 yrs or so ago, I lived in a inexpensively built house. It was block construction including all interior walls. Then interior sides of the block was stucco'd to resemble plaster. Is that similiar to what you have?
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01-13-09, 11:54 PM
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Was the wall laid on top of the slab? - probably
How does it intersect [or tied in] with the exterior wall? not sure, but in any case I will only remove the wall up to a foot from the exterior wall as there is a chimney in the corner.
What type of finish is on the walls? plaster, I guess
35 yrs or so ago, I lived in a inexpensively built house. It was block construction including all interior walls. Then interior sides of the block was stucco'd to resemble plaster. Is that similiar to what you have? not sure
How does it intersect [or tied in] with the exterior wall? not sure, but in any case I will only remove the wall up to a foot from the exterior wall as there is a chimney in the corner.
What type of finish is on the walls? plaster, I guess
35 yrs or so ago, I lived in a inexpensively built house. It was block construction including all interior walls. Then interior sides of the block was stucco'd to resemble plaster. Is that similiar to what you have? not sure
#7
01-14-09, 04:23 AM
You will want to cut a straight line where you intend to stop the demo. A masonary blade on a circular saw should do ok. It doesn't have to cut all the way thru - just deep enough to controll where the block will crack.
The rest can be done with a sledge hammer. Cover up everything you can because it will be messy! If the block was laid after the floor was poured - a chisel and hammer should clean up the mortar laid over the concrete.
The rest can be done with a sledge hammer. Cover up everything you can because it will be messy! If the block was laid after the floor was poured - a chisel and hammer should clean up the mortar laid over the concrete.
#8
01-16-09, 12:11 AM
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thanks for the useful tips. I've also been advised that a lump hammer and bolster would be much less dusty than using a sledge hammer, do you think that would work too?
