load bearing wall question
#1
09-20-09, 06:43 PM
load bearing wall question
I am relocating the stairway in my home. It was originally a 1970 and a second floor added in the 1980s. From the surprises i have found to date its a wonder i even got this far, lol.
So my question is , I have a load bearing wall 2" off center to the first floor load bearing wall. this has posed a problem with the stair well. The new opening is in closet space on second floor and is 40" wide. the hallway is also 40" wide to next wall. So i have a load bearing wall and two non load bearing walls in the 80". Can I reinforce both non load bearing walls and remove the load bearing wall? and span the 80 inches in the attic with 2x 10 joists? I am not opposed to adding another load bearing wall but i think in would look fantastic opened up.
thank you , jack
So my question is , I have a load bearing wall 2" off center to the first floor load bearing wall. this has posed a problem with the stair well. The new opening is in closet space on second floor and is 40" wide. the hallway is also 40" wide to next wall. So i have a load bearing wall and two non load bearing walls in the 80". Can I reinforce both non load bearing walls and remove the load bearing wall? and span the 80 inches in the attic with 2x 10 joists? I am not opposed to adding another load bearing wall but i think in would look fantastic opened up.
thank you , jack
#2
09-21-09, 09:25 AM
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Do not, I repeat do not take out that load bearing wall, especially if it is under your upstairs. Now, on a better note, before you move it if you can, have a building inspector or architect or structural engineer look at it. Yes, it may cost you a few dollars, but it is alot cheaper then putting you house back together. Good luck
#3
09-21-09, 07:26 PM
I think you have mistaken or i have presented it wrong. It is a second floor wall and it supports the ceiling joist for attic. It is not a truss roof. i understand that the wall is bearing the weight of joist but if it were vaulted the joists would sit on two different load bearing walls correct or am i missing something. I will seek an engineer if the idea even remotely feasible.
#4
09-21-09, 08:28 PM
I need a picture, sorry. I understand the upstairs is wider than the downstairs opening by 2". The different walls are confusing me. If the rafters were vaulted, you would have a structural beam (instead of a ridge board) at the rafters top's and not need the bearing walls. But a structural beam needs to be rated for use, have bearing down to the ground on footings, special connections at the ridge, ventilation and rated insulation for your area.
Are you saying put a beam in the attic over the bearing walls, spanning another bearing wall to carry the ceiling joist laps? To eliminate one wall?
Be safe, Gary
Are you saying put a beam in the attic over the bearing walls, spanning another bearing wall to carry the ceiling joist laps? To eliminate one wall?
Be safe, Gary
#5
09-22-09, 04:44 AM
i will post a picture shortly. let me try to clear it up a bit more. there are three walls on the second floor. one load bearing wall and non load bearing walls 40" inches to each side. the idea is to move the weight from 1 center load bearing wall to 2 walls 40" on each side. then sister new 2x10's to the existing ceiling joists to span the new 80" opening. the ridge poles for the ridge beam are not needed to be moved and collar ties would be installed. And yes i am talking about putting 90" long joists across the span , but not on top of the old joists but bolted onto the sides creating joists now 4 2x10's thick like big headers ang now supporting the weight on the other 2 walls
thnx
thnx
