Can these walls be fully removed
#1
05-05-15, 03:01 PM
Can these walls be fully removed
I am removing two wall and wondered if I had to keep the point of intersection (there is no metal beam there or any main beam). The point of connection has 3 2X4 wood beams stuck in a squared shaped (as in the picture).
#3
05-05-15, 03:12 PM
There is no floor on top only an isolated attic. Its a split level, I've seen many break these walls to make it an open concept style...just wondering if I have to keep these 3 beams or if they can be removed.
#4
05-05-15, 03:20 PM
Member
The three studs do not indicate a load bearing wall, it is a normal way to address the corners of walls. However, considering you have two walls going in different directions, it is quite likely that one or the other is load bearing. Does your attic have trusses or is it stick framed with rafters and ceiling joists? If the latter, check to see if the joists run perpendicular to either of these walls, and if they have a lap joint over them. If so, it is load bearing.
#5
05-05-15, 04:25 PM
Its stick framed with rafters and ceiling joists, I'll have to check to make sure none are load bearing. From what I've read split level load bearing walls are exterior walls only...
#6
05-05-15, 04:28 PM
Member
It is very unusual for there to be no load bearing interior walls with a rafter and ceiling joist system unless your house is less than 16' wide.
#7
05-05-15, 04:32 PM
The house has 2 roofs perpendicular to one another. Its not one huge roof.
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#8
05-05-15, 04:45 PM
Member
As long as the ceiling joists are continuous, the walls *should* be ok to remove. If they are joined over a wall, it or some other support must stay in place.
#9
05-05-15, 04:52 PM
OK thanks for your help, I'll make sure by checking the attic first, might also bring a friend of mine over to take a look, his an architect might be helpful 
#11
05-06-15, 05:31 PM
Member
Yes, that info is generally correct. But note that one is a trussed roof and one is not. There can be situations where a trussed roof needs a support wall in the middle, but it is uncommon.
#12
05-07-15, 05:59 AM
My house inspector sent me a message stating the following:
"No bearing walls in gable end houses. Your roof is self supporting trusses. Load I picked up by exterior walls."
I have a friend of mine who is in construction pass by my place to confirm this.
If so I assume I'll be able to remove completely both walls including the corner where the 2 walls collide.
"No bearing walls in gable end houses. Your roof is self supporting trusses. Load I picked up by exterior walls."
I have a friend of mine who is in construction pass by my place to confirm this.
If so I assume I'll be able to remove completely both walls including the corner where the 2 walls collide.
#13
05-07-15, 07:52 AM
Member
If you do in fact have trusses, the walls should be safe to remove without issue.
The "no bearing walls in gable end houses" comment is BS though. That is a way too general statement to make.
The "no bearing walls in gable end houses" comment is BS though. That is a way too general statement to make.
