Enlarge Opening in Load Bearing Wall
Enlarge opening in a load bearing wall is sometimes easy like this job. The header is already in place above the hole in the drywall. See finished opening photo below. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter
"You can make an opening higher in a load-bearing wall much easier than creating a wider opening."
Enlarge Opening in Load Bearing Wall Checklist
- Build temporary walls to support the load
- Bearing points of columns must be stacked and extend down through the house to a footing
- Hire a structural engineer to size the beam
- Be sure your insurance will cover collapse if you goof up
Enlarge Opening in Load Bearing Wall - Do It Carefully
Related Link
Removing a Load-Bearing Wall - SECRET INFORMATION - Do NOT Share!
Below is the video he mentioned you should watch in his October 7, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.
You can enlarge an opening in a load-bearing wall. It can be difficult and dangerous.
You can enlarge an opening in a wall making it wider, or you can sometimes make an opening taller.
It's important to realize you must not alter the beams and columns that exist until such time as you install temporary support walls.
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What is a Temporary Support Wall?
A temporary support wall is just like a normal wall but the vertical wall studs are placed directly under the ceiling joists above. The wall should have a continuous top plate and bottom plate to help stabilize the temporary wall.
What are Bearing Points?
A bearing point is where an overhead beam rests on a vertical support. Some of the weight resting on the beam is transferred to the bearing point.
How Can I Discover Basic Structural Concepts?
You can discover basic structural concepts like beams, columns, and stresses by browsing through a very easy-to-read ebook called:
Basic Structural Concepts eBook
How Do You Size a Support Beam?
A structural engineer is the best person to use to help size a beam. There are very precise calculations that must be done so the beam is the correct size.
How Many 2x4s Must be Under Each End of a Beam?
Any opening that's 6 feet or less can have just one 2x4 under the beam. This creates a bearing point 1.5 inches wide. Any opening wider than 6 feet should have a minimum of two 2x4s under each end of the beam.
This is the enlarged opening in the bearing wall. Jan, who's not a spring chicken, did it herself using encouragement from me. Congrats Jan! Copyright 2018 Tim Carter
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