Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Internal wall

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Structural
Date: 10 Mar 2000
Time: 18:56:49
Remote Name: 207.82.209.51

Comments

Unfortunately, there is no easy "rule of thumb" without knowing several factors, including:

1) Length of unsupported span 2) Expected live load above 3) Dead load / tributary load 4) Other factors, such as seismic engineering, etc, which could impact the sizes of support members.

However, it's fairly typical that longer spans require the use of a glulam, microlam beam, or even steel I-beam. Sometimes multiple 2x12's can be bolted together (such as 3 or 4) to provide adquate load support.

This problem is relatively straight forward to solve with a proper loading diagram based on your actual existing structure. I would strongly advise that you contact a licensed structural engineer to run the calculation for you. For a single opening, the cost should be minimal and you'll have peace of mind knowing that the beam, the supports, and the anchoring methods have been properly engineered.

Of course, if it's determined that the wall you are removing is not load bearing, then your job is less complex.

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