I'm working on opening up a wall in my kitchen and I think I might have found a sheer wall. It's on the first floor of my two-story townhouse. One side has plywood sheathing and there's a 4x12 beam across it. I want to widen the current 36-inch opening to 5.5 feet. The clear span tables I've checked seem to say it's doable, but I'm curious if there are any extra considerations when dealing with a sheer wall. What do you all think?
3 Answers
Clear span tables won’t help with sheer walls since they serve a specific purpose for stability. Any modifications need to be engineered. I had a rough experience trying to make plumbing holes in a similar wall — trust me, it's not worth risking it! You really need to have an engineer take a look at this.
I gotta say, you should really think twice before messing with that sheer wall. It's definitely a good idea to consult a structural engineer before proceeding. It might seem straightforward, but you could end up causing major issues, especially in a townhouse where it could affect your neighbors too.
You're right to be cautious. Shear walls aren't just for decoration; they're crucial for stability. You won't find any interior walls just sheathed without a reason. Definitely get an engineer involved! You don't want to risk liability or structural damage. Better safe than sorry!
Thanks for the heads up! After seeing some water damage in the wall, I’m really leaning towards getting professional help. Don't want to risk it.