I want to get into the nitty-gritty of structural engineering because I'm planning to remove a 12-foot load bearing wall. From my understanding, it's built with standard 2x4s spaced at 16 inches. I'm considering using a big post in the middle and a beam on top to support the load. This setup would leave about 6 feet of unsupported span on each side. I've read that this wall could hold up to 7000 pounds, and I'm thinking a combination of a metal post and an LVL beam could manage that load. I'm also curious about utilizing an I beam that's directly below the wall in the basement, possibly adding another metal post below it in the basement for extra support. Any advice?
2 Answers
If you're serious about understanding structural engineering, it's a lot more than just a quick read. It usually requires at least four years of study and an apprenticeship. Trying to figure it out yourself could lead to dangerous mistakes. You should consider hiring a structural engineer instead; it'd be a smart investment to avoid any problems down the line!
Removing load bearing walls isn't as simple as it sounds. While it's great that you're trying to learn about it, remember that engineers spend years studying this stuff. Typically, you might need an LVL beam to span openings, and if it's over 20 feet, steel might be necessary too. You have to be careful about load distribution; if not done correctly, you could have one side sinking while the other rises. It's definitely worth bringing in a structural engineer to ensure you don’t make any costly mistakes, so you can avoid ending up with a sagging house later on!
Exactly! I had the same worry when I worked on my place. Structural issues can really mess things up if not handled correctly. Definitely consult a pro!
Totally agree! It's good to learn, but sometimes hiring an expert is the right call, especially for something as crucial as load bearing walls.