Can You Safely Remove My Wall? A Guide to Understanding Load Bearing Walls

Exploring Load-Bearing Walls: Identifying Signs and When to Consult a Licensed Engineer

In this section, we delve into the world of load-bearing walls. Discover key indicators to determine whether a wall is load-bearing or not, and learn when it's wise to seek the expertise of a licensed engineer.

Is it a load bearing wall or not? Who can answer that question? Pittsburgh Design & Engineering Can!

Load-Bearing or Non-Load-Bearing Walls: A Vital Decision

Many houses were constructed with an abundance of walls, which may not align with modern preferences. These walls often restrict and segment living spaces, and in today's world, larger kitchens with islands are becoming the norm. One solution to these challenges is removing walls to create open-concept layouts.

However, determining whether a wall is load-bearing or not can pose a significant challenge. If a wall is load-bearing, the next steps become crucial.

Here are some insights for our readers:

Load-Bearing Wall Identification: Identifying whether a wall is load-bearing is essential. Even though people might assume it's easy by following the joist orientation, it's worth noting that a wall can still be load-bearing if it supports the floor from two floors above, especially when there are changes in joist direction, like in a third-floor "attic space."

Installing a Load-Bearing Beam: If a wall is confirmed to be load-bearing, the recommended course of action is to replace it with a load-bearing beam. This beam should be meticulously designed to support a continuous span, ensuring both strength and minimal deflection. It must effectively carry the load from upper levels, then transfer it to the lower support system while maintaining the proper load path. Furthermore, it's crucial to determine if any reinforcements are necessary on the lower levels.

Involving a Structural Engineer: Typically, this process requires hiring a structural engineer to evaluate, calculate, and provide stamped drawings for permit application. Such changes are considered structural modifications, and most jurisdictions mandate permits, stamped drawings, and the involvement of a licensed and qualified contractor to perform the work.

Making the distinction between a load-bearing and non-load-bearing wall may seem straightforward when following joist orientation, but it can be more complex in practice. Walls parallel to joist layouts can still be load-bearing, especially when supporting floors from multiple stories above, especially in cases where the joist direction changes, as in third-floor "attic spaces."

If you're facing such decisions or need assistance with structural modifications, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals who can guide you through the process.

Improperly supported joists

Important Considerations During the Process:

1. Adding Heavier Loads: It's crucial to remember that when incorporating a heavier load, like an island in the kitchen, you must ensure that the floor below can adequately support the additional weight. In many older homes, the joists often span beyond the current standard by 1 or 2 feet. This can lead to a significant sag, which may not become apparent until several months or even up to a year after construction is completed.

2. Load-Bearing Beams: When installing a load-bearing beam, it's essential to verify that your support posts are designed correctly. Properly engineered posts are equally important in transferring the load. Depending on the design load or weight of your beam, using two 2x4s may not be equivalent to using a single 4x4.

3. Inspecting Old Wood Beams: Lastly, it's crucial to inspect older, potentially fatigued wood beams in your basement. Ensure that the point load added from a single post above does not exceed their capacity. This becomes especially critical if your basement is damp and lacks humidity control. While you may not be changing the overall load, you are redistributing it to specific parts of the beam's span.

For further assistance or inquiries, please don't hesitate to call us at 724-949-0004.

Visit our website at www.pittdes.com.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

Signs and Solutions for Bowing Foundation Walls

Exploring Basement Challenges in Pennsylvania Homes

Living in Pennsylvania often means residing in older houses, many of which come equipped with basements. It's highly likely that your home, if it's an older one, has a basement. Unfortunately, basements frequently face issues such as water infiltration, and those with water problems in the foundation walls often experience additional structural concerns like bowing, cracking, or leaning.

The construction of these foundation walls varies widely, ranging from materials like sandstone, terracotta, split-face concrete, concrete block (some reinforced, others not and hollow), brick, unreinforced coarse concrete, and reinforced concrete. Additionally, some walls have concrete footers, wood footers, or gravel bases, among other variations.

Given this diversity in construction types, it's our responsibility to offer homeowners the right guidance when they seek solutions for foundation-related challenges, whether it's addressing water problems, structural movements, cracks, or bulging and bowing walls.

In the image below, we measured a wall's bowing at 1.375 inches, using a high-quality laser self-leveling device to confirm the measurement. The homeowner had been informed by a foundation representative that it was bowing over 3 inches and that it was on the brink of collapse around its pivot point if the water problem wasn't addressed and anchor plates weren't installed.

Let us clarify that during our visit in January 2023, the foundation wall was far from collapsing.

Cracked Foundation wall

The photo below show the side wall of the same house with a bow that measured to be around 1.25"

Horizontal Crack in Foundation wall

In the next two photos, you'll notice the same corner of the house—one taken from the interior and the other from the exterior. The interior photo clearly depicts the buildup of mold, while the exterior picture reveals the root cause, as you might have already guessed. It's the disconnected downspout that channels roof rainwater directly toward the foundation wall. This issue is quite common in many houses, and homeowners are often unaware of the need to address it.

To resolve this issue, it's imperative to repair the downspout and redirect the rainwater away from the foundation walls. This preventative measure is essential in preventing further structural damage. Moreover, addressing this repair is highly likely to eliminate the need for a French drain installation.

water damage Foundation wall

Downspout improperly draining

Frequently, when homeowners reach out to us, they discover that they can save a substantial amount of money on unnecessary expenses. Additionally, they receive expert guidance on the correct reinforcement methods that align with engineering standards and code requirements.

There's a clear advantage to consulting with professionals like us rather than contacting a salesperson. Our aim is not to sell you a product or service but to empower you with knowledge. We're here to help you gain a deeper understanding of your structure and make informed decisions.

If you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at 724-949-0004 or visit our website at www.pittdes.com. We're here to assist you.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

Deck's Requirements Per DCA6-2015

I will be discussing some of the recommendation as published in DCA6-2015 (Prescriptive Residential Wood, Deck Construction Guide based on 2015 International Residential Code). This write up is in no way meant to summarize DCA6-2015.

I am not reproducing the document but rather I am highlighting some of the information in it in efforts to make more people aware of such a great resource (free) that is available at everyone fingertips DCA6-2015

https://awc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-1804.pdf

Engineers are trained to interpret codes, standards and other requirements of the local jurisdiction, also to use their best engineering judgement, training and education when reliable sources aren't available.

In the pictures below information provided to help builders and home owners determine decks maximum joist spans and overhangs. There are a lot of information available to help people get their projects built, and some of it just free like DCA6 2015.

In the pictures below information provided to help builders and home owners determine decks’ maximum Beam Spans and overhangs also joist-to-beam connection detail as well as beam assembly detail.

In the 2 figures below, I am sharing the recommended post to beam attachment requirements as noted in DCA6-2015.

This attachment below is an example of a prohibited post to beam attachment per DCA6-2015. It is important to note that per the article published in the Structure Magazine in April 17th and written by John Showalter, P.E. And Loren Ross, P.E. (Residential Wood Deck Design, https://www.structuremag.org/?p=11302 ).

They do state that" It is important to note that prohibiting attachment of the beam to the sides of the post with fasteners only ensures wood -to-wood bearing. The design of fasteners for wet-services conditions requires significant capacity reductions and should be evaluated by a design professional" Based on this statement a more detailed and maybe lengthy calculations would be required to determine whether this indicated attachment satisfy minimum code and engineering requirements or not. For many people avoiding that engineering expense would just simply to comply with the prescriptive code and eliminate such connection.

In the Figures below you will see a few recommended attachment of ledger board to band joist/rim joist and to foundation wall, also you will see the prohibited attachment per DCA6-2015

Typical foundation options also discussed in DCA6-2015 as shown in the figure below

Below you will see an example guard detail so builders and home owners can determine Guard Requirements for all decks that are 30" above grade.

Examples of Guard Post attachments for required guard are shown in the few pictures below.

Pictures below Explain stair & stair stringer requirements also show tread connection, stair guard requirements and stair stringer attachment detail.

I hope I was able to provide some highlights for this great document, DCA6-2015. Also refer back to IRC and IBC for any additional information that is necessary and not discussed in DCA6.

Call us today if you need any further assistance: 724-949-0004

www.pittdes.com

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

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