brend turner

how can i tell if the wall if want to remove is load bearing?

GBrackins

are there lapped joists that bear on top of the wall?

a photo or two may be able to help in determining

__________________
Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

Hazel28

There are several factors to consider here, but the first is this - are the joists running parallel or perpendicular to the wall? Parallel MAY mean it isn't load bearing, but again, more factors to consider. What is above the wall?

mae-ling

Sometimes determining if a wall IS load bearing can be easy, it is harder to determine if it is NOT load bearing.
The best way is to have someone on site to look at it.

The lapping Joists is one of determining Load bearing but there are many other factors to consider as well.
The type of roof system, or second floor, and other things come into effect.

A few months ago we had a guy asking the same question on here, many thought it was not load bearing,
he headed the advice to get someone to look at it and found out it was in fact a load bearing wall.

Not only Load bearing but it could be a Sheer wall depending on your location.

Best advice is to get someone on site to look at it.

luckattack

Yes, more than anything the shearwalls gets overlooked and is as important if not more important than the bearing wall, esp in seismic regions. Shearwalls can have framing parallel to the wall. Signs of shearwalls include plywood finish under the gypboard, A35 clips, edge nailing and blocking.