Everything You Need to Know About Load Bearing Support Beams
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A load-bearing wall works to support the weight of the structure, while a non load-bearing wall is simply a cosmetic addition. This means that you can remove a non load-bearing wall without any trouble, but removing a load-bearing wall could lead to the home collapsing.
This doesn't mean that the load-bearing wall can never be removed. The homeowner will just need to install an alternative support structure, such as a load-bearing beam. A load-bearing beam supports the weight of the home in place of a load-bearing wall, allowing the homeowner to open up the space without worrying about the home shifting or sagging.
What Is a Load Bearing Beam?
A load-bearing beam is intended to do the job of a load-bearing wall without taking up as much space. It can be made out of steel or concrete, though wood is the most commonly used material. The beam extends across the gap where the wall was installed, resting on load-bearing posts or columns, which transfer the load down through the home to the foundation and soil.
If the architect or homeowner want a more open layout, a load-bearing wall may be replaced with a load-bearing beam.
Load Bearing Beam Material Options
There are a few different materials that are commonly used for load-bearing support beams, including steel, wood, and concrete.
Steel load-bearing support beams are a great option due to the high weight-bearing capacity, durability, longevity, and resistance to the elements. However, they are more costly than wood beams, which is why they are not used as often in homes.
Wood load-bearing support beams are the most frequently used choice for residential structures because they are more affordable and are capable of supporting the relatively lighter weight of a home without issues. Though, wood load-bearing support beams are not as effective for bigger commercial or industrial spaces.
Concrete load-bearing support beams are not used in single-home residential construction, but are widely used in conjunction with steel reinforcement for massive industrial complexes, commercial locations, and big apartment buildings, due to the high weight-bearing capacity.
When Is a Load Bearing Beam Used?
If you wanted to remove a wall between the living room and the kitchen, you would first need to figure out if it was load-bearing. If the wall is not load-bearing, it can be removed without any real concern, but if the wall is load-bearing, then a secondary support structure, like a load-bearing beam, will need to be installed before the load-bearing wall can be removed.
You will need to consult with a structural engineer to determine the right size and type of load-bearing beam. This will include calculating the load and selecting suitable posts or columns to support the beam at either end. Most of the time wall removal is possible, even if the wall is load-bearing.
How Is a Load Bearing Beam Installed?
Before replacing a load-bearing wall with a load-bearing beam, it's necessary to consult a specialist, like a structural engineer or an architect. You will also need to consider the cost of the materials, labor costs, material availability, fire resistance, insect resistance, water resistance, and design aesthetics to decide on the best load-bearing support beam to replace the load-bearing wall.
Determine if the wall is load-bearing by checking the blueprint, consulting with a specialist, or inspecting the home from the basement up. Keep in mind that a load bearing wall will typically sit directly on a steel I-beam support post in the basement and it will generally run perpendicular to the ceiling joists.
Get a permit and plan the project with a structural engineer and contractor. Determine the load that the beam needs to support, considering both the dead loads for permanent fixtures and live loads for temporary or variable weights when deciding on the right type of load-bearing beam. Measure the distance between the support points where the beam will be installed to determine the right size and length.
Build one or two temporary walls before removing the existing load-bearing wall. These walls will support the structure above it and any ceiling joists that need to be cut to make room for the load-bearing beam. This is typically done by building the temporary wall out of wood or by using a shoring material system, which tends to be easier to install and remove.
Remove the existing wall once the temporary support is in place. Start by removing the trim, then the drywall, and lastly the 2x4 studs.
Cut the ceiling joists to create a pocket for the new load-bearing support beam to sit. Make sure the temporary walls adequately support the above structure to avoid any issues with the installation.
Install the load-bearing beam by lifting it up into the pocket between the ceiling joists, then add stud pack supports on either end of the beam. Stud packs are multiple studs that are connected together to further support the load-bearing beam.
Connect the ceiling joists to the newly installed load-bearing support beam using joist hangers, then check to make sure that the beam is level and flush with the ceiling before removing the temporary walls or shoring system.
Load Bearing Support Types
A home is made up of many different weight-bearing structural components, including load-bearing walls, load-bearing beams, columns, posts, braces, and trusses.
Load Bearing Beams
A load bearing beam extends the entire length of the wall and is then supported at either end by load-bearing posts or columns, which helps to transfer the weight down into the foundation and surrounding soil. This type of load-bearing support is popular because it opens up the layout of the home and doesn't necessarily require alterations to the joists or framing above the beam, though you can cut the joists to slide the beam up, so that it sits flush with the ceiling.
Load Bearing Walls
Load-bearing walls are frequently installed in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. These walls support the weight of the home, transferring the load down through the structure and into the foundation and soil. Generally, a home will have load-bearing walls around the perimeter as well as one or more that extend through the center of the home to prevent it from collapsing in.
Load Bearing Posts or Columns
Post and columns are used widely throughout the home as vertical supports that help to support and transfer the weight of the structure to the foundation. This type of load-bearing support is frequently used in conjunction with load-bearing beams. The posts or columns support the beam at either end, allowing the load the beam is supporting to be transfers down into the foundation of the house. These type of support structure is also frequently seen in basements, where steel I-beams are supported by vertical posts or columns.
Braces
Braces do not independently support the weight of the home, but they are used as structural components to help other load-bearing systems support the home. Generally, braces help to stiffen the structure and prevent it from shifting or swaying.
Trusses
Trusses are not used in the basement or throughout the interior of the home, like load-bearing walls, posts, columns, or beams. Instead, trusses are used in the roof of the home to provide support for the roofing system of the building. These support structures are designed to receive the weight from the roof and to distribute it consistently across the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a beam is load-bearing?
There are a few ways to identify a load-bearing beam. Start in the basement and look for a steel I-beam or a multi-board wood beam. Any walls or beams that are positioned on top of these structures are typically load-bearing.
The next thing to look for is the direction of the joist. Load-bearing walls or beams will generally run perpendicular to the joists. However, if you are in doubt, simply check the house blueprints or consult with a professional structural engineer.
What type of wood is used for load-bearing beams?
A range of different wood types are used to make the lumber for load-bearing beams. Some common wood species include oak, yellow birch, redwood, eastern white pine, and red maple.
Are steel beams used for load-bearing?
Steel load bearing beams are regularly used as an alternative to wood load bearing beams because they have superior durability and are not prone to insect infestations, water damage, or decay.
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Read the original article on The Spruce.
