When tearing down a wall between two rooms, how do you tell if it is a structural wall or not?
Question:
Answers:
Stud spacing on load bearing walls generally is 16", non-load bearing are 24". You should have an engineer look at it..If it is double studded around door frames (king post) then it probably is.
Look in the attic above the wall. Are the joists that hold up the ceiling parallel, or perpendicular to the wall? If they run parallel the wall is a partition. If they are perpendicular to the wall, the wall is load bearing, and will require a beam if the wall is removed.
In addition, check to see if any supports for the roof are placed on the wall, these are not as critical, but should be replaced, or relocated if the wall is removed.
Im going to agree with the rafters/floor joists above the wall. If they run the opposite way the wall is going, it generally is load bearing. If you open the wall you are going to remove and notice that there are headers on the doorways, it is another indicator of load bearing. DO NOT assume because the doors have double studs on either side it is load bearing. Contractors like myself like to have the additional nailing for trim around the doors, and always double them up. Also 99% of walls are 16 inches on center, not 24 inches on center.
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