How do I calculate how large of a header I need to replace a load bearing wall?
Question:I have a wall that runs approximatly 17' long and runs parrallel to the outside edge of my house, which is 8' feet away. I already know that this wall is load bearing. I want to remove it, but how large of a header do I need? What is the calculation that is used? This is a single-level home, with only the attic and roof above it. We live in the south, so it doesn't carry a snow load.
Any anwers saying 'Contact a structural engineer or architect' don't count. Thanks!
Answers:
Wether it counts or not, you have to do it. I built homes for 17 years and unless you have an engineer sign off on this, your house doesn't count according to the county. I am also in the south.
You haven't stated how long the section of wall is that you want to replace. if it's the entire 17' section, you are probably looking at steel. I am guessing at a minimum 24" double LVL. I recently spanned a 20' span that carried ceiling joists and a broken center roof load. I put in an 18" - 2"x6" glulam. The difference in my beam dimensions is that the one that I had bore to the center of specially designed foundation piers in the center of the house away from weather related elemental factors. Your application is on an exterior wall and will have to be exposed to elemental stress factors.
But, again, my answer doesn't count because I Am Telling You, 'Contact a structural engineer or architect'.
The good news is, if you contact a good contractor lumber supply house and promise to buy the beam from them, they will usually be happy to complete all of the load calculations for free. Most of them have spread sheets with this stuff already calculated. It's just a matter of following a grid for them. They don't actually calculate this stuff anymore.
Here's some load tables if you want to do it yourself. Just don't forget to factor nonstandard load information.
God Bless
Consider using a steel I-beam. I just looked in the International Residential Code book, states that a beam of 4 2 x 12's can span 11' 9" on a load bearing interior wall for lightest snow load.
Good luck.
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