75
votes
Is it unsafe to remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
The opening you want to create has to be framed like a window as shown*.
Notice the addition of a header to carry the load of the cut stud (cripple stud) to the sides, and the added jack studs which ...
- 1,339
49
votes
How do I repair a split stud in load-bearing wall
You didn’t split the stud. You’re looking at one normal stud (on the right) with another board perpendicular to it (on the left).
There’s nothing to repair except the drywall.
- 5,311
43
votes
Is this cracking foundation under a jack post a problem that requires repair?
I'm not familiar with USA house construction methods (I live in the UK) but speaking as a mechanical engineer, I wouldn't even stand near that thing while debating how safe it was.
That bolt is ...
- 894
28
votes
Is it unsafe to remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
It is absolutely UNSAFE! - this will damage the structural integrity of the wall! The load in a load-bearing stud wall is carried by the studs.
Your options are:
Surface mount the cabinet
Flush ...
25
votes
Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit
No, it’s not acceptable to cut the joist hangers.
In order to determine if they are acceptable anyway, there are several issues to review: 1) hangers are notched, 2) incomplete nailing, 3) wrong ...
- 23k
25
votes
Accepted
I think my electrician compromised a loadbearing stud
That is a little rough. It's not a problem.
Any stud is part of a system, which includes many other studs, wall plates, wall sheathing, the roof structure, etc. You could take just about any common ...
- 126k
24
votes
Is this cracking foundation under a jack post a problem that requires repair?
This should make the hairs on your neck stand-up. What my first thought was is the sand fill that the concrete was floated on has been undermined. Is there a sump pump well in the basement? And if so, ...
- 10.9k
23
votes
Will my wooden bridge withstand the weight of my small truck?
From conventional Hemlock Span tables it seems your 4x6s are only good for about 10' span at 40LBS live load. Your load is much higher when the trucks out in the middle of the bridge.
I think this ...
- 2,295
21
votes
Will my wooden bridge withstand the weight of my small truck?
For a good answer you'd have to do the engineering calculations but maybe just do a sanity check before digging into that.
You could think about this. A single 4x6 standing on edge is not that much ...
- 24.9k
19
votes
What's the purpose of this lumber resting on top plate of the wall?
That's standard practice to create backing for drywall (or plaster lath) where walls are parallel with ceiling framing members. It's reasonable that the carpenter would've used extra subfloor material ...
- 126k
17
votes
How do I repair a split stud in load-bearing wall
Should I put in several braces or do I need to remove the drywall and completey replace the stud?
I'd say none of the above.
You're looking at 2 individual pieces of lumber, you didn't split anything....
- 16.1k
15
votes
Closet Wall, is it Load Bearing?
The framing above the pantry door is not load bearing. The doorway to the left of the pantry in the middle picture is load bearing. You can tell by the solid header.
- 698
14
votes
Accepted
Why mate two boards instead of using one thicker board?
It has to do more with the quality of the the 2x6s vs the 4x6. A 4x6 x 12 board would have to be clear all the way through, with no cracks or knots. Most softwood logs won't produce this board, and ...
- 5,088
14
votes
Resolve argument on load bearing walls
You really want to hire an expert. A house is probably the most expensive thing you will ever own; don't risk it if there is any doubt.
Usually, walls which run perpendicular to floor joists are ...
- 25.8k
14
votes
Trying to make a 1 or 2 car garage opening through a shear wall
The back wall provides the bracing that keeps the garage from collapsing sideways like a house of cards. You're taking about removing some of that. You need advice on how to retain the needed strength....
- 25.8k
13
votes
Is this cracking foundation under a jack post a problem that requires repair?
Definitely get a home inspector to look over tbe place; there may be other damage from this subsidence...
If the price is attractive enough that you'd consider trying to have this redone properly, I'...
- 25.8k
13
votes
Load Bearing or Not How Can I Know For Sure
Any information you'd glean from this discussion is untrustworthy for the following reasons:
No photos. They often reveal issues not mentioned in your short description.
No dimensions. In ...
- 126k
13
votes
Is it unsafe to remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
Can I safely remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
Yes, but you need to properly support the gap with a header. If you aren't willing to do this then don't remove the stud, period.
Will this ...
- 16.1k
13
votes
Accepted
Should I be concerned about the structural integrity of this 100-year-old garage?
That beam and post seem to be quite oversize/built for what is needed. The cracks are not that worrying.
The electrical cables on that post will probably need some work.
Cables should have protection ...
- 21.9k
12
votes
Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit
Cutting a hanger is never a good idea and should never be accepted. It's shoddy workmanship by the contractor and there were numerous solutions that could have avoided this (starting with properly ...
- 121
11
votes
Should I be concerned about the structural integrity of this 100-year-old garage?
(Speaking from a UK perspective.)
That kind of natural splitting is quite normal for wooden support beams in my experience. Character is usually what it's ascribed to.
Looking towards the roof, it ...
- 151
10
votes
Accepted
What is the purpose of horizontal blocks on a bearing wall?
Can't say for sure why they did it in your situation, without knowing a bit more details.
Typically blocking is installed to prevent framing members from twisting or warping, and to stiffen and add ...
- 131k
10
votes
Load bearing steel post rusted
Load bearing makes life a bit more difficult.
Replacement of the whole post is probably the best option, but a licensed welder should be able to cut out the bad section and weld in a new piece.
Will ...
- 21.9k
9
votes
Is this cracking foundation under a jack post a problem that requires repair?
If your gut is telling you to run then run. But if you are still thinking about purchasing the house I would make sure that the builder gives you something in writing to back up what he/she is saying. ...
- 988
9
votes
What is the purpose of horizontal blocks on a bearing wall?
The blocks are known as Dwangs or Nogs here, and was confused about what blocks you were asking about. But they are used for stiffening the wall and attaching drywall, as well as mounting points for ...
- 91
9
votes
How to calculate the maximum safe load on a horizontal wooden beam?
There are lots of span calculators available online, which help you determine what size lumber to use in home or deck construction. For example
http://www.awc.org/codes-standards/calculators-...
- 24.9k
9
votes
Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit
You never cut hangers unless they are made for cutting. Call in a inspector who will advise you or the engineer who done the design but don't under any circumstances let this go without it being ...
- 91
8
votes
Accepted
How is this plan for repairing load bearing rotting posts with epoxy (pics included)
The plan will make the 4x4s look good. However, you did say they are LOAD BEARING, an epoxy is great for holding things together or protecting things, but terrible at withstanding stress from a load. ...
- 96
8
votes
Accepted
How big of a beam for a load bearing wall
When modifying load bearing walls and betting your house on the results, you are well served to hire a civil engineer to analyze the situation and tell you what will work, rather than guessing. It ...
- 192k
8
votes
Accepted
Where can I find information on making footbridges with a long span?
The Scout Pioneering website contains information on how to build several bridges. I am guessing that most of these are more complicated than what you had in mind, so if you want something simpler, ...
- 281
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible