74
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 ...
- 1,289
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 ...
- 22.6k
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, ...
- 10.8k
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 ...
- 2,265
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 ...
- 24.3k
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 ...
- 108k
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
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 ...
- 16k
13
votes
Accepted
Proper size of header to support new door in load bearing wall?
International Residential Code 2012
Chapter 6 Wall Construction
Section R602 Wood Wall Framing
R602.7 Headers. For header spans see Tables R502.5(1) and R502.5(2).
So if you're on the top floor, you ...
- 129k
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'...
- 16k
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 ...
- 108k
13
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 ...
- 4,257
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 ...
- 11.8k
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
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 ...
- 9,557
9
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 ...
- 129k
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
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. ...
- 958
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-...
- 24.3k
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
How can I remove a stud from a load bearing wall?
Instead of using king studs on either side of the header, use jack studs.
The jack studs take the load from the cripple and transfer it vertically to the floor. You could attach to king studs as you ...
- 25.6k
8
votes
Accepted
Is this wall load bearing based on the attached blueprints?
EDIT: On second look, the drawing actually tells us. There's a note box to the right: TYP BEARING WALL 2x4 stud 16" O.C. on Continuous footing. The dashed line around the wall indicates the footing.
...
- 13.9k
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 ...
- 140k
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
Is a vertical crack in a wall stud okay as long as the wall isn't load bearing?
There is no need to replace it. Just put in couple of 2 inch screws to tighten it up. ( your could squirt some wood glue into the crack for good measure before hand )
We can not see further down the ...
- 13.3k
8
votes
Is a vertical crack in a wall stud okay as long as the wall isn't load bearing?
Use a Simpson Strong-Tie 16-Gauge Galvanized Stud Shoe for 2x material.
Picture Source
The stud shoe also offers a equivalent of a protection plate for the pipe.
- 81
8
votes
Accepted
Are the walls of my garage closet load-bearing?
I don't believe that it's load bearing for these reasons. I can't provide 100% certainty, however.
There's no indication in the attic that the walls transfer load to the roof framing.
You have a very ...
- 108k
7
votes
Why mate two boards instead of using one thicker board?
Boards that are laminated in some fashion get an overall durability increase (not necessarily net strength increase) because they no longer suffer from a single grain dimension through the thickness. ...
- 785
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible