Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/7/2009

Question
I have a single story rancher home built in 1976.(24x44) I want to remove part of the wall between the kitchen/dining room and the living room. 14 to 15' and it runs down the center of the house. There is a 4'opening now. The house has engineered trusses, so would the center wall be a  bearing wall?  If so how wide can I go and what size beam do I need?

Answer
Hi Nina, chances are pretty good that the trusses are clear spanning and the wall is non-bearing.  If you can look at the trusses and they are one piece and are not "broken" on the wall (two pieces that meet on the wall)or don't have a vertical web directly over the top of the wall, then the wall is not part of the roof system. Ranch style homes 24' wide with engineered trusses used a two point bearing truss which means they bear on the two outside walls.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com