Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/11/2009

Question
Hi Bruce, apologies if you've answered this kind of question already here. I
have build on an extension to our block built house, and now want to knock
through a corridor to connect it.  What's the best method to do so ?  and
should I have supports in place etc ?  It's the old exterior wall, two row of
bricks with cavity for insulation .  It's at the gable end of the house.. would
that be load bearing ?

thanks in advance
norman

Answer
Hi Norman, the gable end generally doesn't have as much bearing weight on it as the rafter bearing walls.  If your block walls have a bond beam or a tie beam (poured concrete beams or filled block that make the top two to three courses solid reinforced concrete) then you may not need a header over the opening as long as it is only a few feet wide 3-4'.  If the opening is going to be wider than that then you may need to add some sort of reinforcement.  Since I have no way of knowing how your block walls are constructed I recommend that you have an engineer look at your particular situation and make a recommendation as far as adding some sort of lintel support.  I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com