Building Homes or Extensions/External Wall

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Question
Please can you tell me what size RSJ i would need to support the knocking down of a external load bearing wall covering 17 foot.
The load above is the main roof of the house and about 30 lines of bricks which will need to rest.

Answer
Hi Sam, I'm not sure what the term RSJ means..A 17 foot span that you speak of should require a 16" beam..steel maybe a W16 x20, wood 6x18 minimum, concrete beam 8x18 with 6 #6 continuous rebar and #3 stirrups at 8" on center..  If brick is involved I would do the concrete or steel..I recommend that you consult a local engineer to see if there are other variables involved I am not aware of and to calculate your required load.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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