Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/15/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am building a single story addition onto my 100 year old 2 story home.   I want to open up or partially romove the wall between the kitchen and the new addition.  The back of the home, which is the kitchen wall, is 14'8" wide and there is an ewisting doorway and window to one side which I will be opening up.  The door is 34" wide and the window is 21" away and again 34" wide creating an opening 89" wide after removing the 21" column between the door and window.   The wall is double layered with a bonding brick.  Beings there is a second story of brick to support, would I need a header or would your previous suggestion of installing a two 3x3x1/4 angles be sufficient?

ANSWER: Hi Harold, if the wall is holding up the second floor and the weight of the roof you might want to consult an engineer to calculate the load on that section of wall. If the second floor joists bear on that wall and the roof rafters bear on that wall then you may need to insert a concrete header/lintel or go to a heavier lintel angle say 6"x6"X 3/8". I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson

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QUESTION: Hello again Bruce;  I have checked the second floor joists and the roof rafters and they run parallel to the wall I am altering.  Also I should mention the there is a flat roof on this section of the home which means that the wall does not extend to a peak but ends just one foot above the ceiling on the second floor. Hope this information allows you to better guide me in this matter.    Thank You    Harold

ANSWER: Hi Harold, two angles should work or one 6x6x 3/8" should do it also.  I suggest before anyone disturbs a weight bearing wall that they should consult a structural engineer in case there is something that is being overlooked. I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson



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QUESTION: Hello Bruce;  Thank you so much for answering my question so quickly, but your answer was a bit confusing in the second part where you suggest consulting a structural engineer regarding a weight bearing wall.  Are you saying that although the joists and rafters all are not bearing on this wall that it is still a weight bearing wall and should be checked? I am thinking that the 6x6x3/8 angle is what I will use in this case all I need do is make sure it is approved by the city engineers.  Once again thank you for your input and the good ideas.     Harold

Answer
Hi again Harold, I always like to refer people to structural engineers to be on the safe side.  You know? CYOA so to speak.  But if your local building department has an engineer to review your proposed plans then I say go for it.  Sincerely bruce e johnson