Demolition is always a delicate task, but it’s particularly tricky when it involves a load-bearing wall.
Whether you want to create an open-plan kitchen, install a bay window, or gain more space, there are many reasons why you might want to demolish a load-bearing wall. These walls, which support the structure of a building, require the right tools, but more importantly, the expertise of professionals to avoid causing irreversible damage.
In this article, our demolition experts in Greater Montreal explain the steps to demolish a load-bearing wall.
DEMOLISHING A LOAD-BEARING WALL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR WORK
Demolishing a load-bearing wall can be an excellent idea to enlarge a room or bring more light in. However, before spontaneously embarking on residential demolition work, there are several factors to consider.
Demolishing a load-bearing wall is not a trivial task because, as the name suggests, this type of wall is one of the most important structural elements of a building.
Load-bearing walls are designed to support the weight of the roof and upper floors. During the planning stages, they are carefully studied to distribute the load evenly.
Modifying or demolishing a load-bearing wall therefore alters the vertical and seismic loads of a building. Several obligations must be strictly adhered to.
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ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES BEFORE DEMOLISHING A LOAD-BEARING WALL
AIn Quebec, when a person wants to promote building renovations, they must comply with federal, provincial, and local regulations. The following factors may govern the standards to be met:
- The types of work (work that affects the structure or foundations).
- The nature of the building (single-family home, semi-detached house, multiplex).
- The building use (residential, commercial, mixed-use).
- Sometimes, the borough where the work takes place.
In the province of Quebec, the Regulation on Permits and Certificates in Urban Planning requires that work involving changes to partitions or divisions should have a building permit.
Additionally, if the work involves demolishing a load-bearing wall, approval from an architect or structural engineer is also mandatory.
OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT
The building permit ensures that a renovation project complies with the minimum standards of the Building Code, to ensure the safety of the applicant as well as that of their neighbors.
For this reason, it is necessary to provide all the documents required by the authorities, to describe the renovation project. If the application meets the conditions set by the municipality, a building permit will be issued.
SEEKING HELP FROM AN ARCHITECT OR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
To assess the feasibility of a load-bearing wall demolition project, the help of a structural engineer or licensed architect is essential. They will first check whether the wall is indeed load-bearing and if so, they will calculate the loads. Then, the project plans will be drawn up and used to obtain a building permit.
DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR DEMOLISHING A LOAD-BEARING WALL
To demolish a load-bearing wall, it is necessary to install a metal structure (most often a beam supported by two columns) whose dimensions have been previously calculated by an architect or engineer.
Such a project requires the involvement of an experienced team equipped with the right tools. Given the complexity of the task, it is strongly advised to hire a demolition company to handle the work. Even though such work is entrusted to qualified professionals, it can be useful to understand the technique employed.
THE BEAM ON A BASE TECHNIQUE
The beam-on-a-base technique is both the simplest and most commonly recommended when it comes to creating a small opening between 80 cm (2′ 7″) and 1 meter wide (3′ 3″). When this technique is used, the shoring is done between the floor and the ceiling by distributing the loads of the shores onto metal beams.
THE PORTAL TECHNIQUE
This technique is frequently used for openings in a load-bearing wall up to 250 cm (8′ 2″). The portal method involves creating a jamb (two vertical beams) and attaching a third horizontal beam on top.
Each vertical beam is anchored to footings at the floor level, on which the loads rest.
THE TWO HALF-BEAMS TECHNIQUE
This technique is recommended for load-bearing walls of significant thickness (more than 30 cm, 1′). The principle is similar to the portal technique but involves doubling the horizontal beam installation.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DEMOLITION COMPANY TO DEMOLISH A LOAD-BEARING WALL
Demolishing a load-bearing wall is a technical and delicate operation that requires real expertise. Supplying the structural elements and carrying out such a project requires several people and the appropriate tools. The support of a demolition expert is therefore highly recommended.
Do you live in Greater Montreal and wish to demolish a load-bearing wall in your home?
At Excavation Chanthier, we work closely with engineers and structural specialists to assist you with all administrative procedures. Our teams of demolition experts also carry out all the work in compliance with the strictest safety regulations.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get a quote.
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