My second floor currently has two equal sized bedrooms that are divided by a load bearing wall. The load bearing dividing wall is supporting the ceiling joists above which are butt joined together, the seam is resting on this wall. There is a 3rd floor bedroom above.
I am looking to add a master bathroom that would go between these two rooms, one new wall would be 3′ to the left of the load bearing wall, the other new wall would be 3′ to the right, and I’m looking to remove this current wall that is supporting the butt joint above.
What will need to happen to support this butt joint in the ceiling joists above? I’ll be replacing this one wall with two, will sistering the ceiling joists across to the span of the new walls be enough?
Replies
You have addressed the load from above, but not the load path below the second floor. Instead of the load being aligned and plumb, it is distributed as 2 loads, onto joists 3' away from the bearing wall. These joists aren't rated for this new load design. Time to consult an engineer.
Frankie
Yea, I see. I will make some calls to some engineers today. The load path is something new to me and very interesting to learn about. Some more info on the house, it's from 1900 and has balloon framing, the floor joists on the second floor run perpendicular to the 3rd floor joists.
“[Deleted]”
I edited this article with Mike Guertin a few years back. It explains the process to do what you're thinking of. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2015/03/04/remove-one-wall-and-join-two-rooms
That is a good article, but in this case he said there is a bedroom above, not unused attic space.
Thank you for taking the time to share this, as someone mentioned it won't be a solution for this situation but I did enjoy reading it and learning about it
Fair point. The structural change isn't much different, except you end up adding the beam from below. The depth of the beam is constrained, as well, so steel is a likely option. A lot of times carpenters open up a side wall to slide such beams into place. It's a big job, particularly since it's likely there are mechanicals in the bearing wall.
Good news on that end! The entire house is opened up to the studs and stripped of all the mechanicals. We also have 9' ceilings on the second floor so a beam wouldn't be the worst thing
So the engineer consult is really good advice. (as is the point to evaluate the first floor joist capability along with the first floor ceiling/upstairs floor joists)
You may be able to double up joists on the first and second floor and avoid the beam. the details matter.
Not trying to be a jerk here, but if “load path” is new to you, you definitely need an engineer before you alter a load bearing wall. For that matter you should probably have someone experienced in doing this sort of thing help you as well. Load path is a pretty basic and essential engineering concept that you need to be well versed in to do these types of alterations. Just sayin’