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Load Bearing Wall?

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 11:46 am
by gtpvette
I'm looking to purchase an older mobile home and have a question regarding a wall. This is a double wide and the wall in question seperates the kitchen from the living space. It's not exactly in the center of the room as it maybe 12"-18" from it so I don't think it's a marriage wall,,,,, but I'm new to this type of construction. The goal would be to remove it or at least knock a really big hole in it to open up the space. So what do you think?

This is one view of the wall (left side of picture). If you'll notice the peak in the cealing you'll see it's set back a bit

[img]http://lsspecialists.com/Marriage1.JPG[/img]

Here is the other side of the same wall (right side of picture) towards the dining room.

[img]http://lsspecialists.com/Marriage2.JPG[/img]

Here is the back side where the stove and refrig are.

[img]http://lsspecialists.com/Marriage3.JPG[/img]

Thanks!

Re: Load Bearing Wall?

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:24 am
by trmimo
This is probably not intended to be a load bearing wall. There may be some load now, if the ridge beam has sagged which is common.

Re: Load Bearing Wall?

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:11 am
by David Oxhandler
Although it appears that the wall is not supporting the center line, I would treat it like it is. That is not to say that you can not make an opening thru it. With load bearing support of any type it's difficult to be too safe.

This isn't a situation for experimentation. If you had the background to deal with it, you wouldn't have posted here. Do it right, and get an experienced pro involved, if only to confirm adequacy and to produce or minimally look at the plan drawings you will need for the local building inspector.

Re: Load Bearing Wall?

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 11:25 am
by fredcdobbs
That wall is not a designed load bearing wall, the column supports at the two walls at the ends of the clear span are for that. The ridge beam on the kitchen side is designed to transfer the load to the side that is supported by the columns. As long as the ridge beam is secured properly to each other through out the clear span and at the column support locations, you should not have any problems.