supporting exterior walls

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fly_boy_bc
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:29 pm

supporting exterior walls

Post by fly_boy_bc » Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:38 pm

Hello! I have an older single wide that has two additions and a large porch. I would like to wall in the porch and make it into another addition (Making it into a double wide). I understand that all interior walls in my little unit should be NON structural so knocking down inside walls is no problem but how do I add large openings out onto the porch? There are two largish windows already in that wall and I was thinking I could just remove them and knock out the rest of the wall above and below the existing window but is that safe? If not what can I do? I need to make sure I am not risking a collapse!

trmimo
Posts: 202
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:54 am

Re: supporting exterior walls

Post by trmimo » Mon Jan 16, 2012 6:22 am

You will need to install a header (a beam) to replace any wall you remove. The size depends on the length of the opening and the roof load. This beam will need to be supported at both ends by studs in the wall and by piers directly under those studs beneath the floor.

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