Structural walls are architectural features that support the building. You must be careful if you want to take them out because that can cause total destruction.
Hiring professionals for structural wall removal is always the best option. In inexperienced hands, people can get hurt, and the building could fall down.
When performed by an expert team, including engineers and demolition specialists, removing a structural wall can open up your space, giving you more light and better mobility. Before starting this process, there’s some helpful information that allows you to make the best decisions.
How To Identify A Structural Wall
You should always have an engineer or other trained professional identify a wall as structural or not. But, for reference purposes and to help you formulate your ideas, there are DIY ways to know if a wall is structural.
First, almost every exterior wall is structural. The outside walls are one of the first parts built on a building, holding everything up and together.
Next, interior walls can go either way, and you may need to remove drywall or other wall coverings to determine their nature. If you can see the building beams, you might be able to guess a wall’s structural qualities by noticing if it’s:
- Parallel to the beams – These walls are most likely non-structural.
- Perpendicular to the beams – If the interior wall is at a 90° angle to the beams, it might be a structural element.
Can I Remove A Structural Wall?
Engineers can devise a way to remove a structural wall in most cases. It depends on how much effort (money) you want to put into the project.
Structural wall removal should only be attempted by professionals. Your life and building are in danger if you attempt this yourself.
Structural Wall Removal Methods
When you remove a structural wall, you must add a new support system to hold the building up. Usually, this is done with a steel beam and posts or columns.
Step One: Add Temporary Support
The building must be supported while the old wall is removed and the permanent support system is installed. In other words, the temporary supports, or shoring, allow workers to perform the demolition and rebuilding safely.
One method is to add posts, possibly with a jacking system to raise the existing beam. This gives workers space to take out the old wall and build a new support system.
The second method is building a temporary wall next to the old wall. This holds the building together while a permanent solution is installed.
Step Two: Demolish Existing Wall
Our professional demolition experts will carefully dismantle the old wall. They will use saws, hammers, and other tools to remove wall coverings, siding, insulation, electrical wiring, plumbing, masonry, and framing.
Usually, this task takes only one day or two. Some items might be recyclable, but most will go into a dumpster and be taken to a waste disposal site.
Ottawa Structural Demolition always takes great care to protect the rest of your building while we remove structural walls. You’ll be left with a clean space, ready for the new construction.
Step Three: Install Permanent Supports
Your structural engineer will design a system to replace the old wall. It might involve columns, posts, and beams.
The existing structure might be raised slightly while the new supports are installed. Then, when everything is built, it will be lowered into its usual place.
Step Four: Finishing
The final step is to finish the new opening how you want it to look. This may involve windows, trim, paint, drywall, and other finishing materials.
Is A Structural Wall A Load-Bearing Wall?
For the most part, structural wall and load-bearing wall are interchangeable terms. On most architectural blueprints, walls are marked with an S to signify them as structural walls.
How Long Does Structural Wall Removal Take?
Ottawa Structural Demolition can remove your structural wall in as little as three days. But, more complicated situations could take more time.
This estimate is only for the removal; it doesn’t include planning or installing the new support system, which can take up to a month. Adding the permitting process can also add time to your project.
In the end, from the time you contact a contractor to finish, removing a structural wall could take two months. Also, you might wait several months for construction crews to complete other jobs because there is such high demand for building projects around Ottawa these days.
How Much Does Structural Wall Removal Cost?
Given the inherent risks, the price associated with structural wall removal is considerable, and cutting corners on expenses for this project is strongly discouraged. The average cost for a single-story house in Ottawa typically falls between $1,500 and $4,500.
The expense increases with the number of stories above the targeted wall, as additional costs are incurred for additional temporary support and the installation of more robust permanent support for the space. In other words, a taller building costs more for structural wall removal.
Permits for Structural Wall Removal
In Ottawa and its surrounding regions, securing a permit from the local building authority is essential when planning a structural wall demolition. Plan submission and a nominal fee are required to cover the application process and subsequent inspections. When you choose Ottawa Structural Demolition for your structural wall removal, we handle the complete permit application process on your behalf. With our expertise, you can have confidence that the wall will be disassembled safely and efficiently, in full compliance with all building code regulations.