Structural walls play a crucial role in supporting a building’s integrity. Their removal is a meticulous process, demanding caution to avoid potential devastation.

Opting for professional assistance in structural wall removal is the safest course of action. In inexperienced hands, there’s a risk of injury and structural collapse.

When executed by a proficient team, including engineers and demolition specialists, structural wall removal can enhance space, providing more light and improved mobility. Before starting this endeavour, understanding key information is vital for making informed decisions.

Identifying a Structural Wall

While it’s critical for an engineer or trained professional to confirm a wall’s structural status, there are DIY methods for preliminary identification. Exterior walls are typically structural, forming the foundational support for a building.

For interior walls, you might need to remove wall coverings to tell if they’re structural. Observing the orientation of the building beams can offer insights, such as:

– Walls parallel to the beams= Likely non-structural.

– Walls perpendicular to the beams= A 90° angle suggests a potential structural element.

Feasibility of Structural Wall Removal

Engineers can devise strategies for structural wall removal in most cases, depending on the effort and investment you’re willing to commit. However, undertaking this task without professional guidance poses significant risks to life and property.

Methods for Structural Wall Removal

Removing a structural wall requires creating a new support system, commonly facilitated by a steel beam and posts or columns.

Step One: Add Temporary Support

Temporary supports, or shoring, are essential for maintaining building stability during demolition. This can involve installing posts, potentially with a jacking system, to elevate the existing beam and create space for wall removal.

Alternatively, a temporary wall can be constructed on both sides of the existing one, offering support while the permanent solution is implemented.

Step Two: Demolish Existing Wall

Professional demolition experts employ saws, hammers, and other tools to carefully dismantle the old wall, removing various materials, such as coverings, siding, insulation, wiring, plumbing, masonry, and framing. The process is typically completed within a day or two.

Step Three: Install Permanent Supports

A structural engineer designs a system involving columns, posts, and beams to replace the old wall. The existing structure may be raised slightly during installation, eventually returning to its original position.

Step Four: Finishing

The final step involves finishing the new opening according to your preferences, incorporating elements like windows, trim, paint, drywall, and other materials.

Permits for Structural Wall Removal

Securing a permit from the local building authority in Ottawa is imperative for structural wall removal. Ottawa Structural Demolition manages the entire permit application process, ensuring compliance with building code regulations throughout the safe and efficient dismantling of the wall.

Is a Structural Wall a Load-Bearing Wall?

In most cases, the terms structural wall and load-bearing wall are interchangeable, often marked with an ‘S’ on architectural blueprints.

Duration and Cost of Structural Wall Removal

Ottawa Structural Demolition can typically complete structural wall removal in as little as three days, though complex situations may require more time.

Planning, installing the new support system, and obtaining permits can extend the overall project duration to around two months or more. Costs for structural wall removal range between $1,500 and $4,500 for a single-story house in Ottawa, with expenses increasing for taller buildings.