Hi,
origionally a 2 up 2 down brick built (solid walls) terrace approx.. 120-130 years old. The archway is in what was a dividing wall betwen the kitchen and lounge.
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This was done before we bought the house so we don't know if there's a beam above the arch. I would assume that there must be as the arch is wonky and rather crappily done so I hope it's not load bearing
How do I find out if there's a beam there without making too much mess???
I've drilled and made a channel through the plaster and found concrete, I assume it's blockwork but is it likely be a concrete beam? I'm guessing I don't want to make any unnecessary holes in it if it is.
There's no sign of wood or metal so far??? The wall sounds the same all over when I tap it, no obvious hollow sounds.
The wall is narrower than the brick piers and arch which also makes me think it'll be single blockwork.
The plan is: if there is a beam, remove the arch and square off the opening and frame it out with timber and possibly some folding doors in the future.
If there's not. leave it well alone and live with it
I'm not going to tackle it without a good understanding of what's going on and the help of a good builder, I just want to try and figure out what's there first without making a huge mess of the wall and incurring some serious rath from the mrs!!!
origionally a 2 up 2 down brick built (solid walls) terrace approx.. 120-130 years old. The archway is in what was a dividing wall betwen the kitchen and lounge.
View media item 10795 View media item 10796 View media item 10797 View media item 10798
This was done before we bought the house so we don't know if there's a beam above the arch. I would assume that there must be as the arch is wonky and rather crappily done so I hope it's not load bearing
How do I find out if there's a beam there without making too much mess???
I've drilled and made a channel through the plaster and found concrete, I assume it's blockwork but is it likely be a concrete beam? I'm guessing I don't want to make any unnecessary holes in it if it is.
There's no sign of wood or metal so far??? The wall sounds the same all over when I tap it, no obvious hollow sounds.
The wall is narrower than the brick piers and arch which also makes me think it'll be single blockwork.
The plan is: if there is a beam, remove the arch and square off the opening and frame it out with timber and possibly some folding doors in the future.
If there's not. leave it well alone and live with it
I'm not going to tackle it without a good understanding of what's going on and the help of a good builder, I just want to try and figure out what's there first without making a huge mess of the wall and incurring some serious rath from the mrs!!!