Removing supporting walls

[mendac]

I wish to remove a ground floor supporting wall. It is standard height (around 8') and about 12' long. I have an archetect involved and will soon have a steel beam size from a structural engineer.
1st I can't get any builder to even look at the job - they are all too busy! So I am considering undertaking the job myself even though I am aware that I have little knowledge and I have to get it right otherwise I'll be looking at a disaster. I know I'll need Acros to support the upstairs while I remove the wall and replace with an RSJ. I need a programme (what and where) to work to and equipement to hire. I will be involving the building inspector BEFORE I undertake the works. Can anyone help?

2nd I'll be removing a large window and replacing with patio doors and need a programme for undertaking this.

thanks

 

[noseall]

first you need to ascertain wether the joists run with the wall or onto it.

you will need to hire about 8 acro props.

if they bear onto the wall then you can acro the joists each side of the wall.

3 acro's each side with a thick batten or plank against the ceiling will probably do.

if you're on a timber floor, a thick batten under the acro's too.

if the joists run with the wall, then you will have to take the skirting off in the upstairs rooms and "needle" the wall, onto the nearest parallel joists then acro these joists.

set the acro's about a metre back from the wall so that you have room to work.

make sure you have enough room to slide the steel beam in.

i know its a pain, but if its going to be tight, sliding the beam in, you may have to lay the beam in diagonally along the wall in question, prior to fitting the acros.

once propped knock the wall out, offer the beam into place, and with the two remaining acro's wind the beam up tight into place.

you can then deal with the padstones.

easy!

 

[mendac]

Thanks you make it sound easy and it sounds logical.Do I have to build brick piers?

Mendac

 

[noseall]

the steel's gotta sit on either 100mm or 150mm of masonry, depending on wether the wall bearing is inline or at 90deg.

you could leave enough masonry remaining to cope with this or take the wall back flush and sit the steels on a neighbouring room wall.

this will mean damage and repair to another room or next door neighbour!

a structural engineer will advise, particularly on padstone sizes.

 

[Static]

The structural engineer should also provide pier sizes

 

[Fluffster]

I would not tell the building inspector you are doing the work yourself. As he/she may have concerns and also look at the work in closer detail than usual.
Pete

 

[savilleorange]

Hello there!

I have a similar project in mind but the wall in question is divided in two uneven size rooms downstairs. I want to remove the wall section in the small room which is less than 2 metre wide.

Will it be any easier to remove and support this small wall? It is a single leaf wall.