To date, old panel houses still occupy a large share housing stock in our country. The inhabitants of Khrushchev, constrained by the small area of their apartments, are trying to re-plan their home, combining the rooms into a single space.
The redevelopment is associated with the demolition of fences. Bearing walls in Khrushchev, according to their name, carry the load from the structures of the house.
Thin walls serve as partitions that can be demolished without violating the load-bearing capacity of the five-story building frame. In this article we will talk about whether it is possible to demolish bearing walls in panel houses of old buildings, and how best to do it.
What are load bearing walls
The lower the floor, the thicker the load-bearing wall If you live in such an apartment, then you can easily determine which walls are load-bearing and which serve as partitions. How to identify a load bearing wall? v panel house 5 floors has a transverse dimension of 120 mm or more. The lower the floor, the thicker the walls.
So that you do not suffer from the definition of the main vertical fences, contact the BTI. There you can get a copy of the plan of the apartment, where you can see the location of the load-bearing walls.
The technical passport also has a layout drawing. The technical passport is an integral part of the general package of documents for the ownership of housing and must be present in every apartment owner.
Demolition of walls in panel houses
The dismantling of vertical railings is usually caused by the need to combine rooms into one spacious living room or large hall.
Often there are options for redevelopment of living space in order to turn an apartment into one common room- studio.
That is, all the walls separating are demolished. The bathroom and toilet are combined into a common bathroom.
Dismantling and moving partitions
To remove the partition, you will need the following tool:
- perforator with nozzles;
- hammer;
- metal wedges;
- grinder with an abrasive wheel for metal.
Knock down a layer of plaster with a perforator and disassemble the masonry Demolition of the fence is carried out in several steps:
- A perforator with a metal sting knocks down a layer of plaster.
- Brickwork is dismantled from top to bottom. A perforator in jackhammer mode breaks cement joints. Bricks are removed and stacked in the corner of the room.
- In order not to cause damage from fallen bricks flooring, the floor near the partition is covered with some kind of soft material.
- If the partition is made of cinder block, the same actions are performed.
- In the case of a monolithic wall, concrete is knocked down, then the reinforcement is cut off with an abrasive wheel.
- Garbage is removed, bricks and pieces of concrete are taken out.
It is better to make a new partition elsewhere from drywall, fixed on a metal profile frame.
Demolition of a load-bearing wall
Demolish walls based on a copy of the floor plan The dismantling of load-bearing fences must be documented.
Otherwise, the landlord may be fined.
And if the demolition entails the destruction of the structures of the house, then they will be subjected to criminal punishment.
In order for the demolition of load-bearing structures to acquire a legal order, a number of actions must be performed:
- Get a copy of the floor plan from your local BTI office.
- Order in the design organization the development of technical documentation for implementation.
- Obtain permission from local authorities to carry out work according to the project.
- Demolish the fence.
- Completion of works to issue the appropriate act of acceptance of work.
- On the basis of the act, make changes to the layout of the apartment in the registration certificate.
The dismantling of load-bearing walls is carried out only in the manner prescribed by law. Bearing walls in Khrushchev apartments between apartments are demolished only in one case, when both apartments belong to the same owner.
The technology of dismantling the bearing wall in Khrushchev
Variants of the bearing fence in Khrushchev and other panel houses are carried out in two ways. For more information on how to dismantle walls in Khrushchev, see this video:
Carrier beam tie-in
After obtaining permits, proceed to the following work:
- If load-bearing fences adjoin the wall on the sides, then recesses are made in their upper parts under the floor slabs (masonry or concrete is cut down with a jackhammer).
- The lower plane of the cutout must correspond to the calculated bearing area of the crossbar. The design of the beam must meet the requirements of the project.
- The crossbar is inserted into the side openings. The crossbar can be reinforced concrete or made of a metal I-beam with stiffeners.
- Metal wedges are driven into the beam support points in order to obtain maximum thrust. This achieves a smooth transition of the upper load from the wall to the beam.
- They begin to disassemble the masonry or remove the concrete with a jackhammer.
- The reinforcement is cut with an abrasive wheel.
- After dismantling the walls, they take out the garbage and proceed to the finishing work.
Installation of vertical supports
Instead of a bearing fence, support columns are installed at the corners of the room. In order for the process of transferring the load from the wall smoothly to the supporting platforms of the columns, jacks are used in the form of hydraulic props. Such jacks can be rented from a construction company. For more information on how to make an opening in a load-bearing wall, see this video:
The order of work is as follows:
- jacks in an amount corresponding to the upper floor slabs are placed on both sides of the wall;
- hydraulic props rest with their upper platforms against floor slabs. The load smoothly flows "on the shoulders" of the jacks;
- make the dismantling of the fence;
- install supports in the form of columns; support platforms are located in the middle of the docking joints of the plates;
- in the case of a large span of overlap, a beam is laid on the columns.
In order to ensure security measures, professionals with documents on the level of qualification are allowed to this type of work.
Very often we are asked: which wall is load-bearing - and indeed, any redevelopment in the room begins with this question. But why is it so important? The answer is simple - all the walls in the room are divided into two categories of load-bearing walls and partitions. Moreover, if the partitions simply divide the room, then the load-bearing walls carry the load of the plates. Bearing walls or only after drawing up and obtaining permission by certified professionals with SRO approvals for design work. If you make changes to the bearing capacity of the wall, then the whole house can turn out like a card.
If the redevelopment of the apartment still entails a violation of the integrity of the load-bearing walls, then this should be done only after the development of the redevelopment project by specialists with SRO approval. Walls - partitions, in turn, do not carry any load and can be dismantled at the discretion of the designer without any special permits.
What is the bearing wall in monolithic houses?
Unlike brick houses, the outer walls in monolithic houses are not always load-bearing, and therefore determining which load-bearing wall in monolithic houses is the most difficult. Such houses are the most differentiable in terms of constructive and architectural solutions, here you can find not only load-bearing walls, but also load-bearing columns, load-bearing beams and pylons, including partitions built into the walls. However, as a rule, load-bearing concrete structures in monolithic houses cannot be less than 200 mm in thickness, often this figure reaches 300 and even 350 mm with finishing. However, this is not the final indicator, so, for example, the thickness of the walls in houses made of foam blocks can reach 300 mm or more.
The most reliable way to determine which wall is load-bearing is to request a plan of your premises from the developer or management company in the archive. Well, in the plan itself, load-bearing walls are always drawn thicker than partitions.
What is the bearing wall in panel houses?
In panel houses, as well as in monolithic ones, there is a peculiarity, usually the load-bearing wall is solid from the basement to the roof, however, the panel house consists of boxes - rooms in which all walls play a supporting role, with the exception of the outer walls, the task of which is to keep warm. However, here you can also find partitions, for example, a toilet and a bathroom, as a rule, consist of partitions.
It is worth noting here that the thickness of partitions in panel houses is quite small, about 80 - 100 mm. The thickness of load-bearing walls in prefabricated houses starts from 120 and reaches 200 mm, so if the thickness of the wall that you measure is more - do not hesitate, it is load-bearing. However, do not forget about the wall decoration, in some cases a rather large layer of plaster can be applied to the wall, in some cases up to 60 mm.
Which
wall
bearing
in Khrushchev?
All "Khrushchev" were built according to the same standard projects in which one important detail can be noted: the scheme consists of three longitudinal load-bearing walls and walls transverse to them. The purpose of these walls is to ensure the stability of the entire structure of the house. Although the transverse walls are not load-bearing, they still carry the load and should be treated carefully. In other words, in order to determine which wall is the carrier in Khrushchev, it is best to request information from the BTI or trust professionals to conduct an examination.
simple tricks
define
which wall is load bearing?
- The walls that face the flights of stairs are always load-bearing.
- The partition between the bathroom and the toilet is most often not a carrier. As well as the partition between the bathroom or toilet and the corridor.
- Load-bearing walls are always the thickest in an apartment. However, this rule does not apply to foam concrete walls. Walls made of foam blocks are not load-bearing.
- Interfloor slabs always rest on load-bearing walls, you just have to raise your head and look at the joints of the slabs as they are laid.
- Contact the BTI for your area or your building management company and request an architectural plan for your home.
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Having bought an apartment, people often think about its redevelopment. The same thoughts visit the residents. small apartments, the so-called "Khrushchev". And if problems rarely arise in a private house with redevelopment, then in an apartment of high-rise buildings, where almost every wall is load-bearing, this will not be easy to do.
They bear the load from ceilings and upper floors. Therefore, having decided to expand the doorway or move the partition, you should correctly determine which wall is the carrier. The safety of you and your neighbors will depend on this.
How do you know if a wall is load bearing?
The easiest way is to look at the project at home. All walls are clearly marked. The plan must be kept in the city administration, in the department of capital construction.
In addition, you can also use the plan of the apartment, which is located in those. passport or house book. However, for this you need to be able to read blueprints or have experience in construction.
Video: Olga Rozina: how to define a wall
If for some reason the plan cannot be found, then the purpose can be understood for some reasons. characteristics. So for example, if there is a neighboring apartment behind the wall, the entrance or street is load-bearing.
Another way to find out is by thickness. If you live in a brick house and the thickness of the partition is 38 cm, then it is load-bearing. In the panel, the thickness of the bearing walls is 14 cm or more.
In a brick house
V brick houses the thickness of the exterior starts from 38 cm, between apartments from 25 cm, interior - 8 - 12 cm. The main material in the construction of such houses is silicate and red brick.
Gypsum boards can be used for partitions. By measuring the wall, for example, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe doorway, you can understand whether it is capital or a partition.
However, this method is not suitable for all houses. For example, in the 90s, houses were built according to individual projects, so if there is no plan, then only the author of the project can determine.
In the panel
Since the panel house consists almost entirely of carriers, it will be very difficult to implement the planned redevelopment. The load-bearing walls include - inter-apartment, external and adjacent to the external. In addition, the walls of the bathrooms can also be load-bearing.
Interroom partitions have a thickness of 8 - 10 mm. There are partitions and 12 cm each, but this is a rare exception. To determine the purpose of the walls in this case, it is better to contact specialists who will draw a conclusion only after studying the design features of the building and decide whether it is possible.
In monolithic houses
A monolithic house is a building, the foundation of which smoothly passes into the wall. In such buildings, any wall with a thickness of more than 20 cm is a load-bearing wall. Such structures are usually made according to individual project, cannot be determined by its size.
It happens that the usual interior partition in monolithic buildings has a thickness of more than 20 cm. There are monolithic houses in which load-bearing walls are completely absent. They are replaced by reinforced concrete columns.
And in this case, you can’t do without a drawing and a plan. If they are not available, you will have to contact specialized companies.
You need to understand what kind of wall is in front of you. Learn how to identify a load bearing wall inside a home.
Remember that dismantling or partial destruction is strictly prohibited. In some cases, it is allowed to make a doorway, but everything must be with the permission of the relevant authorities.
Before you start looking for a load-bearing wall, try to find building layout documents. They have all the clues that point to one or the other. So, you need to remember how many times the building was reconstructed and whether it was carried out at all. During renovations, one already questions all previous drawings with the original layout of the building. In addition, sometimes reconstruction involves adjusting the new facade of the house. Then the old ones can become internal.
Many sites offer redevelopment in houses of a particular series. At the same time, the "creators" of such architectural projects do not always take into account what will be demolished inside the house. Of course, not always the partial destruction of the carrier leads to disastrous consequences. Sometimes 5-10 years pass from the moment of dismantling, after which the floor above begins to be covered with “patterns” of cracks. It all depends on the age of the building, its condition.
In any case, the most simple option how to determine which wall is load-bearing, is to contact professional construction firms. One way or another, there are a number of definitions of load-bearing walls for houses of one type or another. Let's consider them below.
We are looking for a carrier in a panel house
The most common residential buildings are panel-type houses. Depending on the series of the house, the location of the carriers is different. In any case, there are much more of them than partitions. One of the most defining is the measurement of thickness. So, remember that basically its value for partitions in panel houses is 80-100 mm, but the carriers can be 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200. When measuring the thickness, it is worth considering and. It must either be removed at the place where the wall was measured, or subtracted from the result obtained.
In 80% of cases, the partitions of panel houses, and their thickness is 80 mm. Thus, everything that is thinner than 120 we attribute to partitions, but if the measurements are higher than the specified figure, then the walls are load-bearing. Of course, it may happen that the indicator is equal to 120 mm. Then you should use the services of engineers who developed the layout of the house. One way or another, even if you yourself determine that this wall can be dismantled, you will need a technical opinion from engineers. Only on its basis any redevelopment is allowed.
We are looking for a carrier in a brick house
Now let's talk about the old brick buildings. have different thickness depending on the number of bricks in the masonry. Length standard brick is 120 mm. Seams between brickwork have an index of 10 mm. Thus, if it consists of two rows of bricks, then the value will be calculated as follows: 120 + 120 + 10 = 250 mm. According to further calculations, it can be in size: 380 mm (three rows of 120 and two seams of 10), 510 mm (four rows of 120 and three seams of 10), 640 mm (five rows of 120 and four seams of 10).
Now we explain the load-bearing wall in a brick house. And everything is extremely simple: again, by measuring. The walls in such houses separating the apartments are partitions and have a thickness of 250 mm (double masonry). Ordinary partitions between rooms are either 80 or 120. The rest of the walls are load-bearing - they can be 380, 510, 640 and higher.
By the way, there are old houses with wooden floor. Even wooden partitions can be load-bearing. Initially, they did not perform such a function, but subsequently became a support for floors from above.
We are looking for a carrier in a monolithic house
Monolithic houses are distinguished by a huge variety of layouts. Here you can only be sure for sure that there is a partition in front of you. Therefore, you will need to find a project at home if possible, as well as in without fail consult with an engineer from the building company.
Although you can again resort to the method of determining load-bearing walls by measuring the thickness. The value can be 200, 250, 300 or more. Having measured it, do not rush to make hasty conclusions. So, if its thickness is less than 200 mm, then this means 99% that you have measured the partition. But if this indicator, for example, is 200 mm, then this does not always confirm the opposite. The fact is that monolithic houses involve the use of foam blocks, which are a special type of partitions.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of the apartment involves either the construction of additional walls, or the destruction of existing ones. Most often, during this, the walls are destroyed, thereby increasing the living space. Such a cardinal decision is simply necessary, since this is the only way to expand housing, make it more comfortable, and with the help of redevelopment, many connect the kitchen with the living room or increase the bedroom due to the loggia. The only problem during the renovation is how to determine the load-bearing walls in the house correctly. This information is important, and therefore it is necessary to familiarize yourself with it, which we will deal with in the framework of the article.
What is a load bearing wall?
First, find out what a load-bearing wall is and where it is located. Bearing walls perform an important task - they maintain the integrity of the entire structure. Columns and beams sometimes act as load-bearing elements, but this does not change their purpose. Since all elements of the roof and floor structure rest on the wall, it is important to know during redevelopment how to determine the load-bearing wall in the house.
If you demolish it, then this can lead to bad consequences, starting with a crack that appears on the house and ending with the complete destruction of the structure. Unlike conventional carriers interior walls hold only their own weight, and also perform a separating function. To repair work passed safely and correctly, it is worth contacting specialists for help. Only they know how to determine if a wall is load-bearing or not.
Do not forget about the special permission for redevelopment, which is issued by specialists from the technical inventory bureau. It will indicate which walls can be destroyed and modified, and which are prohibited.
Methods for determining load-bearing walls
There are several ways to determine whether a load-bearing wall or not in a house. Precise and easily achievable is the study of the structural plan of the house. This document is in the Department of Capital Construction. Also, do not forget about the existence of a technical passport. If the landlord knows how to read construction drawings, it will not be difficult for him to determine the load-bearing wall in the house.
Load-bearing walls are often defined by thickness and location. When measuring, it is first necessary to remove the wallpaper, clean the surface of the old plaster. Only then can measurements begin. The parameters of the load-bearing walls of all houses are different, for example:
- The load-bearing walls in a brick house are thirty-eight centimeters thicker. The more bricks laid out, the greater the thickness.
- In panel houses, the situation is slightly different. Here, all walls exceeding fourteen centimeters are load-bearing. In such a house, redevelopment is difficult and almost impossible. After all, most of the walls in a panel house are load-bearing.
- In monolithic houses, walls thicker than twenty centimeters are load-bearing. In houses, it is quite difficult to determine the thickness of the load-bearing wall. Therefore, it is easier to take from the developer overall plan floors.
All form the basis of the building, being supporting.
openings
After the load-bearing walls in the apartment are determined, certain restrictions associated with redevelopment will appear. It is impossible to completely demolish a load-bearing wall. It is better to make an opening or a niche in it - this is a safer option. The number of openings in load-bearing walls is limited.
If it is necessary to make an opening in such a design, it is better to seek help from professionals. It is dangerous to carry out such work on your own, moreover, without special permits and papers with redevelopment made, such an apartment will become a burden.
There are situations when partial demolition of a load-bearing wall is necessary. In this case, an engineer is indispensable. Even a small window or door opening requires appropriate permits and licenses.
Only true professionals in their field can not only make an opening in the load-bearing wall, but also enhance strength. This will help avoid its destruction. A metal or reinforced concrete lintel is used as a wall support.
Bearing walls in a panel house
Most panel houses have a typical design code for the project they were built on. Therefore, before proceeding with redevelopment, you need to know how to determine the load-bearing wall in a panel house.
To find load-bearing walls in a panel house, you can use the database of these structures. It makes it possible to see the layout of apartments from each series and choose your house according to the code. Another way is to measure the walls. Thickness self-supporting walls in a panel house it ranges from 80 millimeters to 1 meter, while the thickness of the load-bearing walls is from 140 to 200 mm. The higher the indicator, the more likely it is a load-bearing wall. It is important to remember that demolishing it in a panel house will lead to the destruction of the building.
How to find out if the carrier is made of bricks?
To find out how to determine the load-bearing wall in a brick house, you need to add the thickness of the vertical mortar joint to the size of the brick. That is, the thickness depends on how many bricks are supplied. Brick walls can be 120, 250, 380 mm thick, and so on, plus more finishing layers.
Carriers brick walls have a thickness of three hundred and eighty millimeters and above. If self-supporting structures are made of gypsum concrete panels and bricks, then in this case the interior partitions will be 250 mm. Thus, the load-bearing walls in brick houses have a thickness of 380 mm. If during measurements the thickness is less than 380 mm, then such a wall is an ordinary partition. Find brick houses the series is more difficult than the panel ones, since there are much fewer of them.
Bearing walls in Khrushchev
All Khrushchevs were built according to the same type. They have three load-bearing walls and additional transverse ones, which serve as a support for the load-bearing ones and prevent them from tipping over. This list also includes the transverse walls of the staircase. They hold not only load-bearing structures, but also flights of stairs, thus, they also become load-bearing.
How to determine the load-bearing wall in a brick apartment? Can it be dismantled or not? The slabs that are located between the floors are supported by load-bearing or transverse reinforced concrete walls and beams.
If we talk about modern buildings, then studio apartments are very popular. In such rooms, many do without redevelopment, they simply divide the space with furniture. To out ordinary apartment to make a smart home, you need to completely or partially dismantle the walls, leaving only the box. However, such global changes will negatively affect the integrity of the building, especially if it is old.
How to find a load-bearing wall in a monolithic house?
Interested in how to determine the load-bearing wall or not in a monolithic house? These buildings have a variety of architectural and design features. They combine conventional load-bearing walls, columns, beams and rectangular columns. The thickness of the bearing walls is 200-300 mm, and the thickness of the columns in monolithic houses is an order of magnitude higher. All walls less than 200 mm thick are considered partitions.
When it comes to new buildings, the load-bearing structures are easy to determine by simply examining them. They are clearly visible because they are made of reinforced concrete. Also, on the bearing walls, holes sealed with mortar are visible.
What can be done with a load-bearing wall
As already known, the structure is the basis of the building and holds the main load, it must be handled carefully and carefully. Before determining whether it is a load-bearing wall or not, you should find out what actions are prohibited in relation to it:
- It cannot be completely demolished, as this will affect the stability of the entire structure.
- It is forbidden to transfer it to another place.
- It is forbidden to mount wiring and conduct communications in it.
Despite these prohibitions, the load-bearing wall is still not untouchable, you can make a doorway in it, decorate an arch or a partition between rooms, drill through it.
How to agree on a redevelopment
Before carrying out redevelopment, it is necessary to obtain permits from the relevant authorities. Since residents do not always correctly determine the type of wall covering, dismantle the load-bearing wall, these approvals are mandatory. Therefore, the question of how to determine the load-bearing wall can play a bad joke with the residents.
Do not neglect the rules, otherwise the building will become illegal, and the owner will be fined. It follows from this that it is better to spend time on official instances and get all the permissions than to suffer from the mistakes made.
If you decide whether to redevelop the premises or not, you should remember that even a harmless mistake in the calculations when doing this work can provoke serious problems. By doing it, you risk your life and the lives of other household members.
Since it is not always possible to determine the option of a load-bearing wall, it is better to use the services of a specialist. Nevertheless, having decided to do the work yourself and knowing how to determine where the load-bearing walls are, be extremely careful and vigilant, because you already know what a possible deviation in calculations or reasoning regarding the type of wall covering and its nature entails.
