Load-Bearing Wall
A wall that supports weight from above, transferring it to the foundation - as opposed to partition walls that only define spaces.
Why It Matters for Homeowners
Why it matters: knowing whether a wall is load-bearing is the first decision in any open-floor-plan remodel. Removing one without proper structural support can cause progressive failure of the floor or roof above. The signs are not always obvious: walls perpendicular to the floor joists, walls aligned vertically across multiple floors, and walls beneath visible structural beams are the usual indicators. A structural engineer or experienced GC inspection is the only reliable answer.
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