Load-bearing walls play an essential role in a building's stability and structural strength.
Their main function is to support the weight of the elements above them, such as floors, roofs and other vertical loads. These walls are designed to distribute these loads evenly over the foundations, guaranteeing the strength and safety of the structure.

Removing a load-bearing wall is a delicate operation and must be carried out with care, as it can compromise the stability of the entire building. Before considering this approach, a qualified structural engineer should be consulted to assess the feasibility of modifications and design alternative solutions that ensure the structural integrity of the building.

The risks of removing load-bearing walls are manifold. Firstly, it causes structural weakness, which can lead to deformation, cracking and even partial or total collapse of the building. This can affect other structural elements such as beams and columns, which may be subjected to unexpected overloads.

A variety of systems are available for removing load-bearing walls while minimizing risk. One of the most common methods is to install beam or column systems to redistribute the load carried by the original walls. Checks must be carried out to ensure that the new structural elements can be supported by the existing structure. If not, reinforcement may be required.

It's important to stress that any project involving the removal of load-bearing walls must be approved by a structural engineer, who will be able to assess the project and dimension the beam and columns required. The type of beam varies according to the span and loads applied. The choice of beam type also depends on whether the beam is to be embedded or not.

In general, LVL wooden beams can be used when load-bearing walls are removed.

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