bearingwall

A bearing wall, commonly written as a load-bearing wall, is a vertical structural element that carries and transfers loads from the building above to the foundation. It supports the weight of floors, roofs, and any walls located above it, and its removal or alteration can compromise the structure unless an alternative bearing system is provided. By contrast, non-load-bearing walls serve mainly partition and cosmetic functions and do not carry significant structural loads.

Bearing walls can be exterior or interior. Exterior bearing walls typically carry more load and also contribute to enclosure and weather resistance, while interior bearing walls support floor joists, roof framing, or other structural members. They are usually built from materials with substantial strength, such as concrete, masonry (brick or stone), or solid timber framing. In wood-frame construction, heavy interior walls may be required to transfer loads from above.

Openings in bearing walls, such as doors and windows, must be framed to transfer loads around the openings, often using lintels, arches, or reinforced framing. The location and size of bearing walls influence the overall layout, room dimensions, and utility routes.

Modern construction often employs alternative systems for lateral resistance, such as shear walls or moment-resisting frames, with bearing walls primarily handling vertical loads. Structural design depends on dead load, live load, snow or wind loads, and seismic considerations, all governed by building codes. Any modification to a bearing wall typically requires a structural assessment and professional approval to ensure safe load transfer to the foundation.