Removing Load Bearing Wall and Replacing it With a Beam

[lectricman]

I want to open up some space in my 1 story ranch .I would like to remove the load bearing wall that runs down the center of the house. I would make a 30' beam from 4-2x10's on a 2x12 that would be in the attic space ,on top of ,and secured to all of the 2x6 ceiling joists from the attic side . Also every 4 feet I would have 2-2x6's vertically tying the beam to the roof rafters for added support.I can put 1-6x6 upright at the 14' mark of the 30' span .One end of the beam would be on an outside wall and the other end would sit over a wall that is supported by a column in the basement. Does anyone have any concerns that this will work, or a better way to do it ?

 

[UcfSE]

How much load is going into this wall you want to remove? There's really no way for us to say even remotely if it seems reasonable since we don't know the loading it's taking. I'm a little concerned about 2x10's, but that goes back to not knowing the load of course. I would use the deepest beam you can fit within reason. It's a little extra cost but probably a good investment. Also, if the load bearing wall is a shearwall, you really shouldn't remove it. You have to make up that lost stiffness somewhere else. I would definately have a column break up the span if possible. You may need a small footing below it though. Is there much uplift on the wall in place? You will need to provide straps or hold-downs to the foundation and make sure the foundation is big enough to handle it. You'll need a column under the beam at it's bearing points. You will also need to check all existing work for the new loads it will take. My concern is providing good load paths but if you hire someone experienced that all goes away.

For something like this I would hire an engineer and sleep better at night. Then it has a better chance of being done right and you aren't stuck with the liability. That's money well spent.

 

[lectricman]

This wall supports the cieling joists which overlap 24" and the 1/2" gypsm board . The attic is not used for storage .

 

[FSS]

Your proposed beam concept is completely inadequate. There is no way you can make that span work with sawn lumber and your design approach has some major flaws. Please hire a structural engineer.