The integrity of the load-bearing wall is essential to support the structure of any building. Let’s find out how to repair it, if you need permits and a series of useful ideas to perform the most appropriate interventions.
If you have encountered cracks and holes in the bearing wall, it is necessary to intervene as soon as possible to restore the integrity of your home. They are walls that perform an essential function: support the structure of the building and the flooring.
Repair a load-bearing wall it is also possible with do-it-yourself interventions if the severity of the damage is not excessive, especially if you are a lover of small chores at home. In all other cases it is better to contact a professional.
In our guide we explain what it is and how to fix it, the current legislation on the matter and a series of useful tips.
Read also: Cracks in the exterior walls: what to do
Bearing wall what it is
The load-bearing wall is part of the structure of a building. The denomination derives from the specific task it performs: support the weight of the building, transfer loads to foundations, resist external pressures such as climatic and seismic events. Its important function is evident. A load-bearing wall can be built using different materials, from bricks to masonry. A first factor that differentiates it from other walls, such as dividing partitions, is that it has a much greater thickness.
Repair bearing wall: tools and necessary
If the damage in the load-bearing wall is not serious and you are fond of small jobs “do-it-yourself”, You can repair holes and cracks yourself. Before starting, it is good practice to equip yourself with the necessary foundation that you may need to complete your business.
To this end, get the putty, a spatula, a chisel, plaster and paint of the same color as the wall to be restored (if you wish to renovate it, choose another color).
To the materials and tools indicated we must of course add the inevitable ones personal protective equipment, Which protective mask and goggles. Once properly equipped, you will be ready to start work.
You might be interested in: Extraordinary maintenance: what are the interventions, permits needed
Repair a crack
If you have found a crack in the load-bearing wall, with a chisel widen the cracks on the surface in order to eliminate the parts that crumble. Get one flexible spatula and apply some putty, performing a correct one shaving operation. Once dried, we recommend that you wipe with sandpaper to proceed to smooth the surface, to this end also using a wide blade spatula. For more noticeable structural damage, use a specific one self-adhesive mesh tape and apply it after passing the putty. Once dried, all you have to do is paint with the paint.
Repair a hole in the bearing wall
If there is a hole not excessive in size, it will be useful to you wall stucco also in this case. Take a spatula and distribute the product to cover the hole. Wait until the treated portion is completely dry and paint paying attention to pass a rather light layer. This is to prevent the part of the wall restored with putty may appear darker.
Heal larger holes
If the load-bearing wall has larger holes, it is necessary to intervene with the lime mortar, a mixture used for masonry work, for plastering the exterior, for building and raising walls. It is therefore suitable for our purpose. It should be distributed and smoothed with a spatula, paying due attention to avoid rising on the surface of the wall. Once this phase is completed, apply some plaster and again proceed with a smoothing operation. Wait for a complete drying and apply a layer of paint the same color as the wall or different if you want to change the color of the wall.
Repair load-bearing wall: permits
The regulations in force for the works of renovation of the internal walls they are many. We must immediately say that what is foreseen in one municipality may not apply to another. The advice is to be well informed and remember that not all interventions can be carried out inside your home without requiring specific permits.
In this regard, the Consolidated Law on Construction classifies construction works in different categories, of which we report two of the main ones:
- ordinary maintenance: painting, flooring and sanitary replacement, changing fixtures, maintenance of electricity and water systems, cleaning of facades and so on.
- Extraordinary maintenance: modification or replacement of structural portions of a building.
No permit is required for routine maintenance, not even the forwarding of the communication of commencement of works. For any other type of renovation it is necessary to request the authorizations required by law.
The load-bearing wall is an integral part of the building structure and it is vital for one uniform weight distribution on the surface. Permits must be requested for the creation of openings or other substantial changes. If in doubt, we invite you to always check what the municipal regulation says.
Conclusions
If you are passionate about DIY and the repair of the bearing wall it does not seem complicated to solve (a small hole, a small crack, etc.), you can proceed to restore the damaged wall yourself. In all other cases where doubts arise about the structure, what are the interventions to be carried out and any permits to be requested, we recommend that you contact a professional in your area.
Picture gallery repair load-bearing wall
You asked yourself too how to repair a load-bearing wall? Below is a complete gallery of images to provide you with some useful ideas.
