Internal load bearing walls and piers
- Identification of load bearing masonry walls from drawings, joist direction and wall thickness.
- Design of piers and short wall panels that carry beams and floor loads safely.
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Wall removals and extensions • Load bearing masonry walls
Load bearing masonry wall design for UK homes
We design safe load bearing masonry walls and openings for lofts, extensions and internal alterations in UK homes. You get clear drawings and Building Control ready calculations, usually within 24 to 72 hours.
Each load bearing masonry wall is checked for vertical loads, wind, openings and movement so your builder knows exactly what is safe to remove and what must stay supported.
- Load bearing masonry wall design for internal wall removals, loft conversions and rear extensions.
- Checks for vertical loads, wind, stability, padstones and wall piers in line with UK codes.
- Fixed fee structural calculations and details that your contractor and Building Control can follow.
We support wall removals, chimney breast work and new masonry walls for lofts and extensions across the UK, working with your architect and builder from first idea to final drawings.
Masonry design snapshot
Free standing garden wall and internal pier
BC ready wall checks
Load bearing masonry wall carrying floor and roof onto padstones and piers.
Wall panel checked for wind, height to thickness ratio and lateral restraint.
Concept view only. Final load bearing masonry wall design depends on your actual layout and site data.
Masonry wall stability and load checks
Load bearing masonry wall design - what we check for your home
We focus on the masonry that carries floors and roofs, and the parts you plan to cut, remove or build new. These are the main elements we usually design or check.
New openings and knock throughs
- Checks on masonry above new lintels and RSJ beams where you remove part of a wall.
- Padstones, bearing lengths and local strengthening to stop crushing or cracking.
External walls and wind panels
- External load bearing masonry walls checked for height, thickness and wind loading.
- Ties and restraints to floors and roof so the wall stays stable under wind.
Chimney breasts and partial removals
- Support of remaining masonry where part of a chimney breast is taken out at lower level.
- Beams, brackets and load paths checked back to walls and foundations.
Free standing and garden walls
- Stability checks for free standing masonry walls against wind overturning.
- Advice on wall thickness, piers and foundations for domestic garden walls.
Strengthening and remedial details
- Stitching, straps and new piers where existing masonry is cracked or has been altered badly.
- Clear notes for your builder so repairs are carried out in the right sequence.
When you must involve a structural engineer for masonry walls
Some wall work is clearly structural and needs calculations for safety and Building Control approval. These are the situations where we normally get involved.
Removing a wall between rooms
- You want a larger kitchen or living space by knocking two rooms into one.
- The wall is likely load bearing and needs a beam and padstones with full checks.
Large openings in external walls
- New bi-fold doors, wide windows or corner glazing in brick or block walls.
- We check the remaining masonry, piers and supports so the opening is safe.
Masonry walls supporting loft or roof work
- Walls that carry new loft beams, dormer loads or raised ceilings.
- Load bearing masonry wall design is tied in with your loft steel layout.
Free standing walls over about 1.8 m high
- Tall garden walls or boundary walls exposed to wind and impact.
- We check overturning, foundations and piers so the wall stays stable.
Cracks, movement and moisture in masonry walls
These notes cover the issues we talk about most often when assessing existing load bearing masonry walls.
Cracks around doors and windows
Cracks that run from corners of openings often mean movement or poor support.
We look at the load path, lintel type and wall condition before you extend or remove anything.
Historic movement and repairs
Old houses often have historic cracks or past repairs.
We decide which are stable and which need strengthening so new work does not make things worse.
Damp and wall condition
Long term damp can weaken mortar and bricks.
Where a load bearing masonry wall is affected we may suggest replacement sections, piers or extra support.
Information we need to design your load bearing masonry wall
Good information at the start keeps the design clear and avoids changes on site. This is what we usually ask for when you contact us for a load bearing wall quote.
Photos and basic measurements
- Clear photos of both sides of the wall, floor and ceiling where possible.
- Wall thickness, room sizes and approximate ceiling height.
Architect drawings or sketches
- Plans and sections if you already have an architect or technician involved.
- Simple hand sketches are fine as long as the main dimensions are clear.
Floor and roof information
- Direction of joists, approximate spacing and whether floors are timber or concrete.
- Any loft conversion plans, dormers or heavy finishes that add extra load.
Site and foundation notes
- Soil type where known and any history of movement, heave or settlement.
- Depth and type of existing foundations if trial pits or past reports are available.
Load bearing masonry walls - frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners planning wall removals and openings.
How do I know if a wall is load bearing?
We look at wall thickness, where the wall sits in the plan and the direction of floor and roof joists. Photos and basic measurements are usually enough for us to confirm whether a masonry wall is load bearing or not.
Can I remove part of a load bearing masonry wall?
Yes, but only with suitable beams, lintels and padstones. We design the support and check the remaining piers and masonry so the new opening is safe and accepted by Building Control.
What does a typical design cost?
Most simple domestic load bearing wall designs cost between £145 and £245 plus VAT, depending on wall length, openings and roof loads. We confirm a fixed fee before any design work starts.
How long do calculations take?
Straightforward wall removal and lintel designs are usually issued within 24 to 72 hours of receiving full information. Larger projects with several walls or loft work may take a little longer.
Do you deal with Building Control for me?
We provide a full pack of load bearing masonry wall calculations and drawings ready for submission. You or your architect normally submit the application but we can respond to any structural queries from your Building Control officer.
Homeowners who used us for load bearing wall design
A few short comments from clients who asked us to check or redesign load bearing masonry walls in their homes.
Kitchen knock through - Manchester
New opening in load bearing wall
“They confirmed the wall was load bearing, designed the beam and padstones and sent clear drawings. Our builder said the details were easy to follow and Building Control signed it off without questions.”
Rear extension - Birmingham
External wall and bi-fold opening
“SECalcs checked the cavity wall panels, piers and foundations for our new doors. The report covered wind, loads and stability which kept both our architect and inspector happy.”
Loft conversion - Bristol
Masonry piers and supports
“The engineer explained which walls were taking the loft loads and designed new piers where needed. Everything was set out in plain English which made decisions on site much easier.”
Request a load bearing masonry wall design quote
Use this form to outline your wall removal, new opening or new masonry wall. Your enquiry goes straight to an engineer, not a call centre.
Tell us about your masonry wall project
Share a few details so we can review your photos and drawings and confirm a fixed fee for your load bearing masonry wall calculations.
This form connects to our central SECalcs email. You will usually hear back from a structural engineer within one working day.
Ready to move your load bearing wall project forward?
If you are planning a wall removal, new opening or new masonry wall and want clear structural calculations, send us a few details and we will confirm the next steps and a fixed fee.
- Head Office: Corwell Lane, Uxbridge, England, UB8 3DE.
- 07359 267907
- info@structuralengineercalcs.com
- Company No: 12653163