Direct answer
What does load-bearing wall mean?
A load-bearing wall is a wall that carries structural load from above in addition to its own weight.
Exam cue: Removal or alteration can affect structural stability and normally requires qualified design and approvals.
What does it look like in a question?
Example
A renovator asks an engineer whether a wall supports the floor above before opening the room.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Not every interior wall is load-bearing, and appearance alone may not settle the question.
Related construction and environment terms
AsbestosAsbestos is a group of mineral fibers formerly used in many building materials and associated with health risks when fibers become airborne and are inhaled.Environmental assessment formAn environmental assessment form (EAF) is a New York SEQRA form used by an agency to help evaluate the environmental significance of a proposed action.Environmental impact statementAn environmental impact statement (EIS) is a detailed document examining potentially significant environmental impacts, mitigation and reasonable alternatives under SEQRA.FoundationA foundation is the part of a structure that transfers building loads to the soil or supporting material below.Lead-based paintLead-based paint is paint containing lead that can create serious health hazards, especially for children, when it deteriorates or creates contaminated dust.MoldMold is a fungus that grows indoors when moisture and a suitable surface are present.
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