If you are looking to build a custom home, you might have an interest in open-concept trends. It’s a dream design for a modern lifestyle, but creating structural support without load-bearing walls can be a challenge.
Read on to learn more about your options for open-concept structural support in Springfield, MO, as you consider custom house designs.
The Challenges for Custom Homes Going Ahead With a Load-Bearing Wall Removal in Springfield, MO
Without capable designers and experienced engineers, there’s a real risk in a load-bearing wall removal in Springfield, MO. You must have the proper open-concept structural support for sturdy residential construction work.
Your open-concept house requires a laminated veneer lumber beam for structural integrity. LVL beams replace the centralized walls that would usually have provided structural support.
Homes must have the proper open-concept structural support in Springfield, MO. Designers will use an LVL addition to distribute the load to a foundational element after removing the walls. These LVL beams minimize the foundation impact of column removal to create a safe open-concept space that effectively handles:
- Load distribution and redistribution
- Stress concentration
- Compensating for support posts
Designs for houses that don’t focus on open-plan spaces will have a primary load-bearing wall right at the center of the structure. This centralized wall often bears twice as much load as any of the exterior walls. Your LVL beam must duplicate the support that this wall provides.
Engineers must also account for any localized stress concentration. When the load is concentrated in a specific area, it can cause structural issues in that area. The LVL beam’s size and positioning need to account for these localized areas of stress.
What Can Happen Without a Proper Beam Installation for Open Spaces in Springfield Homes?
When you don’t have the proper LVL beam installation for open spaces in Springfield homes, your newly built or renovated house’s open-concept areas could become a danger. What challenges arise without open-concept structural support in Springfield, MO? No beam, or one that can’t handle the load, will soon cause the following problems:
Issues With Sagging Floors
When the beam is too small to support the second story, you may notice sagging floors upstairs. The centralized load-bearing wall normally keeps these floors firmly in place. Sagging will be the most noticeable where that central wall would have stood.
Cracks Appearing in Walls
Where the beam enters exterior walls, you might notice wall cracks, a significant problem. This is a direct structural issue, either due to improper positioning or inserting the wrong size LVL beam into the wall for the load required.
Marks on the Beams
Does the LVL beam make creaking noises as people are walking upstairs? Have you seen marks appearing on the beam as the lumber strains under more stress than it was made to handle? This structural problem needs immediate repair if you’d like to avoid irreparable damage to your open-concept home.
Mitchell Construction & Design Customizes Beautiful and Safe Open-Concept Homes That Will Stand Up To the Pressure
If you’ve scrolled through the gorgeous possibilities, you’ll agree that open-concept homes are truly special. Consulting structural engineers can deliver a house that will last, as these professionals provide precise calculations for beam reinforcement to protect your home’s structural integrity over the long haul. Once you have reliable open-concept structural support in Springfield, MO, you can get back to those exciting aesthetic elements and create a one-of-a-kind modern home.
Contact Mitchell Construction & Design’s custom builder for a team your friends and neighbors trust. Call us today at (417) 322-6789 or contact us online for a stress-free custom home build or renovation experience in Missouri!
