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    lost??'s Avatar
    lost?? Posts: 234, Reputation: 7
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    #1

    Dec 7, 2009, 09:06 PM
    Knocking down cinder block wall
    My basement has cinderblock walls that separate the basement from the garage. I don't park in the garage and I wanted to knock down the wall to expand the basement. I wanted to save some of the garage for storage so I wanted to use the same cinder blocks to build the wall back up. Is this even possible and if so what would be the best way to remove the blocks without destroying them?
    InfoJunkie4Life's Avatar
    InfoJunkie4Life Posts: 1,409, Reputation: 81
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    #2

    Dec 7, 2009, 10:32 PM

    Generally, cinderblock walls are used for load bearing. A good portion of the structure of your house may be held up by that wall, and it would be wise to have a professional tell you if it is safe to knock down or not. If it isn't load bearing, you will find great difficulty trying not to break the blocks. If you just smash right into it, then they will break at the weakest point. That is usually the wall of the block where it is hollow, not the bond between them.

    The most successful way I've seen them dismantled is to take them off layer by layer, from top to bottom. This means you are working with minimal bonds and the block's stress points change.
    mtconc's Avatar
    mtconc Posts: 119, Reputation: 9
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    #3

    Dec 8, 2009, 03:57 AM

    Is it possible to just have a doorway.. that might be much easier to get through to the garage.if you need to open it all the way get a pro,you can do a lot of damage w/o help.
    If it collaspses you won't post again.
    Be very careful
    cyberheater's Avatar
    cyberheater Posts: 321, Reputation: 12
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    #4

    Dec 8, 2009, 06:25 AM

    Any hole or opening has to be supported. There, I think everyone has tried to explain how "uneasy" that would be. Also, would doing this hurt the value of your home? Something to think about.
    lost??'s Avatar
    lost?? Posts: 234, Reputation: 7
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    #5

    Dec 8, 2009, 08:41 PM
    Thanks for your responses. A neighbor of mine did this not too long ago, his house is basically the same size and design as mine and he has no supports. It's a twin city house so it isn't that wide, I believe 18ft at most. Also, the wall runs parallel to the floor joists above, and not perpendicular. Even so, I was still planning on having someone come in and check it out to be sure. I'm not doing anything anytime soon. Also I already have off street parking for 2 cars so I figured it wouldn't hurt the value too much. I plan on refinishing it and making it like a second living room, so I though it might actually help the value.

    Also, a friend of mine in construction once told me that a house only has to have interior support walls if it is wider than 24ft, is there any truth to this?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #6

    Dec 8, 2009, 08:56 PM

    This does not sound like a load bearing wall and may be cement block for a fire rated wall between the garage and the living space. If not toally sure ask your building inspector to tell you from his copy of your prints or call a contractor for a bid. When its time to knock down the wall, if its safe to do, have ahelper hold a 2x4 along the top row of block and hit it with a 16 lbs sledge hammer. You will loose about 1/3 of your blocks with this method.
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