When renovating a home, many people consider removing the buttress or half of the wall between the balcony and the interior in order to create a more open and bright interior space. However, it is important to be cautious before acting. These seemingly inconspicuous structures, if they are part of the load-bearing wall, will bring great safety hazards if they are dismantled without authorization. Therefore, during the renovation process, be sure to consult a professional to ensure that the construction is safe and reasonable.
(Buttress)
(Half wall)
Whether it is a door buttress or a half-section wall, as long as it is used as part of the load-bearing wall, remember not to remove it at will. These structures play a vital role as "counterweights", and if damaged, they can cause balconies to lose support and fall, posing a serious safety hazard. Therefore, during the renovation process, be sure to follow professional guidance to ensure that the construction is safe and reasonable.
The load-bearing wall is scientifically calculated, and once a large-scale change is made, it will seriously affect the stability of the entire building foundation, and may even pose a threat to the life safety of other owners. Therefore, before dismantling and modifying the structure during the renovation process, it is important to accurately distinguish between load-bearing walls and non-load-bearing walls to ensure the safety and compliance of construction operations. Don't let impulsiveness or ignorance lead to irreversible consequences.
How to judge a load-bearing wall?
1. Look at the drawings
Reviewing the original house drawings is a convenient and straightforward way to distinguish load-bearing walls from non-load-bearing walls. In the drawings, the thick solid black lines represent the load-bearing walls that support the weight of the entire building. In contrast, non-load-bearing walls are often marked on drawings with thin solid or dashed lines, and they are mostly made of lightweight, simple materials. If you still have questions about this, it is advisable to consult the property directly for more accurate guidance. During the renovation process, it is critical to correctly identify load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls to ensure safe and compliant construction.
2. Knock on the wall and listen to the sound
This method is equally simple and easy. You can use a small hammer to gently tap on the wall and tell by listening to the sound. If the wall makes a crisp and loud echo, then it is most likely a lightweight wall that is not load-bearing. Conversely, if there is no echo after the knock or the sound appears dull, then this is usually a load-bearing wall. This method is based on the difference in the sound produced by different materials when the wall is struck, which can help you quickly determine the type of wall.
3. Look at the thickness
There is a significant difference in thickness between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. Generally speaking, walls with a thickness of 20 cm or more are mostly load-bearing walls (such as brick walls). Load-bearing walls of concrete structures are usually between 16 and 20 cm thick. In contrast, the thickness of non-load-bearing walls is mostly around 8cm, 10cm or 12cm. By observing the thickness of the wall, we can preliminarily judge whether it is a load-bearing wall, which provides an important reference for decoration construction.
4. Chisel with a hammer
Because the load-bearing wall is made of concrete material and has built-in reinforcement, it has extremely high strength and is difficult to chisel easily with an ordinary hammer. Comparatively speaking, the structure of non-load-bearing walls is relatively simple, and it is relatively easy to chisel with tools such as hammers. In the decoration process, it is important to distinguish between load-bearing walls and non-load-bearing walls to avoid damage to the house structure due to misoperation.
After smashing through, how to design it to look good?
If it is confirmed that it is not a load-bearing wall, you can perform a demolition operation. After smashing the wall, you can consider a variety of décor options to create a more aesthetically pleasing interior. For example, according to the layout and functional needs of the room, the wall decoration can be reasonably planned, and the appropriate materials such as wallpaper, paint or board can be selected, as well as the appropriate furniture and decorations, so as to enhance the visual effect and comfort of the overall space. At the same time, you can also consider using the wall space for storage design, increase the storage function, and make the space more tidy and orderly.
After opening up, the balcony is planned as a platform
The design of converting balconies into floors will undoubtedly become a popular trend in the future. This design makes clever use of the balcony space, creating a small area that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, the design of the floor can also bring the effect of expanding the whole space, making the interior appear more spacious and transparent. This design not only satisfies the pursuit of modern people's space utilization, but also adds a sense of hierarchy and comfort to the home.
After the expansion, the balcony will be turned into an office, leisure and storage area
Turn the balcony into a relaxation area, and create a more cosy and inviting atmosphere through the clever combination of plants. Here, you can choose from a single sofa, a side chair or a high stool according to your personal preference, so you can find the most comfortable posture for your personal leisure time or a gathering of friends. Such a balcony design not only meets the needs of leisure and relaxation, but also adds to the interest of life.
Transform your balcony into an office area with no complicated makeovers, just a suitable desk chair and a comfortable chair. With plenty of natural light and a wide view, you can work in a pleasant environment whether it's a sun-drenched day or a night-filled night, making an otherwise boring working day a relaxing and enjoyable one.
In the bustling modern city, the balcony is undoubtedly the closest corner to nature. In order to ensure the safety of the residence and the practical function of the balcony, please do not forcibly remove key structures such as load-bearing walls. Let us cherish and make reasonable use of this precious space to add a natural comfort and comfort to our lives.
What kind of door should be installed on a balcony that cannot be demolished?
Since the walls can't be removed, installing a suitable door would be a wise move. At present, the balcony is popular with black-framed glass sliding doors, which are not only beautiful and atmospheric, but also can be customized according to personal preferences and house types to fully meet individual needs. In addition, folding doors are also very popular, and their flexibility allows for more variety in the decoration of the space. When open spaces are needed, the folding doors can be easily folded up, and when they need to be blocked, they can act as a partition to bring a different feel to the balcony. Choose one of these popular doors and you're sure to give your balcony a new look.
Black, as a classic and timeless color, combined with cold metal, often gives a space a solid and stable temperament. Applying it to the balcony design not only complements the modern and youthful decoration style, but also creates a sophisticated and unique atmosphere. This combination not only highlights the sense of style, but also gives the balcony space a unique personality charm.
Folding doors are available in a variety of materials and styles to meet individual needs. In terms of its design, it generally includes three types: ground rail, hanging rail and double track. If you're concerned about the cleanliness of the tracks, you can choose a floorless design that's both aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. When purchasing, it is recommended that you choose the most suitable folding door style for you according to your personal preferences and actual use needs.