In any renovation project that involves opening a load-bearing wall, OMPT brings you its expertise so your job is carried out to the highest standards. Our specialists provide tailored support, giving advice at every stage of your project. In this case, to renovate his apartment in Marseille, a client recently asked us to widen the entrance linking his living room to his kitchen.
The technical study : a mandatory step
for co-owned properties
Opening a load-bearing wall can affect the structure of a home. That is why, even if the work only concerns your private part of the building, the law requires the co-owners' agreement before work can begin. Likewise, the expertise of a structural engineering office (BET) is essential to study the feasibility of this type of job. It is the only body authorised to issue a report concluding whether or not the demolition work will destabilise the foundations.
At the same time, the BET's recommendations will determine how to carry out the work without weakening the building. A load-bearing wall is indeed what guarantees the strength of a foundation. If poorly done, the work can create a risk of the structure sagging or collapsing, putting its occupants in danger.
For this job, the BET therefore recommended strengthening the load-bearing wall with steel using a twin-beam clamping system (moisage), in order to open the wall more widely without it sagging. This reinforcement system consists of two UBE 300 beams that grip both sides of the wall with through threaded rods.
Whatever the particularities of the job, the safety of the premises and of its occupants is our priority. We use protective coverings such as plastic sheeting and Isorel boards to protect all surfaces. These waterproof coverings stand up perfectly to rubble and dirt.
Before moving on to demolition, we fix timber planks and masons' props to guarantee the stability of the structure. We then apply anti-oxidant paint to all metal surfaces to prevent them from deteriorating. Only once the whole work area is cleared of rubble and properly cleaned do we hand the premises back to the owner.
