Why is there a block in the wall of this 1950s ranch house, possibly due to a previous ceiling leak causing dried water stains?
Asked by Veronica Morel 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 2, 2024
This closet used to be in the hallway, but I’m planning to move it to the room on the other side of the drywall. I noticed a block in the wall and I’m guessing it was put there because the ceiling was sagging from an old leak in the attic – I found some dried water stains. This house is from the 1950’s, a classic ranch style.
That block seems similar to the end of a cantilevered beam…….. you should remove some stuff to get a better view of what’s happening there
I’m not sure what that is, but thanks! I’m learning a bunch as I go.
Just to give you an idea, a beam is a structural element that supports a load directly above it. A cantilevered beam is a part of the beam that extends beyond a supporting post to offer support for a load carried beyond that post.
Thanks again for the input. That clarifies things. I’m pretty certain this is a load-bearing wall – that’s how I’m approaching it.
Seems a bit petite to be considered a beam of any sort.
It looks like might have been some leftover wood that a previous owner tossed out. This house has a lot of quirky things happening.
I hear what Melissa is saying, but I really don’t think it’s a beam.
There’s no way to know for sure unless we open up the area.
Derek, that’s still to be determined!
Hey Rod, did you know you can only have a two foot cantilever? Take a look above to check if there’s a load that needs support.
Hey Derek, I wonder if it was necessary to meet a code requirement when they built that house.
If you’re referring to the small horizontal block, it was probably placed there as a support or reinforcement