Hi,

My second question of the day.

Some bl**dy bodger 35 years ago knocked most of the middle wall down between 
the living and dining rooms extending an existing doorway to a 9 ft opening. 
Good idea, open plan, great.

Many years ago when I moved in I put back a 4 ft section on the right hand 
side to match the left and installed double doors. I presumed that because 
the section of wall I was putting back was not load bearing I could use what 
I believe is a cinder block ( it crumbles and is grey) to do the job.

Yesterday I removed the old plaster work. What I have found is totally 
amazing. No Steel work just two planks of wood for the 9ft section. Gaps in 
the brickwork that had been filled, believe it or not with the bag the 
plaster had come in and plastered over and yes the brickwork above has 
sagged.

I have now propped the wall and bought the piece of steel to replace the 
wood. I was going to start the job tomorrow but am left wondering is the 4ft 
section of block work really sufficient to be load bearing or should I 
replace it.

If replacement is the answer then no problem but if o.k. then I don't really 
what to spend all that time doing it.

Many thanks for any replies,

Simon

P.S. From the state of the wall I am glad I rebuilt a section 17 years ago 
to reduce the opening to only 5 ft or so.