With the popularity of open concept living space, and the increase in the number of “do-it-yourself” home renovation projects, one question always seems to pop up: Is this a load bearing wall?

PHOTO CREDIT - Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre

Cornwall - Sep. 21, 2012 - With the popularity of open concept living space, and the increase in the number of “do-it-yourself” home renovation projects, one question always seems to pop up: Is this a load bearing wall?

A local entrepreneur has created a product that takes the guess work out of the equation: a bright yellow sign that identifies load bearing walls.

“It really is all about being safe” said Denis St. Denis the creator of the product. “Removing a load bearing wall creates an unsafe situation by allowing walls and floors to sag, damaging the structure involved. Using these load bearing signs quickly alerts contractors and DIY individuals to that fact, saving a lot of problems and headaches.”

Mr. St. Denis recommends that one of these signs be placed on each and every upright support in the framing of all load bearing walls. Drywall can be installed as usual. The signs are made of long-lasting material and therefore will still be around 5, 10 or even 75 years later when the next renovation project is underway. At that time, the signs will become visible as the drywall is removed, clearly identifying that the wall is load bearing and a structural engineer should be consulted.

Roy Perkins of the local Rona Home Centre outlet was so pleased to learn of this product that he now stocks the sign and has placed it prominently near the order desk.

“This is a great product,” explained Mr. Perkins. “All new builds should have this notice included in the appropriate places, and any renovations that identify a load bearing wall should also use them. We commend Mr. St. Denis for bringing this product to the home building and renovation market.”

Load Bearing Warning Signs are available in both English and French and have been affordably priced. Mr. St. Denis currently has a Canadian Patent and a USA Patent Pending for his product. Load Bearing Wall Signs are currently available at the Rona Home Centre located on Marleau Avenue here in Cornwall.

Entrepreneurs in Action
Entrepreneurs in Action is an initiative by the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre to profile small to medium-sized businesses that have recently opened in Cornwall, S.D. & G. and Akwesasne. To see all of the current profiles, please visit the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre website.

About the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre helps small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne by offering information, tools and support during the start-up and growth stages of business operation. The Centre also offers seminars, workshops and networking opportunities that are designed with the entrepreneur in mind. Please visit www.BusinessEnterpriseCentre.ca for more information. The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is operated by Cornwall Economic Development in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation.