Which wall type supports both the building's weight and its contents?

Load bearing walls are critical components in a structure as they play a vital role in supporting both the weight of the building itself and the contents within it. These walls are constructed to withstand vertical loads and distribute them down to the foundation. This means that not only do they hold up the roof and floors above, but they also provide stability and strength to the entire structure.

In contrast, nonbearing walls do not support any weight from the structure above but may help in defining spaces within the building. Curtain walls are typically exterior walls that do not bear any structural load and primarily serve as a weather barrier. Partition walls are internal walls that divide spaces but do not carry any structural load either.

Understanding the role of load bearing walls is essential for fire fighters and other emergency responders, as knowing which walls bear loads influences rescue operations and strategies during firefighting and building access.