Which walls support only their own weight?

Nonbearing walls are designed specifically to support only their own weight and serve primarily as partitions within a structure. These walls do not carry any structural load from the roof or floors above, which means they function solely to divide spaces without contributing to the building's overall structural integrity.

This characteristic allows them to be constructed using lighter materials, and they can often be altered or removed without compromising the structure's stability. In contrast, load bearing walls carry weight from above, including floors and roof loads, playing a crucial role in maintaining the building's structural integrity. Fire walls and fire barrier walls, while critical for fire protection and containment, also typically serve load-bearing functions in certain contexts. Therefore, understanding that nonbearing walls only support their own weight is key in building construction and safety.