Random Concrete Wall I need gone but before I do.....

[RewTheJew]

New location calls for a new room. I have a potentially small problem, and I need to know if I am able to dispose of this concrete wall. It doesnt seem like it does anything, but what do I know?

Its an old house, and uses a water boiler for heating. I can only suspect the concrete wall and the boiler are related. So before I bring out the heavy sledgehammer and hulk smash this thing to bits, I need to know if its important or not.

Pics below

last pic is of the boiler, just for reference.

 

[dunkydunk]

That wall doesn't do anything, maybe it was there was to hold the coal or wood to fire the boiler. What fires the boiler now? That thing is crazy looking.

 

[spangles]

Yeah that wall could be good for something, maybe if inside there's space for your hobby then keep it and build up to the ceiling. You'll need a door and some openings. Otherwise I am guessing that's concrete poured into the blocks. If there's reinforcing wire or vertical rods it'll take dynamite. I've been in masonry for years, if you have any questions. Post.
spangles

 

[Puddin'tane]

That furnace looks like it's gonna need worked on right at about 6 weeks flower

 

[RewTheJew]

I think its electric or gas. To tell you the truth i have no idea if it even still works. I opened it up last night, and put my hand inside of it (brilliant, I know) and it felt warm. If I get a few more responses that it does nothing, the wall will be gone this weekend.

Just my luck, the thing will be filled with rebar. That'll suck

Good to know spangles, your the person I was looking for.

Puddin'tane: If that thing goes in week 6, ill be living in a heavy jacket for a few weeks.

 

[whodair]

nice wall !!

 

[Puddin'tane]

good plan B, here's to hoping it doesn't!

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Is the finish on top of the wall level or rounded? Can't tell from the pics, might be the camera lens tricking me.

Can't tell proximity from the pics but the wall could be a barrier in case the boiler explodes. It could also be a brace for the basement wall, (especially if it's a long wall below ground.) Heavy rain might force pressures against the basement wall enough to need bracing.

Spangles looks like your best answer so far. Might be easier to work with it instead of a potentially difficult removal. Best wishes with whatever you decide.

 

[dunkydunk]

Can't tell proximity from the pics but the wall could be a barrier in case the boiler explodes. It could also be a brace for the basement wall, (especially if it's a long wall below ground.) Heavy rain might force pressures against the basement wall enough to need bracing.

It's too low to serve as a blast barrier, and if it was a brace it wouldn't need to be long and rectangular, it would angled like a buttress.

Taking that thing out looks like no small project, you might think about pulling the boiler at the same time. Do you own this house?

 

[alkalien]

Guess there was a oil tank behind it once. It should prevent the oil from running into the warm oven if the tank broke.

 

[RewTheJew]

Is the finish on top of the wall level or rounded? Can't tell from the pics, might be the camera lens tricking me.

Can't tell proximity from the pics but the wall could be a barrier in case the boiler explodes. It could also be a brace for the basement wall, (especially if it's a long wall below ground.) Heavy rain might force pressures against the basement wall enough to need bracing.

Its definitely round. We had a plumber come fix a few leaks, and he confirmed that the boiler has been converted to gas.

Removing the boiler, removes heat from the house.

I think maybe that wall will have to separate veg/flower. Any good ideas on how to make that happen? Im assuming masonry screws and plywood?

 

[Dr. Buddington]

If you can incorporate the wall into your room design, you should go for it. Smashing the wall is the easy part, taking it up stairs is the real fun part.
Usually when people want to attach wood to concrete they use powder activated nail guns like Ramset, Hilti or Remington brand. The one I have uses .22 single rounds and drives a 3 inch nail (get the ones with washers) right into the concrete ppretty easy. The downside is that its loud and gun powder fumes cause cancer.
If you cant use the powder tool, I'd rent a hammer drill at Home Depot or some other place, drill holes, place anchor bolts in the holes and then attach the lumber to the wall.
Or you can just leave the concrete alone and build a frame out of lumber for your room wall and place it right up against the concrete wall. You will loose 3.5-4" of room space, but it will be the easiest/cheapest solution IMO. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

 

[spangles]

Lots of experienced pros and DIY experts here at IC and in the broad underground. You've asked the right people. Dr Buddington has given very specific alternate plans. If the dimensions can be worked out in a way that maximizes your area, you should incorporate the wall into your design. You might have to marinate these ideas for a few days, depends on how yer mind works best. One out of the box idea would be to use that wall as a 'shelf' for vegging cloning or mothers. You could drill down with a long masonry drill bit, one every 3 holes in the blocks, drill straight down every 24", I'm assuming these are 16" long blocks, although in the old days some are 18") Anyway the exact measurements are not too important) Just anchor a 2'x 8' pressure treated (if you have it) board flat on the top of the wall after the holes are drilled and the anchor bolts are set up with grout overnight, then you could extend by cantilevering OVER the wall, then it's simple to hinge some plywood to serve as a door for your vegging shelves)
spangles

PS If stealth is at all important then that existing wall makes it look very innocuous.