What type of wall supports the floor and roof of a building?

A load-bearing wall is designed to support not only its own weight but also the weight of the floors and roofs above it. These walls transfer loads from the roof, floor, and any additional structural elements directly to the foundation. They are crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of a building, especially in multi-story constructions where multiple levels create significant downward forces.

Load-bearing walls are often thicker and more robust than other types of walls because they must be capable of supporting significant weight. This structural role differentiates them from other wall types, such as partition walls, which are primarily used for dividing spaces and do not carry any heavy loads from above; retaining walls, which are designed to hold back soil; and non-load-bearing walls, which provide no structural support to the building.