Which type of wall is constructed to support additional structures above it?

A load-bearing wall is specifically designed to carry and support the weight of structures above it, such as floors, roofs, and even additional stories. This type of wall transfers loads from the upper structures down to the foundation, ensuring the overall stability and integrity of the building. Load-bearing walls are typically made from materials such as concrete, bricks, or stone that can withstand significant compressive forces.

In contrast, party walls are shared walls located on or near property boundaries separating two different properties, frequently found in multi-family buildings, and while they can sometimes serve a load-bearing function, that is not their primary definition. Non-load-bearing walls, on the other hand, are purely for partitioning space and do not support any weight above them. Skim walls are thin layers of material applied over a surface for aesthetic purposes or to improve finishes, without providing structural support. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in construction and architecture as it impacts design decisions and safety considerations.