Exterior walls that carry ceiling, roof, or upper-floor loads to the foundation are load-bearing, or “bearing,” walls. Internal walls that support joists at mid-span and transfer loads down to the foundation are also bearing walls.

Bearing walls usually have perpendicular joists or rafters crossing or resting on top of them and foundations underneath them. An exception are the end walls of a gable-roofed house; these usually run parallel to rafters and joists but must bear the weight of extensive wall framing.

Wind and seismic loads, which produce lateral stresses on a house, are managed by tightly interlocking framing members. Plywood sheathing or wood or metal cross-bracing interconnect framing members, creating a sturdy triangular form and— together with foundation bolts—lock the walls to the foundation. The roof is protected from wind uplift by steel strapping.