What is the function of load-bearing walls in a building?

The function of load-bearing walls is to support vertical loads and transfer them to the foundation. Load-bearing walls are crucial components of a building's structural integrity, as they bear the weight of the roof, floors, and other loads above them. The strength of these walls allows them to effectively distribute these loads down to the building's foundation, ensuring stability and safety.

In contrast, while insulation against extreme temperatures, energy efficiency, and open floor layouts are important aspects of building design, they do not pertain specifically to the primary structural function of load-bearing walls. Insulation is typically provided by materials designed to resist heat flow, energy efficiency measures involve various construction and design strategies, and open floor layouts often rely on non-load-bearing partitions to create flexible living spaces without compromising structural support.