Load-bearing walls are structural walls that support the weight of the building above them. They carry loads from the roof, floors, and other walls down to the foundation. These walls are essential for maintaining the stability and integrity of a structure. In contrast to non-load-bearing walls, which only support their own weight, load-bearing walls are crucial for distributing weight evenly throughout the building. When planning renovations or construction, it is important to identify these walls to avoid compromising the building's safety and stability.