Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

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Q: How long does it take for water to cause structural damage?

• <div><p>Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they&rsquo;ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.</p></div>

Q: How deep does a monolithic slab need to be?

• <div><p>The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation&mdash;which are built into a monolithic slab&mdash;sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.</p></div>

Q: What is the typical process architects follow from concept to completion?

• <div><p>The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.</p></div>

Q: Do structural engineers draw house plans?

• <div><p>Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They&rsquo;ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Cordova, AK

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Cordova, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Structural Engineering companies in Cordova, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

Last update on November 17, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Fast, efficient, reliable. Got it done less than a week. Did structural repairs.
Summit Horizon Contractor Group LLC
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Reviewed in August 2017
Work took much longer than estimated. Then, when the engine died less than a year later, they refused to stand by their work. Ended up going to Specialized Import Auto Repair for a new (used Japanese) engine, and have been very happy with their work.
SUPERIOR AUTOMOTIVE SVC
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Reviewed in November 2016
The owner cleared the blockages, then suggested we have him run a camera through the piping to the septic tank. We discovered that the piping to the septic tank had come off and was lower than the tank inlet. The owner then showed us the septic tank had flaws, and the grade from the septic tank...
Drain Masters Inc
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Reviewed in February 2016
I met the owner and he listed to the engine with a mechanic's stethascope in the parking lot. He said he believed the sound was in the bottom half of the engine and around cylinder's 3 and 4. I explained that I had done a compression test and all 6 cylinders passed with flying colors so I knew...
SAND LAKE AUTOMOTIVE
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Reviewed in February 2016
They pulled the valve cover, inspected and listened to it. Their determination was that it was either a plate between the engine and transmission or the engine needed to be replaced. I paid for their time and labor, then sought another opinion.
SENIOR AUTOMOTIVE
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Reviewed in October 2015
First, let me apologize publicly to all of my friends and acquaintances that I have referred to 'Accurate' over the years. At one time, AJ was a man of integrity who stood behind the work in his shop and I was always positive about referring people to Accurate. AJ has since, come to find out,...
Accurate Import Center Inc
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Reviewed in January 2014
We recently purchased a house that we thought was "move-in ready," as in we wouldn't have to do any remodling or repairs - within 2 weeks of moving in our septic system failed. A+ took care of all the engineering, permitting, and materials procurement for the job. I should have contracted them...
A Plus Home Services Inc
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Reviewed in September 2013
I took my vehicle in to check the engine because the light was on because of a suspected fault with my emissions system. They hooked up my car and said yes, they confirmed it was bad and needed to be replaced, but they said that those issues weren't worth fixing because I had more serious...
TUDOR AUTO CARE
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Reviewed in September 2013
Very nice people, tried to help, but think they do not know Subaru's very well maybe? Engine light came on, they replaced spark plugs, engine light went off, but then on again. They offered to look at it again free of charge. They ran diagnostics and said all is well, light was off, but then...
HALE'S TECHNICAL SVC
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Reviewed in August 2013
Very well. They comped the engine clean because they rolled down the back window and it wouldn't roll back despite hours of effort
Denali Detail LLC
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they’ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.

The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation—which are built into a monolithic slab—sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.

The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.

Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They’ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

The Cordova, AK homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Dan Simms
•
May 8, 2025May 8, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2025 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
Dan Simms
•
Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Jun 6, 2025Jun 6, 2025
2025 Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Nov 18, 2024Nov 18, 2024
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
7 Ways to Tell if a Column Is Load-Bearing or Decorative
Removing columns can open up a space, but you’ll need to exercise caution to avoid damaging your home’s structure. Use these steps to find out if your column is load-bearing.
Em Norton
•
Nov 11, 2024Nov 11, 2024
Everything to Know About LVL Beams
What is an LVL beam? Read about LVL beams to determine if this material is safe and suitable for your project.