Top-rated structural engineers.

Get matched with top structural engineers in Irondale, AL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Irondale, AL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Structural engineers in Irondale

Avatar for Foundation Repairs & Home Improvements Inc
Foundation Repairs & Home Improvements Inc
4.6(
63
)

Serving Irondale, AL and surrounding areas

In business since 1972

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I was upstairs and I heard a lot of noise and the house started shaking. There were cracks inside the house. I asked what happened and they said the jack slipped. After that they said everything was good, looked level. They were supposed to redo my front steps by tearing the whole thing down and reconstructing it, but they talked me into just letting them fill in the area under the stairs with concrete and they did a sloppy job as fast as he could so they could get paid and be done with the projects. Now water gets under those area he filled and goes into the foundation. The hand railing is also not secured well to the concrete and I requested the redo that. I realized after they were done that the house was not level by the garage door. They hired a person to install a new door and he had real trouble getting the old one taken down and then had trouble with the install as well. The crew did not clean up after themselves at all. My niece and I spent 5 hours cleaning up all the bricks and concrete. One day they left my front door open and my house was filled with concrete dust everywhere. I called them several times to ask them to come out and look at the spot above the garage that was still sagging. They would tell me they were going to come out once they get more work in the area, but never came. A few months ago he said I never complained or called him. He still hasn't been out here to look at the house and I don't think he's planning on it. The last time we talked he said he was going to call before he came out but I haven't heard from him. I was responsible for repairing the drywall crack on the interior, but was assured there wouldn't be many, however, there are huge cracks all over the house."
Before
After
After
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+20

Recommended by91%of homeowners
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The early stages of building a house are harder than the later stages; laying the foundation and framing the house are two of the most challenging steps. However, it varies for everyone. Some people have difficulty installing HVAC, plumbing, and electricity, while others find it harder to plan the house and secure the necessary permits. 

Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.

Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.

First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it’s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening—allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they’ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar. 

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

The Irondale, AL homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.
  • 🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
  • 🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
  • 🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"