Get matched with top structural engineers in Windsor Heights, IA

Q: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

Q: What building codes apply to spiral staircases?

• <div><p>Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.</p></div>

Q: What qualifications should a structural engineer have?

• <div><p>Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Windsor Heights, IA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Windsor Heights, IA 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 Windsor Heights, IA 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 May 26, 2023

Reviewed in May 2023
Our 100+ year old house had some very real structural problems (some of which couldnâ t be totally evaluated until some walls were opened up) but Scott was very honest when presenting what needed to be done. He was accurate on the timeline, and he and his crew showed up every day....
Essence Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
Project: Remove two very tall and towering trees from a neighbors multiple trunked base that had split near the base. Very experienced in determining the best approach to taking down the most critical portions of the tree and protecting surrounding structures. Continued working in cold...
ArborPro Tree Service
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Reviewed in March 2017
Seltzer pull up on the left and checked the transmission, clutch, brakes, engine oil leaks and the condition of the frame and metal support structures. In less than an hour, they came up with a full report on all the repairs that would be needed and even took me out in the shop to point each of...
Silzer Auto Repair
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Reviewed in November 2015
We are very happy with the results Gilbert and the E-Pride team delivered for us. They were punctual and efficient and did excellent work. A couple of my neighbors who are concrete and structural engineers checked the work while in progress and said that we were getting high grade cement and...
E Pride LLC
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Reviewed in August 2015
According to the website, the person we met with is a "Foundation Expert." Per his advice, we needed about $8000 in beams because the cement blocks showed bowing/cracking. This house is only 650 sq feet and built in the 1950s. He basically implied that the walls had extensive damage and the...
Better Basement Technologies LLC
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Reviewed in July 2015
Basically, we have a 24 year old complex angled cedar deck with an attached fenced in gazebo that looked awful and had recently begun to worry me in terms of structural integrety, especially the railings. I called Ted after reading his reviews and looking at the photos he has. He was out of...
Deck Doctor
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Reviewed in May 2013
Renco has not responded to requests to remedy or provide information. They their own interpretation of the repairs needed from the engineering report, but have not justified the work according to the report. Renco, made suggestions to the HOA as to the finish on the balcony, which was a lower...
RENCO Roofing
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Reviewed in March 2012
It went well. we could not do it as I had planned because of structural problems, but it turned out well nonetheless.
Eagle Electric Inc
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Reviewed in November 2011
This was our first time dealing with a contractor. We wish we had investigated more options, especially with someone located locally. This company prefabs garages in Omaha, NE and they do a pretty good job. Ron, the salesperson, was very nice and as helpful as possible. It seemed difficult...
Garage Co.
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Reviewed in September 2011
As it turned out it wasn't something they were able to help me with at least at this point. It takes some structural repair first and then they would be able to do it. They were knowledgeable and friendly. They offered pointers on what needed to be done before they could provide their service....
Pingel Mudjacking
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Find Structural engineers in Windsor Heights

Professional Contracting Iowa

5.0(

)

Serving Windsor Heights, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent job from beginning to end. They laid down 130’ of plywood to run the skid loader from the road to the spot in the backyard. Only one small narrow rut/grass removed in the yard where the skid loader slid a board while turning the corner around the garage. I'd never ever think of complaining about that. Can't even imagine the number of trips made across those boards. 14 ton of dirt and around 4 yards of concrete was moved on those boards. Definitely impressed with over-excavating and compacting rock, great job vibrating the concrete which left very few noticeable air holes and putting on cure-n-seal when not asked. Great job on the finish and they removed the remaining plywood chips with a thatch rake leaving little to no signs they were even here."

+26

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Cornerstone Engineering Services

New to Angi

Serving Windsor Heights, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 10 years of experience, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, \nquality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our \nmission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\n//\nM-F: 3pm - 6pm

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.

Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

The Windsor Heights, IA 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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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
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