Do monolithic slabs have footers?

• <div><p>All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.</p></div>

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Q: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </p></div>

Q: How much weight does a 4-inch concrete slab support?

• <div><p>A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you&rsquo;re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.</p></div>

Q: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</p></div>

Q: Is a structural engineer’s report worth it?

• <div><p>A structural engineer&rsquo;s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won&rsquo;t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Dow, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Dow, IL 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 Dow, IL 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 August 01, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Our pro, Fred, worked around the inclement weather to tear down an old deck and build a beautiful, structurally sound replacement. He provided great customer service along with an extensive knowledge of deck building. He also went above and beyond in communicating the steps of the process and...
Think Tank Enterprises
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Reviewed in August 2024
I've worked with Scott Reid on several construction projects requiring structural engineering services. Every time Scott's work has been professional, on time, and very reasonably priced.
Open Concept Engineering
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Reviewed in June 2022
Hired for Structural Engineer Evaluation Jacob truly enjoys his job, has great knowledge in his field of work and he likes to help others. Professional, quick response.
Scapular Engineering Firm
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Reviewed in March 2019
My job turned out to be more complicated than originally thought, and they worked really hard to take care of getting rid of my trees, bushes and an old fountain (which had some structural elements that had to be removed as well).They were very courteous and cleaned up the site very well. I...
Accurate Tree & Landscaping Services
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Reviewed in April 2018
The Estimator is very professional. The Quote structure and presentation is very good. The Quote provided by Allen Construction, LLC does not identify/address the roofing issues in a comprehensive manner.
Allan Construction & Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2017
The work was amateurish and they have dubious expertise. They started to put in the finishes without inspecting, checking, or repairing structural components such as roof or foundation. I've attached a picture of our roof after this company had supposedly finished work. The roof is in bad shape....
J Evans Design & Remodeling
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Reviewed in October 2015
The engineer made it very easy for me to complete repairs. His written instructions were easily understandable. I would contact them again if I felt I needed more repair work guidance
DOTEC, Corp.
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Reviewed in July 2014
Two years ago my wife and I noticed that our foundation was beginning to settle. We had huge cracks in the dry-wall and our front door wasn't opening and closing properly. We decided to contact Advanced Foundation Repair and Replacement, owner Frank Matyiko. He got a structural engineer to our...
Advanced Foundation Repair & Replacement
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Reviewed in January 2014
Got two bids... One was more detailed and extensive with drywall replacement and additional framing if needed. Carpenter looked at the problem and asked if he could get up in attic to see behind the wall to determine structural issues. Found that framing was there but drywall not anchored. Put...
Saint Charles Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2013
Tim Becker, the owner, was very professional and personable, easy to deal with. He knew his stuff as he has a lot of experience building from scratch. His price was not the lowest or the highest; he was the middle bid, but I liked how he dealt with me right from the start - he was confident in...
BB Contracting & Remodeling LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Dow

Advanced Foundation Repair & Replacement

5.0(

)

Serving Dow, IL and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

"Two years ago my wife and I noticed that our foundation was beginning to settle. We had huge cracks in the dry-wall and our front door wasn't opening and closing properly. We decided to contact Advanced Foundation Repair and Replacement, owner Frank Matyiko. He got a structural engineer to our house. The engineer recommended that we needed twelve piers in order to fix our foundation. the entire construction project went as planned. Advance Foundation provided us with a transferable warranty in case we decided to sell our home.
The overall experience was wonderful their crew was very professional and we would use them again and recommend them to anyone!!
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Dow, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Absolutely perfect, imagine remodeling your kitchen and knowing what you want and actually getting what you want right in front of your eyes.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

A structural engineer’s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won’t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property.

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