"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!! "
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.
Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.
Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.
Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.
Yes, they offer plans for repairs or reinforcements to address issues.
The Mackinaw, IL homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
