Why should I pick steel for my new support beam?

• <div><p>You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:</p><ul><li><p>Fire-resistant</p></li><li><p>Unaffected by pests</p></li><li><p>Longer-lasting</p></li><li><p>Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Round Lake Park, IL

Q: For which type of foundation cracking should a structural engineer be recommended?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders</a> requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sinking-foundation.htm">sinking foundation</a>, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.</p></div>

Q: If you do the work yourself, how can you be sure your home is still structurally sound?

• <div><p>If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-architect-cost.htm">pay to hire an architect</a> or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re not sure your home will be completely safe when you&rsquo;ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs of structural damage?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/signs-of-structural-damage.htm">Signs of structural damage</a> include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems. </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>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Round Lake Park, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Round Lake Park, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Round Lake Park, 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 Round Lake Park, 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 February 25, 2022

Reviewed in February 2022
Polena Engineering is fast, accurate and very accommodating. Heather M. is friendly and helpful and always returned emails promptly. I will only use Polena for my survey projects!
Polena Engineering, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2021
We originally thought we needed to fix some stone on our entry stairs and porch. Mario and his team found that the stone was too deteriorated to repair and the underlying structure was also deteriorated. They took the time necessary to get things fixed and looking amazing. They also looked over...
F & M MASONRY CONSTRUCTION INC.
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2018
B&G Remodeling did excellent work on the structure in my yard. The structure had a few imperfections and B&G worked through them to vinyl side the structure.
B & G Remodeling Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2017
I was very satisfied with the overall project. Dave Hacker was on top of all the details throughout the project, rescheduling or expediting as needed. Made good recommendations on materials and design. Quality of the workmanship was excellent. Roofing contractor deserves extra kudos for making...
HX Home Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2015
Generally very well. There was some delay in getting the actual estimate from the time it was measured and evaluated. More than 2 weeks for the estimate, which seemed long to me. When demo commenced there was an additional layer of siding that needed removal. Also, the sheeting was...
D-Wing Construction Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2015
My patio was sinking and rodents were getting under my house. <br /> Once I determined that the problem was not structural, but caused by poor drainage from my gutters along with natural settling, I called landscaping services to help. <br /> B&C Pavers was recommended to me by one of...
B&C Pavers and Landscaping Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
BEFORE THE WORK <br /> We met with Andy last year at the end of the season to discuss our options. Our patio was old and falling apart after years of chipmunks, roots, weeds and erosion. We had two short, collapsing staircases. We had gotten quotes from three other companies. We chose Seasonal...
Seasonal Landscape Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2013
The house is 90 years old, and Jay and his Team helped us create a design that matches perfectly with the house's style, while tastefully updating to modern amenities. Jay was careful to set-up HEPA filtration during demolition and kept dust / mess to a minimum-- not an easy task as plaster...
Inspired Living Spaces
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2013
Mark D. from Stuart K Jacobson & Assoc. was prompt and courteous when he came out to do the measurements. As he worked, we talked about all the home repair projects we have going on and he gave us more helpful information for some other issues going on that weren't related to our project. The...
Stuart K Jacobson & Associates Ltd
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2013
<p>I am a licensed Home Inspector in the State of Illinois and Wayne was recommended to me by several contacts that I have in the business. After checking out his references and a few jobs that he had done, we sat down and developed a plan for the work that I needed done to my home and he came...
Wayne Mortensen & Son, General Contractor
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Round Lake Park

Great Lakes Builders Inc

4.8(

169

)

Serving Round Lake Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1946

Customers say: Super punctual

"Martin and Jake are the absolute best to work with. They were thorough, efficient, professional and so easy to work with for our basement structural work. They took time to explain what needed to be done, coordinated with different contractors (plumbing, electrical), and were able to complete our project on time while we were out of town for just a week(!!). I can't recommend Great Lakes Builders more - they were a pleasure to work with and we will absolutely be using them again for any future work we need. 5+ stars!"

Response time1 day

Response rate92%

Recommended by97%of homeowners

Request Quote

Structural Design Corp

5.0(

)

Serving Round Lake Park, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

"structural integrity assessment of our home"

Response time5 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

HOME INSTALLATION PROFESSIONALS INC

4.1(

)

Serving Round Lake Park, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1973

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"The entire crew including Brian Weinstock, the owner, was very hands on and extremely helpful throughout the whole process in every way. The crews treated our home as if it was their own and cleaned up very well each day. Brian was very honest, he stuck to the proposal and contract, Everything looks fantastic and it couldn't have gone more smoothly!!! We would highly recommend him to anyone."

Recommended by86%of homeowners

Request Quote

American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Round Lake Park, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"I would like to start off with precise, warm welcome and highly responsible of what they are doing. They really know what they are doing and from start from start to end it has been a great project with new experiences and great craftsmanship. Thanks again guys and i hope to have more work for you soon...
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Round Lake Park, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Painting was not completed as desired. Many incomplete areas with paint splashes and spills on floor (the latter was cleaned up by their cleaning crew when I complained). Painter was let go and several others were asked to complete the work but none did a great job and still many areas not completed. I stopped the process and will finish it myself.
"

Recommended by57%of homeowners

Request Quote

A2 Engineering Services P.C

New to Angi

Serving Round Lake Park, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission 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.

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The National Association of Home Builders requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a sinking foundation, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.

If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can pay to hire an architect or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you’re not sure your home will be completely safe when you’ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.

Signs of structural damage include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems.

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.

You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:

Fire-resistant
Unaffected by pests
Longer-lasting
Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)

The Round Lake Park, IL homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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

See all articles

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 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.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
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.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
15 Warning Signs That a House Will Collapse
A home doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Learn the warning signs that a house will collapse, so you can protect your family and your home.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
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.