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 Elwood, KS

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</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>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Elwood, KS

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Elwood, KS 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 Elwood, KS 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 April 07, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Renew crew knocked it out of the park and exceeded expectations! They built a fence and a deck for us. We ran into a couple of unexpected costs when removing the old deck of some rotting wood on the house. They fixed that as well and did not price gouge us at all. They also replaced a window and...
Renew Crew Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
Best fence construction I have seen in a long time. All planks SCREWED IN no nails! Straight and even. Very good price for the whole job! Highly recommend Mark!
Boothroyd Construction
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Reviewed in October 2024
Laundry closet build. Framing, drywall, electrical, plumbing, flooring and painting. Excellent service and care taken to finish project. Will use again for other home projects.
Homestead Restoration LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
My house was built in 1952. They encountered some plumbing rerouting challenges. I didnâ t know if it was possible to change but not only did they figure out how to properly do it but gave me sounder, safer plumbing. Very honest and quality workers
Good Homes Construction
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Reviewed in November 2022
K & M Concrete Leveling and Poly Services are professional and a courteous company. They go above and beyond to provide great work and to make sure the customer is satisfied. I highly recommend them.
K & M Concrete Leveling and Poly Services
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Reviewed in May 2022
Boss Remodeling did an excellent job on repairing my ceiling. They finished within the weekend and they were very affordable. Highly recommend this team!
Boss Remodeling
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Reviewed in June 2021
We had Thrasher look at the same project & all I wanted to know if it was repairable, the cost, & when it could be completed. He came out & recommended tearing out my front steps and starting over. There was nothing they could do to repair the front steps into our home. APEX...
Apex Concrete Lifting
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Reviewed in September 2016
We were so pleased with the work done!! As the job was a remodel, a structural issue was discovered which was resolved by Van Cleve quickly and professionally. All of the work was completed in a timely and professional manner. The staff was profession, courteous and very skilled.
Van Cleave Construction, Remodeling, & Design
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Reviewed in August 2014
I had a bad head gasket, and was told by the dealer that I needed a <br /> complete engine replaced. This would cost me 5000.00 and I did not feel <br /> the truck was worth doing that. A coworker told me to take the truck to <br /> Dipstix and have Melvin or Jarrett look at it. After a good...
Dipstix Truck & Auto
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Reviewed in July 2014
I bought my wife a newer vehicle a 2010 Chevy Equinox when they called us to come up and take a look at it they had it in the detail shop you can't see the car that well. We ended up buying it after getting it home the next day we started noticing damage on the front fender/bumper, none of which...
RANDY REED CHEVROLET LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Elwood

H2K Services LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Elwood, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

"Michael is an outstanding structural engineer and fantastic businessman. From the time of our first call through well after the project, he was professional and helpful. He clearly explained his process and made sure I was able to understand his conclusions. He went well above and beyond to make sure that we got what we needed to move forward with our next phases of work. In addition to providing the engineering diagrams we needed, he explained the math behind them in clear and easily understood terms. A man of integrity, he did everything he promised he would do and more. Hopefully, I won't have need of a structural engineer again in the near future but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to call Michael first."

Response time11 hrs

Response rate98%

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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Vision Renovation LLC

New to Angi

Serving Elwood, KS and surrounding areas

Hello, I work under Vision Renovation LLC,We are a good company,very hardworking, Honest and Reasonable, people who believe in helping in anyway possible.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

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 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.

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 Elwood, KS 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

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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
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Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.