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: What’s the difference between an architect and an engineer?

• <div><p>The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you&rsquo;re designing and building a new home.</p></div>

Q: Is a structural engineer the same as a builder?

• <div><p>No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.</p></div>

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: How much weight can 6 inches of concrete hold?

• <div><p>On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you&rsquo;re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Iowa, LA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Iowa, LA 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 Iowa, LA 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 September 13, 2024

Reviewed in September 2024
WM Construction has done excellent work for us over the years. Carpentry, concrete work, roofing ,fence building, Painting,welding, remodels.. etc. If you want it done right, Call WM Construction. The entire crew takes pride in their work and turn out quality craftsmanship every time! Micah...
W M Construction and Enterprise LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Integrity, not much left out there, Webers Construction does a good job when nobody looking. Every job I have seen done is done with excellence.
Webers Construction Services LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
In Lake Charles, Hurricane Laura destroyed our house and with mold it was taken done to studs. Papillion Construction did insulation, ceiling, drywall, flooring, tiled in bathroom, replaced some doors, painted all walls, extended my kitchen and made a pantry for 2,900 sq ft house. Ian is very...
Papillion Construction
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Reviewed in April 2023
Contractors were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They did an amazing job. I love my backyard fence and gates.
Sanders Contracting Services, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
Our contractor, Johnathan, and his crew did a great job. They did demo and completely rebuilt 2 exterior walls inside & out. They hung drywall, painted and put baseboard on. They did extra work too. He painted my exterior brick and repainted it after I didnâ t like the color I chose. His...
Acevon Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Very easy to work with. Pleased with the quality of the construction. Boathouse rebuild was better than expected. Once project was begun they were there all day until completion. Price was reasonable. Highly recommend.
Southwest Marine Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Caden is an exceptional contractor he completed three separate quotes as I requested and work with me to build the fence I wanted board on board & custom steel framed gates the fence was then stained and galvanized schedule-40 posted painted black it turned out beautiful itâ s the best...
CSF Premier Properties
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Reviewed in December 2020
Ak New Jersey construction from the estimation to the contractors they were on time very professional and quality work. The owner was amazing helping us with that accurred. Then when the job was done all of the workers went around the house and cleaned up everything left it the way it was when...
AK New Jersey Construction
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Reviewed in May 2018
Unfortunately a zero rating is not an option. Hired Able Fence and Deck to build a 600 SF above ground deck to match up with the 14 ft elevation of our home. We detected many problems and poor workmanship and Jason and Chasity assured us that any and all problems would be corrected at their...
Able Fence & Deck
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Reviewed in February 2014
|The end result is a beautiful dining room and front porch. Tony, and his assistant Tim, not only completed the repairs that we requested but also corrected several problems that we didn't know we had. They did a complete walk around inspection of the house and pointed out some problems that...
Genesis Construction
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PDK House Leveling and Foundation Repair

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In business since 1997

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Spec LLC is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customer's interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Please give us a call today!

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.

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.

No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.

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.

On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you’re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs.

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