Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>Because of their composite structure, cutting or drilling LVL beams can compromise their integrity. We strongly advise contacting a general contractor or <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/structural-engineers/">structural engineer</a> before making any alterations to LVL beams. Professionals can also answer questions about choosing between a<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pier-and-beam-vs-slab.htm"> pier and beam versus slab foundation</a> when designing your project.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Rayville, LA

Q: How deep does a monolithic slab need to be?

• <div><p>The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation&mdash;which are built into a monolithic slab&mdash;sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.</p></div>

Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</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: Why should I add structural support for my house after I raise it?

• <div><p>If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.</p></div>

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Matrix Technology Services

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Matrix Technology Services

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12 years of experience

Matrix Technology Services is an Oklahoma grown company founded and operated by a born and raised Oklahoma Veteran. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction will not be matched. With over 20 years of experience in electronics and low voltage wiring, we bring a unique combination of abilities and qualifications. We are a Bicsi Certified company. Knowledge and education are an integral part of our operation and philosophy. We seek to provide only the most qualified ICT cabling professionals in the industry. Contact us today to see how we can improve your ICT experience.

CMC Florida Investment Construction

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CMC Florida Investment Construction

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19 years of experience

Our company offers new construction and project management services for commercial, multifamily buildings and homes.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Rayville, LA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Rayville, 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 Rayville, 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 December 30, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
We are so happy with our new roof. Dustin Vetal with "All Ears Roofing" stayed with us thru the entire re-roof. He is amazing and knows what he's doing. Seems to really care about his company and clients.
All Ears Roofing
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Reviewed in August 2024
They were professional and provided services that were needed. Was on time for the job and that's a plus for me.
All in One S & P Contracting Services, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2023
I paid $13,000 for foundation repairs that did not ever address the 3" of sinking floors to the middle of my floors, after getting 2 separate opinions/quotes from Groundworks and Peak Structural, Inc., owned by the same company.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in November 2023
I paid $13,000 for foundation repairs that did not ever address the 3" of sinking floors to the middle of my floors, after getting 2 separate opinions/quotes from Groundworks and Peak Structural, Inc., owned by the same company. Recently, I have not been able to get in contact with anyone...
Groundworks
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Reviewed in July 2023
I had a great experience with the company. The customer service was great. Very professional, knowledgeable, courteous and detail oriented. I will definitely refer others.
E&C Power Washing
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Reviewed in July 2023
They did a great job and very professional, will have them back out next year to power wash my house again!
JR Home Improvement Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
On time, efficient, thorough, and competent. I highly recommend Chad.
5A Service Company, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2012
Mr. Hamm and his crew provided us with a high quality repair of the foundation on our enclosed sunroom on the back of our house- which appears to have shifted on the foundation due to multiple issues: 1. it was added as an afterthought and built on top of brick pavers instead of an actual true...
Leland Hamm Foundation & Construction
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation—which are built into a monolithic slab—sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

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.

If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.

Because of their composite structure, cutting or drilling LVL beams can compromise their integrity. We strongly advise contacting a general contractor or structural engineer before making any alterations to LVL beams. Professionals can also answer questions about choosing between a pier and beam versus slab foundation when designing your project.

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