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 Berlin, MD

Q: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</p></div>

Q: What is the typical process architects follow from concept to completion?

• <div><p>The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.</p></div>

Q: Do services include structural reinforcement?

• <div><p>Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.</p></div>

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Berlin, MD

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Berlin, MD 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 Berlin, MD 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 09, 2024

Reviewed in February 2024
Joel and his crew did an excellent job installing a retaining wall structure to prevent erosion. That also laid sod and trim some trees. Very thorough job and left everything cleaned up when finished. We were very pleased.
Green World Landscaping LLC
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Reviewed in May 2021
John Kattwinkel and his team provided an incredible customer experience! We replaced an aging deck and added some retaining walls and planting areas. John listened closely to what we liked and didn't like about our existing structures and came back with a design that we loved. Osman and his team...
Green Future Construction
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Reviewed in May 2021
John Kattwinkel and his team provided an incredible customer experience! We replaced an aging deck and added some retaining walls and planting areas. John listened closely to what we liked and didn't like about our existing structures and came back with a design that we loved. Osman and...
Green Future Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
Exceptional service at a fair price. Would recommend BW Engineering, and will use again.
BW Engineering
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Reviewed in October 2020
We had a very large tree fall on our house and do major structural damage. I called several contractors to give us a price for repairs. Henry came out on time when he said we would meet and got me the proposal the same day. Henry and Heidie were a pleasure to work with always replying to my...
Atlantic Coast Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2020
We hired Jeff Maunes and crew to replace the supporting piers, decking, and extensive finishing/trim work of a quite-large covered porch. Importantly, the job involved correcting structural work that had not been done correctly when the porch was first built. Jeff has many years experience and...
Coastal Custom Builders
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Reviewed in January 2020
Not sure if I picked the correct category as TSK Construction did multiple repair and remodeling jobs for me. I hired TSK to do some major repairs on a rental property that I acquired that was in very bad condition. TSK replaced all the wooden windows in the house with nice vinyl insulating...
TSK Construction - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in May 2018
Waterworks explained in detail the process of building our patio at our first meeting. The owner is an engineer who gave me a complete description of the foundation which was lmportant to me because of the sandy soil in this area. The price was reasonable, quality excellent and the job completed...
Waterworks of Delmarva, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2017
Work was performed as quoted. They found some problems with underlying structure being rotted out by water damage from previously incorrectly installed gutters. They repaired/replaced the damaged area as well. Very professional and the job looked great when they were done. They cleaned up after...
Hershey Exteriors
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Reviewed in September 2012
I phoned Walsh Home Improvements initially to get in contact with a structural engineer. They recommended an excellent engineer who inspected the building and wrote a letter outlining necessary repairs. Ken Walsh met with the engineer and then sent us a competitive price. Ken was prompt and...
Walsh Home Improvement Co Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Berlin

Leeward Engineering, LLC

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Serving Berlin, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

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Leeward Engineering, LLC has been in business since 2005, we are locally owned and operated structural engineering business. We have many years of experience to give you confidence that we are your number one choice for your next home project. Call us today and we look forward to your future business!\n\n

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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)

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.

Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

The Berlin, MD 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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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
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Everything to Know About LVL Beams
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A sill plate needs to be replaced when it starts to rot out. Use this guide to help you know who to hire to replace a sill plate at your home.