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>

How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Decatur, MI

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

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: Are ceiling joists load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they&rsquo;re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Decatur, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Decatur, MI 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 Decatur, MI 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 March 27, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
I needed to have tie down work done on a mobile home already on its foundation. William was able to find a solution when the engineer's fixes were not feasible. He even found and repaired issues inspectors missed. His prices and payment are very reasonable and the work was done in as timely a...
William Matheson
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Reviewed in February 2025
Homeowner here... I can't properly explain how absolutely thrilled we are with the work that Bronson and the Brawny Builders have done with our lake cottage. Last summer, we started with a plan to simply paint the exterior. But the project slowly unfolded into something much larger. Bronson is...
Brawny Builders
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Reviewed in August 2024
Highly recommend this service! They removed all the construction debris from my remodel quickly and professionally.
Daily Junk & Service
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Reviewed in June 2023
Great job! Reasonably priced, and fast turn around! He welded a lawn furniture set that we thought was trashâ ¦Thank You for saving it!
Rebel Fabrication, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
This company knows what they are doing! He even helped us realize some small modifications to our original design would be extremely beneficial giving us extra room in our bathroom remodel for my husbands walker. His prices for materials is spot on. He listened to what we needed and completely...
Build Craft
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Reviewed in October 2021
Chuck built a treated lumber retaining wall. The design, engineering, and construction were outstanding. His communication was prompt, thorough, and understandable. He was very personable, he listened and, was adaptable. A great choice for your retaining wall project.
Golden Construction
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Reviewed in January 2021
Very satisfied with all the work that was done! We had major structure issues with our roof that they took time to correct and assure that we had no issues going forward! We also had all new siding, windows and a deck installed on the front of the house! They made sure to advise us of issues as...
Fuson Construction
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Reviewed in August 2018
Rob removed a (large) gas fireplace (including piping and fake chimney structure) in our living room and put in a sliding glass door. He also built a 16X16 deck off the door. He is dependable and did an excellent job. The door and deck look like they were always there. Rob has done work for us...
Rob Seth Construction
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Reviewed in February 2018
During the project, Turnkey identified some significant structural damage which they were able to correct. They proved to be a much better choice than just a company who focuses solely on siding as this repair was very challenging. Throughout the project, they were very professional and provided...
Turnkey Builders LLC
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Reviewed in May 2015
<p>I had nine large oak trees that were becoming hazardous to my house and pole barn. Five which were very close to the two structures (within eight feet). Some of these trees were almost three feet in diameter. (two were larger). I had three other estimates and their estimate was the...
J & S Tree Removal Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Decatur

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Decatur, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Offers commercial services

"Robert responded quickly to my request. He provided me with the services I needed in a timely fashion. I would recommend Robert Cowles PE for your project."

Response time1 day

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Decatur, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great. From the project manager - Bryan Foster - to the crew chief - Shane - I don't think I could have been in better hands. Professional, knowledgeable, polite, hard working, on time, no surprises, and they left the place cleaner than it was before they came!! I highly recommend this company and the individuals I mentioned."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

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.

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.

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.

The Decatur, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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