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: How much weight does a 4-inch concrete slab support?

• <div><p>A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you&rsquo;re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.</p></div>

Q: Is a structural engineer’s report worth it?

• <div><p>A structural engineer&rsquo;s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won&rsquo;t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property. </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: How can you tell if a crack is structural?

• <div><p>Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren&rsquo;t uneven across the gap, and don&rsquo;t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don&rsquo;t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Galesburg, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Galesburg, 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 Galesburg, 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 December 21, 2023

Reviewed in December 2023
Overall JV did an excellent job installing our dining room floor (an engineered hardwood floor). The workers were highly skilled and patient with me as I needed to replace a threshhold as I had purchased the wrong one. Our only complaint would be some communication difficulties on the day of...
JV's Flooring
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Reviewed in November 2022
Rick and Dave did a great job on my 10Ã¢Â Â -10Ã¢Â Â door on my steel building. Installation was excellent and done to perfection. I would highly recommend them and will use them again for a couple more projects. Great job !!!
Accurate Garage Door Company, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
We had a very good experience with J&B. They performed several services for us in preparation for selling our home, including power washing our roof, painting the exterior of our home, and painting a backyard porch and patio structure. Jorge and Brenda were extremely professional, with good...
J & B Pressure Washing Services
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Reviewed in April 2021
We had a flat porch roof with water accumulating in one corner and damaging porch structure underneath. We were given a proposal that mentioned rebuilding the roof structure to prevent future pooling. The old rubberized roof was pulled off and a new one put in place but we were disappointed at...
Stronghouse
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Reviewed in April 2021
I would strongly recommend Armored Roofing. All crew members are very skilled and I received an excellent finish product. Kiel was very supportive with getting the project started and checked in often, Kabe did an excellent job of supervising the project and made sure the crew had everything...
Armored Roofing & Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
Overall the work went very well with good communication and clear expectations from the quoting process to the installation. Everyone was professional and it was clear they cared about their job. The electrical work done was very good and even the building inspector commented on how well it was...
Service Professor Inc
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Reviewed in February 2021
Warren Builders gutted the home down to the studs and beautifully rebuilt it to code. Will be hiring for future projects!
Warren Builders, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2018
Due to a growing family we needed room. My wife and I decided to expand in our existing home rather than move out of the area we love. We added a family room, two bedrooms with egress windows and a full bathroom to out basement. Having worked in the electrical contracting industry for over 20...
Larrabee Construction
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Reviewed in June 2015
Their application could be a good fit for my issue but they never followed up like I requested to provide additional engineering input and to answer my questions. The rep. that visited my house did not leave me with a written quote either. He was unable to address some of my technical...
Groundworks
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Reviewed in July 2014
Mark did a huge amount of research to find the most cost effective way to give us a pergola over a deck that is an entire story above the ground (over a walk-out). We didn't want wood that had to be painted and couldn't use vinyl over a deck...no good way to secure it and have it be a permanent...
PULVER CONSTRUCTION INC
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Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Galesburg, 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

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Galesburg, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I'm selling a home in Holland. The appraiser noticed a crack in the poured concrete foundation and asked for further investigation by a licensed foundation expert. Bryan Foster showed up promptly, provided a written report that confirmed no settlement, bowing or water intrusion, and charged a fair price. I didn't need or ask for an estimate, but Mr. Foster provided one free. I appreciate that the estimate was separate from the inspection report."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Galesburg, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was very good. They were professional. They were very quick in the work."

+101

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

A structural engineer’s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won’t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property.

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, 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.

Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.

The Galesburg, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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