Get matched with top structural engineers in Drexel, MO

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 the same as a foundation engineer?

• <div><p>Structural engineers specialize in all aspects of a building&rsquo;s structural integrity, including the foundation. Foundation engineering is a critical part of structural engineering, so structural engineers are experts in foundation design. Many foundation repair companies either have a structural engineer on staff or one they work closely with, so be sure you look for that when deciding <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-do-i-hire-foundation-repair.htm">who to hire for foundation repair</a>.</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>

Q: How do professionals incorporate framing into existing structures?

• <div><p>By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.</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 Drexel, MO

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Drexel, MO 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 Drexel, MO 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 03, 2024

Reviewed in December 2024
John and his team are outstanding. They did a great job replacing our door and took the time to talk us through the other projects that we are thinking of. Looking forward to hiring them again.
Build Harvest
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Reviewed in April 2024
Roofing Force did a great job, customer service was very good. We would highly recommend them!
Roofing Force, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Amazing Job!!!! Love the railing!!! :)
Cantrell Iron Works
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Reviewed in February 2024
Removed huge heavy tree from property using excavator. Fairly priced. Made quick work of project. Highly recommend.
Grade A Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
First the good: They were quick to schedule and flexible for my work schedule. They text for communication. They did a good job cleaning up afterwards. The technician was very friendly, came prepared, and pet friendly. The not so good: They didn?t scope out the entire project, they just...
Air Duct Indiana
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Reviewed in June 2021
This is a very good company. They came out right away and gave us a very fair and reasonable estimate. We hired them. In no time they had the job done, and it looks great! They trimmed 4 large trees in our front yard. I highly recommend Spears!
Spears Lawn and Landscape, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
Reese construction went above and beyond on our project. They were fair and honest when handling our changes. The owner of the company was present throughout the project and communicated with us regularly.
Reese Construction
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Reviewed in February 2017
Service was good and was impressed at first but then found out later noting was built to code it was horrible. Code violations according to the engineer that came out. Building inspector informed it was not built to code and hire an engineer.
Brackmann Construction
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Reviewed in October 2016
Ed provided exceptional service at a great price. He was easy to work with and my wife loved dealing with him as well. I have to share that the very first project I asked Ed to bid was a complete deck rebuild without sharing I may have any future business for him at all. He drew up the bid for...
L & E Enterprise
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Reviewed in September 2012
The excavation and leveling of my property was done with a laser level and compacted very well about 3 weeks before the delivery of the post frame building materials. Because I was so impressed with the quality of the ground work, I hired the same company to excavate and construct a stone...
Quality Structures Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Drexel

Residential Engineering Services, LLC

4.9(

)

Serving Drexel, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Credit card accepted

"The engineer was on time, explained everything to my satisfaction, and thorough. I would hire him again."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Advanced Foundation Repair & Replacement

5.0(

)

Serving Drexel, MO and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

"Two years ago my wife and I noticed that our foundation was beginning to settle. We had huge cracks in the dry-wall and our front door wasn't opening and closing properly. We decided to contact Advanced Foundation Repair and Replacement, owner Frank Matyiko. He got a structural engineer to our house. The engineer recommended that we needed twelve piers in order to fix our foundation. the entire construction project went as planned. Advance Foundation provided us with a transferable warranty in case we decided to sell our home.
The overall experience was wonderful their crew was very professional and we would use them again and recommend them to anyone!!
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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816 Residential Construction

5.0(

)

Serving Drexel, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Extremely easy to work with and great pricing! Will definitely use this company again."

+19

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Vision Renovation LLC

New to Angi

Serving Drexel, MO and surrounding areas

Hello, I work under Vision Renovation LLC,We are a good company,very hardworking, Honest and Reasonable, people who believe in helping in anyway possible.

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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.

Structural engineers specialize in all aspects of a building’s structural integrity, including the foundation. Foundation engineering is a critical part of structural engineering, so structural engineers are experts in foundation design. Many foundation repair companies either have a structural engineer on staff or one they work closely with, so be sure you look for that when deciding who to hire for foundation repair.

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.

By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.

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 Drexel, MO 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

Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
What to Expect From a Structural Engineer Foundation Inspection
Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.