Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</p></div>

Do I need a structural engineer to knock down a wall?

• <div><p>In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Schaefferstown, PA

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

Q: Why are studs 16 inches apart?

• <div><p>In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called &quot;on-center&quot; and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called &quot;advanced framing&quot;. This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure 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 Schaefferstown, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Schaefferstown, PA 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 Schaefferstown, PA 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 May 31, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
We are thrilled with the hardwood floor refinishing work done by Kevin Smith Flooring. Randall and Mickey were professional, respectful of our home and easy to work with. Our floors are engineered pecan. The actual wood measures about a quarter inch. Because of this, the work was challenging....
Kevin Smith Flooring
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Reviewed in November 2024
Renovations/Additions are not easy and the reason why we delayed this project for two years... A contractor must be creative and thorough to make the addition blend with current structure and "look right" Owner Dan S. was on our jobsite consistently and communicated well regarding...
Gateway Building Concepts LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
We are very pleased with our remodel. This company/contractor was incredibly professional and easy to work with throughout the process. The end result exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Somrok, Inc to any homeowner looking for a high-quality remodel!
Somrok, Inc. DBA Stephen Black Builders, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2024
We cannot in good conscience recommend this builder. We were hopeful in the start as EG was highly praised but it appears their standards have fallen, especially in the Lititz communities. The sales and building process did not go smoothly. We had several issues with miscommunication regarding...
Art Barker
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Reviewed in July 2023
Create a dream takes pride in their work! Top notch professionals. We will continue to use them for any of our framing needs. Would highly recommend Amos and David to anybody!
Create A Dream Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
I have used Guthrie welding service for a few things in the past. Everything from a custom fire pit, a brush bar for my Silverado, and a structural header beam with anchors for a new door opening. Great communication and timely delivery is why I recommend this company!
Guthrie Welding Service
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Reviewed in December 2020
Paul and his crew were prompt, gracious and very capable. They did a quality roofing job where our garage had been damaged by a fallen tree branch, working with old and new structural issues. They were affable, hard working and even put up with a wandering peacock who supervised them! This is...
All Around Gutters, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2020
My experience with Green Home Solutions of Lancaster was a dream come true. I had a major issue with mold / water damage which required structural repair. The initial contact was almost like talking to a friend, which I now consider the entire team as friends now. The work crew were efficient...
Green Home Solutions
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Reviewed in July 2019
Outstanding and professional at a fair price! I would definitely recommend them to all looking for quality work on their home. My wife and I are already discussing future projects, and we will will certainly be calling on Wyomissing Structures again!
Wyomissing Structures, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2019
Great! I have had many projects completed in my 30 year old home and have used various contractors. Touch of Class was by far the most professional group I’ve hired. The room was an add shape and there were some challenges and Steve and his crew made it seem simple. The design results were very...
A Touch of Class Remodeling INC
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Find Structural engineers in Schaefferstown

Kiro Engineering, LLC

4.8(

)

Serving Schaefferstown, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very professional experience with Mina, the engineer who thoroughly explained his findings and suggested remedies. He confirmed house settlement suspicions and causes in a lengthy, detailed report complete with photos. I trust Kiro Engineering and would highly recommend them for structural engineering consultation and peace of mind."

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Serving Schaefferstown, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We had a great experience working with NEC. I specifically appreciated the effieciency time wise and continuos maximum effort despite setbacks. Thank you NEC!"

+35

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Whye Structural Services, LLC

4.8(

)

Serving Schaefferstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Tom was great. Very efficient and thorough. Gave a trusted recommendation about a load bearing wall."

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Schaefferstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Dee is a solid guy and excellent engineer. My project required him to design and create the engineering specs to navigate our town's permitting process. His thoroughness exceeded my expectations. I recommend and trust Dee on any future project."

+10

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

222

)

Serving Schaefferstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"Clear specific recommendations to stabilize and correct sinking foundation & leaning walls on my 100 year old solid brick garage. Will implement recommendations. Although engineering report was promised within 7 to 10 days of inspection, it was received in 25 days. Worth the wait, great overall experience."

Response time1 day

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

162

)

Serving Schaefferstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"Tim, is extremely Knowledgeable in his field. He showed up on time and he was pleasant and nice to work with. Tim put together drawings for a retainer wall I had built. I was very pleased with the drawing. He certified the drawing and signed off. Tim, thanks a lot. I highly recommend Tim if you need an experience Engineer that deals with retainer walls. Wanda. Langhorne, PA -Residence Customer."

Tolans drill rig for extinguishing mine fire

+23

Recommended by91%of homeowners

Serving Schaefferstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Trusted by small businesses & large corporations, FIALCO, LLC helps You develop smart, functional & cost effective designs for various construction Projects. As the result, high percentage of our business is from repeat customers & referrals.\nFIALCO is a team of skilled & creative engineers & designers with exceptional work ethics. We enjoy working with people, appreciate the importance of achieving quality in engineering & construction & are constantly available to assist & guide our customers toward the best possible designs. We can offer you a broad base of knowledge, strong desire & a proven ability to solve various engineering & design problems promptly & efficiently.\nFIALCO can offer you Civil/Structural/Architectural Engineering & Design Services for residential, commercial & industrial construction Projects; structural inspections; permitting services. FIALCO is ready to help with your engineering & design needs. Please call at 215.394.5599 or e-mail at [email protected].

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure 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 Schaefferstown, PA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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