Get matched with top structural engineers in West Alexander, PA

Q: What is considered a structural issue in a house?

• <div><p>Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.</p></div>

Q: What are the typical warning signs of a structural issue in my home?

• <div><p>Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.</p></div>

Q: What simultaneous construction tasks are recommended alongside this project?

• <div><p>While concrete walls do not need to &quot;breathe&quot; in the traditional sense of the word, they do require waterproofing and dehumidifying methods, particularly in basements below the water table. Concrete both contains moisture from its initial installation and can absorb water when exposed. Ensuring proper basement ventilation , installing a vapor barrier, and controlling water exposure are all important tasks.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell if a home I purchased in an earthquake zone is bolted to the foundation?

• <div><p>Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.</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>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in West Alexander, PA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in West Alexander, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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 November 03, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Excellent workmanship. We had interior stairwell railing installed . They did a beautiful job, the finished project was flawless. Also, the Moser team removed old aluminum railing on our front porch and installed vinyl railing, again the completed work was exactly what we wanted! I would...
Moser Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
Jacob shows up. He returns text messages and phone calls. As a contract engineer, Iâ ve worked with a variety of contractorsâ ¦.and Timber and Nail is a unicorn in this business. It explains why theyâ re so busy, and why you may have to wait your turn in line to get your project completed....
Timber and Nail
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2022
Highly recommend Behrmarc construction! They recently built our back deck and the work was done to absolute perfection; both presentation and structure. They took their time to make sure we were getting exactly what we wanted, and were fast and efficient when getting it done. I have a strong...
Behrmarc Construction, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2017
Glenn was very knowledgeable on the structure of my home. The company is very professional.
Gary J. Miller
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2016
George has inspected two houses for us. He's very thorough and takes his time explaining as he goes along. His lovely wife works in the background entering information and checking the operation of each window. The report came by email quickly and detailed the condition of the house. As it turns...
NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2015
The workers were professional, and took the time to protect surrounding structures. I was very pleased with the results and cleanup. <br />
NEWMANS LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICE
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2015
Was prompt, reviewed the structural issue and wrote a report within 24 hours. Very satisfied.
Gerhart Engineering Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2013
I had contracted with Engineered Foundation Solutions after getting no responses from 1 contractor and a too good to be true job estimate from another. I chose EFS because I felt they were very professional and up front with the scope of the job required. <br /> Jeff and Fred both came to my...
Engineered Foundation Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2012
<br /> This was the worst experience ever.In the beginning he stated it would be a 2 week job and he was eager to work and answered all of my phone calls.When he started work he never showed up until after 8:30am and left before 2 on the days that he did show up. He took many days off using...
Knox Remodeling
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2012
When ordering the steel and measurments Mr. Ruckman helped out and explained what was needed. He even ordered the steel from the company and worked with their engineer. I added a cover to my front porch and my back sun room and they got the steel here quickly and it turned out great.
RUCKMAN REMODELING
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in West Alexander

JL & A Structural Engineers

4.0(

)

Serving West Alexander, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Emergency services offered

"he was very polite, knowledgeable, and customer friendly."

Response time2 days

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving West Alexander, 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

Request Quote

Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

222

)

Serving West Alexander, 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

Request Quote

Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

162

)

Serving West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

"Great job- fast service- no problems"

Recommended by19%of homeowners

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.

Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.

While concrete walls do not need to "breathe" in the traditional sense of the word, they do require waterproofing and dehumidifying methods, particularly in basements below the water table. Concrete both contains moisture from its initial installation and can absorb water when exposed. Ensuring proper basement ventilation , installing a vapor barrier, and controlling water exposure are all important tasks.

Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.

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 West Alexander, PA 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

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
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.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
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
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
6 Tips on How to Build an Earthquake-Proof House
Knowing how to build an earthquake-proof house can reduce the risk of home collapse and damage. Follow these tips to protect your home.