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>

Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Harrisville, RI

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</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 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>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Harrisville, RI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Harrisville, RI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Harrisville, RI 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 Harrisville, RI 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 July 14, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Install of main entry door and storm door. Added structural support to and custom built new shelving storage to stand-alone garage. Built small front deck. Excellent work and he did not stop until it was all operating perfectly! Quick response time and good communication throughout the project....
J E Dennen & Sons Building & Remodeling
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
We recently hired Aboud to inspect our property as we suspected it might have some structural issues. From start to finish, Aboud was an absolute professional. He thoroughly assessed the property and explained everything in detail, addressing all of our concerns along the way. Aboud's...
AJA Engineering, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2023
Existing stoop in front of house was in desperate need of replacement. Decided to replace existing structure with a portico. The work was completed quickly and the quality was outstanding. Price was good for what was built. Would definitely hire again and recommend to others.
Remodel or Renew Home Improvement
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2023
We worked with William on some structural framing reinforcement in our basement. William offered some suggested approaches, was clear in communications, and performed the work in a timely manner. Very happy to recommend!
Reyes Contractors LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2022
Kevin was awesome. I had a greenhouse whose base blocks were crumbling out from under it. The greenhouse was a large glass structure, and there was no way it was able to be removed from the foundation. Kevin came up with an innovative approach to save our structure! He was able to give me...
KEVIN F.GONSALVES (No affiliation to KFG Concrete)
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2022
Took down old swing set, hauled waste, junk debris to the dump. Fantastic company – highly recommended! I called yesterday morning and they were able to schedule my service that afternoon. I had an old worn-out swing set that wasn’t safe any more and the crew took it down and hauled away the...
JG United, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2021
I just had an unfortunate experience with Nate and Mobile Small Engine Service. Nate serviced my mower back in late March at the cost of $85 and I told him at that time the mower was having trouble starting. It would chug for 2-3 minutes before it started properly. When he left the problem was...
Mobile Small Engine Service, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2021
Melvin and his guys replaced 4 small front decks on some rental property . They gave me a fair price and had the work done within a week . the decks look great , structurally sound and they did a great job of cleaning up when they were done . I have melvins number going forward and plan on using...
Melvin Power Wash
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2020
Michael provides quality work at reasonable prices. He did a major renovation to the ground level of my home including removing walls to make it a more of an open concept space, remodeled the kitchen, and added a bath. He seems to have an expertise in older houses, and take era precautions and...
MJR Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2020
I very highly recommend Summit Solar. Don t believe the negative reviews about who they work with as they are not responsible for delays with their partners. The best way to go is get a loan through one of their lenders for the most benefit. Greg is an excellent honest salesman and explained...
Summit Energy
Request a quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

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.

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.

The Harrisville, RI 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

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
•
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.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
Are Squeaky Floors a Structural Problem?
A squeaky floor may just be an annoyance, or it may signal a structural problem. Learn when to be concerned about a squeaky floor.
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.
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.