Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

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Q: How long does it take for water to cause structural damage?

• <div><p>Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they&rsquo;ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.</p></div>

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: 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: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Pine Ridge, SC

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Pine Ridge, SC 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 Pine Ridge, SC 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 07, 2025

Reviewed in June 2023
I needed some work done to the structure of my utility trailer. Got a hold of this company and responded and fixed my problem in a timely manner. Definitely would recommend this company great work and very professional. Thank you Tarik for all your help and needs.
WeldKings
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Reviewed in August 2015
Roberto Helmeyer of R&CConstruction Solar installed 40 Renogy monocrystalline 250 watt solar panels with Emphase M215 Microinverters on two structures at my home. A net meeting presentation from another company recommended a total 44 solar panels on 3 buildings. Roberto came to our home...
RC Construction Solar
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Reviewed in June 2013
They are reasonably priced and they back up their work. They supposedly fixed an oil leak in my engine, it is back and so my car is going back. If it turns out to be the same problem he will fix it again for free. Some things on an older car are tricky. I drop my car off on my way out of town...
RACE AUTOMOTIVE LLC
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Reviewed in March 2013
Believe the company is now called Monteith Pole Building Systems. Provider was prompt and easy to talk with while we performed a site survey for a pole building. Owner was supposed to get back to me engineering report and quote. It has been almost two months with no callback. Have called them...
Monteith Construction
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Reviewed in March 2013
I can't really complain about anything that they did and thought the work was satisfactory. They came when they were supposed to and cleaned up after their work. I had to have a conversation with the president of the organization about their cost and it was reduced by $250. Unfortunately the...
TERRATEC Inc
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Reviewed in February 2013
I took my motorcyle there to have my carborator redone. It was not smoking, and it would do 55 mph. They called to tell me the motorcycle was ready and when I took it to the store to get gas it started smoking like it was on fire and it only goes 35 mph. The only think I took it there for was to...
Cycle Performance
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Reviewed in January 2013
He was professional, on time, spent his time discussing foundations and etc with me. But would not provide an estimate until a structural engineer advised of the needed repairs. He could not recommend or even sugggest an engineer. I continued on my search for someone to repair my foundation.
Falcone Crawl Space & Structural Repair
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Reviewed in February 2011
I had just left the Toyota Dealership where they diagnosted my problem to be a bad transmission and had quoted me $3000 to replace it. When I arrive at this shop on Monday, we went for a test drive. They diagnosed the problem to be an engine misfire and suggested that a tune-up be done and...
Brown Motor Works
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Mount Valley Foundation Services

Mount Valley Foundation Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

39 years of experience

Established in 1986, Mount Valley Foundation Service stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With our coverage spanning across the state of South Carolina, we bring our local expertise closer to you. MVFS proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At MVFS, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!

"These guys are AWESOME! The work was completed in a timely manner and was completed accurately."

Kayleigh S on September 2025

"These guys are AWESOME! The work was completed in a timely manner and was completed accurately."

Kayleigh S on September 2025

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Engineer Structural

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Mount Valley Foundation Services

Mount Valley Foundation Services

Matrix Technology Services

Matrix Technology Services

SMART Engineering, LLC

SMART Engineering, LLC

A&B Building Group, LLC

A&B Building Group, LLC

803 Iron

803 Iron

Plans Unlimited Construction, LLC

Plans Unlimited Construction, LLC

Milestone Structural Solutions

Milestone Structural Solutions

Chao And Associates Inc

Chao And Associates Inc

BURKE ENGINEERING LLC

BURKE ENGINEERING LLC

SMOLEY ENGINEERS & CONSULTANTS

SMOLEY ENGINEERS & CONSULTANTS

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