Why should I pick steel for my new support beam?

• <div><p>You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:</p><ul><li><p>Fire-resistant</p></li><li><p>Unaffected by pests</p></li><li><p>Longer-lasting</p></li><li><p>Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: How long does metal fabrication take?

• <div><p>Most projects take 1-4 weeks, depending on material sourcing, design intricacy, and required finishing treatments like powder coating or galvanization.</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>

Q: What’s the difference between a lintel and a beam?

• <div><p>The difference between a lintel and a beam is what loads each is responsible for supporting. A lintel is a type of beam that is responsible only for supporting the load above an opening, such as a window or door, and transfers the weight to the side walls around an opening. A beam supports the slab and transfers the load to nearby columns, which then disperse the load to the ground.</p></div>

Q: Why are they called Lally columns?

• <div><p>Lally columns are named after their founder, John Lally, who owned a construction company in the 1800s. He invented the columns as a means of providing temporary support for beams and rafters in homes his company was renovating. The original Lally columns were also made of steel, although the inventory used a thicker gauge metal, which provided additional support for larger projects and long-term structural solutions.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Welding pros in Johnson City, TN

*The Angi rating for Welding companies in Johnson City, TN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Welding needs.

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Last update on December 13, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
I hired PB Painting to rebuild a 16 x 20 freestanding deck that was damaged by Helene. They have done a great job and have been very accommodating as I wait for materials to come in. I'm very pleased I found them via Angi.
PB Painting Service
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Reviewed in July 2023
Quick response and nice work! Would hire again.
Walden's Repair Company
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Reviewed in February 2023
Very nice and helpful. Worked quickly and safely. Thanks for good job.
East Tenn Pools & Covers, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
Fast quality service, will use them again.
Bath Man Plumbing Services
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Reviewed in December 2021
Seth was on time, did the job for exactly what he quoted. Was extremely professional and I would definitely hire him again.
Hambrick's Plumbing
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Reviewed in September 2021
Very professional and affordable will use them again for further work on my property
Panther Tree Professionals
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Reviewed in June 2021
Great to work with have used them for many additional jobs. Wonderful work quality and very fast and efficient. One of the best contractors I have ever worked with. Definitely recommend hiring them.
HC Paint & Drywall LLC
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Reviewed in March 2021
Jeff was incredibly respectful and courteous in addition to having an obvious knowledge of his business. He answered all of my questions without ever making me feel stupid for asking them. It was a very enlightening experience. I actually enjoyed the appointment and look forward to doing...
Premier Landscape & Design, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2017
William called within 15 mins of my post and did the job the same day. They were knowledgeable, fast, professional and courteous. He repaired the garage door then checked everything out to make sure there were no lurking surprises. I would highly recommend them to anyone that needs work on...
Barrett Garage Doors
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Reviewed in May 2014
We have a home that is three stories at some places. We had a lot of dirt and mildew on our siding, which is white. Cates pressure washing called me back the same day I called and had left a message about getting an estimate. Mr. Cates came the next morning and gave me an estimate which was...
Cates Pressure Washing
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