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Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.

On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you’re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs.

The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.

First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it’s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening—allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they’ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar.