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>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Gordonsville, VA

Q: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </p></div>

Q: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</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 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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Gordonsville, VA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Gordonsville, VA 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 Gordonsville, VA 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 March 08, 2021

Reviewed in March 2021
Lucas and Dillon were enthusiastic, responsive, knowledgeable, and creative throughout this whole process. We approached them with a file of basic drawings from a CAD program our son had used during his engineering program at VMI. Luke and Dillon were open to helping us take the basic layout and...
Commonwealth Contractors, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2021
Lucas and Dillon were enthusiastic, responsive, knowledgeable, and creative throughout this whole process. We approached them with a file of basic drawings from a CAD program our son used during his engineering program at VMI. Lucas and Dillon were open to helping us take the basic layout and...
Commonwealth Contractors, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2020
The engineer Barry did a great job of explaining what was causing my basement wall to crack and bow inward. He went through the alternatives to repairing it and gave me enough information to help me choose a solution. The repair crew of Roberto, Alan, and Jose worked efficiently and made sure...
JES Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in February 2020
After an earthquake and a few years of drenching rains, our house had settled out of alignment by almost an inch. JES installed a push pier system in our basement to prevent any further settling. Our 6-month measurement indicates no further settling. Our JES engineer diagnosed our problem and...
JES Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in August 2019
Fantastic and pleasant to work with. Professional and reliable. Would recommend and have already. Work was done quickly and well. My house, which is a glorified bomb shelter (concrete and steel rebar) can be a bear to work on. Tim made adjustments to plans as needed to work with the uniqueness...
Shoreline Specialties, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2018
Troy and Mark did a great job in getting the old boards off the deck (without having to remove the existing railings) . They were always punctual. Troy was very knowledgeable about complex deck construction, and corrected several issues with the original deck structure that were not known to us....
Troy-Bilt Construction
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Reviewed in November 2016
The design process was very professional. Megan listened to what we wanted to have done. She drafted a plan and then we worked together to modify the plan. She then priced it out, giving us options to do everything all at once or in stages. We opted to do all of it at once. The destruction and...
TimberStone Landscape Design + Build
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Reviewed in October 2012
<strong>YOU SHOULD READ THIS BEFORE YOU LET JES OR DO WORK ON YOUR HOUSE</strong> <br /> I was given a $19,000 estimate for an incorrectly diagnosed problem. The quote was for installing 14 push piers and the required building permits. The most insulting part of the whole ordeal was that after...
JES Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in November 2011
Chris came out to our home before both jobs and assessed the projects. The day following his initial visits, Chris provided basic designs with his estimated labor costs. Once we agreed on the details, Chris picked up supplies at a local hardware store and we paid via credit card over the phone....
Chris Young
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Find Structural engineers in Gordonsville

Systematic Engineering LLC

4.7(

)

Serving Gordonsville, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"I was highly impressed with Systematic Engineering. Jennifer from their main office was very cordial and friendly in setting up my appointment. The company's President, Frank, arrived promptly and gave me a professional and thorough assessment of what I needed to know about my property. I will definitely call on them again!"

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Wildest inc LLC

New to Angi

Serving Gordonsville, VA and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

Been with my partner for 17 yrs we have done everything from dirt to roof tops on houses hotels motel apartments when I say everything i mean everything you name we can do it ni job to small no job too big free estimates if contract is made no hassle guaranteed professional services, a 100%. We're class A contractors with a great team to get the job done in a timely manner. No need to worry we're here to save the day just one call away.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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:

Fire-resistant
Unaffected by pests
Longer-lasting
Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

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.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. 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.

The Gordonsville, VA 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

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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
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