Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</p></div>

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Q: What do structural engineers look for when doing an inspection?

• <div><p>Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:</p><ul><li><p>Dry rot</p></li><li><p>Infestation</p></li><li><p>Shifting or<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quarter-inch-crack-my-foundation-major-concern.htm"> cracking foundations</a></p></li><li><p>Erosion</p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</p></div>

Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</p></div>

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Lena, WI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Lena, WI 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 Lena, WI 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 April 22, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Working with HOMEBASE Design & Build was a smooth and professional experience from start to finish. The partners were directly involved throughout the project and kept everything well organized with clear milestones. Their communication was excellent, and the craftsmanship on our remodel...
HOMEBASE Design and Build
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Reviewed in November 2025
Great hard working workers. Small crew so took a little longer than others likely. Great quality. Asked questions if options available.
Brothers Exteriors Solution LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Very meticulous! Prompt, clean, beautiful work! Very pleased to have selected this company and will hire again to stain my deck.
Solace Property Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
Spectacular! From start to finish the process with this company was outstanding. Great communication throughout the experience. The owner took me step by step through the process, gave me a more then fair quote, and completed the project in a seemless and timely manner. The owner and workers...
Green Bay Roofing, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
We are very happy with the quality and installation of our new bathroom shower and window. Very professional!!
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2023
Badger State did a great job on our roof replacement. It was even done earlier than we expected!
Badger State Roofing
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Reviewed in November 2022
Did what we wanted..didn't try to get us to do whole roof, just repair for now. Great job!
North Shield Roofing LLC.
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Reviewed in October 2022
Got this contractor from Angi! Was very happy with the experience, quality of work, and delivering what I asked for. I would recommend them now and in the future. They have dedicated project management and that really help to keep things on track, answer my questions, etc. Special call out...
Limitless Renovations Statewide, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
From the initial consult to the final walkthrough, we could not be more happy with the services we received with Armor shield roofing. They went above and beyond to be sure we were satisfied, and explained everything thoroughly. The workers were very kind and did a great job of cleaning...
Armor Shield Metal Roofing
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Reviewed in August 2021
Joel from Ticos Roofing did a wonderful job of keeping us informed on the project from beginning to end . A real professional and great person to deal with . I will highly recommend Ticos roofing to family and friends .
Ticos Roofing Solutions
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Find Structural engineers in Lena

Civil Fox Engineering, LLC

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Serving Lena, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

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We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

Dry rot
Infestation
Shifting or cracking foundations
Erosion
Water damage
Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

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