Do monolithic slabs have footers?

• <div><p>All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.</p></div>

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Q: What simultaneous construction tasks are recommended alongside this project?

• <div><p>While concrete walls do not need to &quot;breathe&quot; in the traditional sense of the word, they do require waterproofing and dehumidifying methods, particularly in basements below the water table. Concrete both contains moisture from its initial installation and can absorb water when exposed. Ensuring proper basement ventilation , installing a vapor barrier, and controlling water exposure are all important tasks.</p></div>

Q: What is the 10 10 rule in construction?

• <div><p>The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn&rsquo;t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.</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: 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 Merton, WI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Merton, 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 Merton, 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 July 21, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Did a great job. Planned out the job well to have minimum issues with surrounding neighbors' structures. Will definitely use them again.
TNT Lawncare & Landscape, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
Bill and Josh from C&R did an outstanding job replacing our collapsed retaining wall! Generated a professional structural and architectural design over several on-site visits; very responsive to financial considerations (highly competitive pricing); timely response to our questions / requests...
C&R Custom Exteriors
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Reviewed in May 2022
Marcos and his brother did a great job repairing a fairly large drywall repair to my vaulted ceiling and walls after storm damage/leaking roof and skylights. Their estimate was fair for the amount of work that needed to be done, and when the old drywall and insulation was removed, they noticed...
On Target Construction LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
I’m a realtor and I had a client selling their house who needed a structural engineer to evaluate something. I called Jendusa because they are so well respected that I knew their report would answer and questions the buyer’s had. I called and Venu met me at the home. He was extremely...
Splendid Engineering Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2021
James and his partner were awesome. I talked with them about putting in aluminum attic steps in my garage to get access to the space above our cars. I talked with him early in the week and then he came over to do the job 5 days later. Also helped me look at the structure and decide which steps...
myHandypro
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Reviewed in October 2019
The doors were top quality and the installation and workmanship excellent. Dan gave me suggestions how to better a structurally sound patio door and extend its life. Friendly, easy to communicate with, took care of ordering, the delivery, the quick installation and cleaned up when finished....
Dane's Quality Craftsmanship, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2019
These guys are very knowledgeable about their work and did an amazing job on a complicated roof replacement with structural repair. I would hire them again in a minute and will utilize them when it comes time to do the siding on the structure.
Prairie Exteriors and Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2018
Owner Tony, himself, came to the house. He agreed with the engineer as to the number or braces. He answered all of our questions. He also gave advice on related issues. He explained everything that would be done and why. When the team came, they worked efficiently and professionally. It looked...
American Foundation Specialists
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Reviewed in April 2017
We had to improve our crawl space structure and after several visits and inspections from the City, Foundations Pros of Wisconsin and his team were so flexibile and came over to knock out the project in evenings to make sure we met the deadlines by the new home owners. I highly recommend Sean...
Foundation Pros of Wisconsin, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2017
I am very pleased with the work that was done at a fair price and they were extremely professional. The owner explains every aspect of the work to be done and the work gets done in a reasonable time frame. I had new structural steel beams installed and footings done. Well done!
Wisconsin Foundation Specialists, LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Merton

Gaidish Foundation

4.6(

)

Serving Merton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I have used Gaidish company in few project now , Jeff the owner is very professional and honest men. They did take care the problem in my basement and did excellent job. I will not hesitate to hire this company for my future project ."

Recommended by97%of homeowners

Serving Merton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Construct Boss was easy to work with and turned out an excellent product for a fair price! Dan was very easy to talk to and he understands the details of construction describing what surprises we might see in construction so we won't be surprised if they come up!"

+25

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Splendid Engineering, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Merton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Timely response and turn around time. Very Professional. I highly recommend"

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Civil Fox Engineering, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Merton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

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

While concrete walls do not need to "breathe" in the traditional sense of the word, they do require waterproofing and dehumidifying methods, particularly in basements below the water table. Concrete both contains moisture from its initial installation and can absorb water when exposed. Ensuring proper basement ventilation , installing a vapor barrier, and controlling water exposure are all important tasks.

The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.

All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.

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.

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.

The Merton, WI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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