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>

Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

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Q: What are the typical warning signs of a structural issue in my home?

• <div><p>Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.</p></div>

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Q: Are dormers load-bearing?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Falling Waters, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Falling Waters, WV 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 Falling Waters, WV 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 January 17, 2026

Reviewed in January 2024
We had several large trees on our property that were in a very difficult position with risk of damaging the house and other structures. Paul showed us exactly where he would lay the trees and executed as promised. Will definitely use again!
Asay Construction and Tree Service
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Reviewed in September 2023
I cannot think of enough good things to say about Tim, the quality of his work, and his willingness to work with you to address and economically correct any excavating issues you may have. I will say it is an honor and pleasure to deal with such an intelligent and honest man.
GAP Excavating
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Reviewed in October 2021
I honestly could not more highly recommend Bob. We hired him for our 1st home inspection and he found it had structural damage; which completely saved me from buying a home I would never get my money out of. After the 1st house, I started hiring Bob to do visual inspections. He would preview...
Inspect-It First, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2020
The service was very well, very good responsiveness and professionalism, negotiable price and it was good, and the TV mounting was an extra work they did for me.
Ayala’s carpet
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Reviewed in April 2020
We had a tree removed that fell on our house, the crew was very friendly and expertly removed this tree, separating the tree into about five key parts. The way it fell on the house, there was a danger that falling limbs could easily damage the structure further but the arborist handled it...
Cumberland Valley Tree Service Landscaping
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Reviewed in February 2019
They were very professional. Yet i would have liked a better explanation of what would have been done for the fee. I have no clue what other consulting firms charge. Yet being on fixed income it was more money for the time they spent on property than i thought would be invested, I do NOT know...
J. Casey Consulting
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Reviewed in July 2015
After removing the exterior siding, Jay found that the wood beams were totally rotten, and ask us how we wanted to proceed. We had a 'flat' roof and it allowed water to sit on it after every rain, and after quite some time, it ruined the entire structure. He made suggestions, and we all...
Willow Tree Construction LLC
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Reviewed in March 2013
I was driving home from work on Tuesday and it felt like the front end of my Jeep was going to fall off. I stopped at a gas station and some gentleman told me sounded like a spark plug. I called my local Jeep dealer and they couldn't see it right away and wanted to charge $119 just to look at...
Martinsburg Service Center
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Find Structural engineers in Falling Waters

At Hatfield Building and Excavating we offer a multitude of services to fit your contracting needs. From pressure washing job sites to constructing a new home or office location from start to finish. We offer warranties on all services provided with on-call technical support following completion of the job. **Free Estimates!** it doesn't cost you anything to dream, and we can turn your dreams into realities!

American Amish Co

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American Amish Co

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28 years of experience

Additional DBA - American Amish Company LLC, American Amish Company's Corp.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

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Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

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44 years of experience

Transportation/Utility Design, Traffic, Land Development and Planning, Surveying, Right-of-way Acquisition, Environmental, Construction Engineering and Inspection, Structural, Litigation Support

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.

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)

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

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.

The Falling Waters, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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BK Services

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Hatfield Building & Excavating

Hatfield Building & Excavating

American Amish Co

American Amish Co

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

The Falling Waters, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in New York? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in St. Louis? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Chicago? [2026 Data]

Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?

Everything to Know About LVL Beams

Everything You Need to Know About Lally Columns

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Get matched with top structural engineers in Falling Waters, WV

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Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Falling Waters, WV?

Engineer Structural

Architectural Service

Addition to Existing Structure Building Service

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Falling Waters, WV

Find Structural engineers in Falling Waters

BK Services

BK Services

Hatfield Building & Excavating

Hatfield Building & Excavating

American Amish Co

American Amish Co

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

The Falling Waters, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in New York? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in St. Louis? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Chicago? [2026 Data]

Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?

Everything to Know About LVL Beams

Everything You Need to Know About Lally Columns

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