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>

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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>

Q: Can engineers provide solutions for structural problems found during inspections?

• <div><p>Yes, they offer plans for repairs or reinforcements to address issues.</p></div>

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: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Gassaway, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Gassaway, 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 Gassaway, 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 December 30, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Job well done! Called due to some wind damage to the home exterior, ended up making two additional needed repairs as well. Timely responses and service.
Bob's Handyman & More LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
Good communication, respectful and experienced crew.
GATEWOOD STORM SOLUTIONS LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Great experience very professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again
Hall Construction
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Reviewed in September 2024
Mr. William Iannacone built a concrete bridge as part of our driveway and installed a metal roof on our home. He completed both projects excellently at reasonable rates. My husband and I found Mr. Iannacone to be an honest, industrious contractor; and we would recommend him highly for your...
William Iannacone Building and Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2022
I was contacted by Grafton Hypes not long after I had requested a quote from Angi. He came and looked at the projects I had (a leaky shower line, leak in the shower, covering an access panel, and replacing a hot water tank) and gave a fair estimate. After accepting his estimate, I purchased...
Hypes Construction
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Reviewed in December 2021
They are very experienced and professional. They cleaned the area well and I was very satisfied.
Satisfaction Tree Service
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Reviewed in October 2021
They are very professional and curtious. They keep work area neat and clean. They keep any trash picked up. Excellent work preformed on my new metal roof. Thank you homeadvisor for referring them.
William Iannacone Building and Remodeling
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Reviewed in October 2021
I was in search of someone to pressure wash and stain two decks on my home and ended up on Angi for a request. Koon's Landscaping answered the call and they did a great job. Both decks looked great after being washed down. A few days later, the two decks were stained and came out great! Both...
JayKay's Painting and Handyman Services
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Reviewed in September 2021
They are a friendly company. While they are working you can ask them questions about what they are doing and they have no problem explaining what they are doing and what each part does.
S & S home improvement
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Reviewed in November 2010
The shock replacement was simple. They have lots of specialty tools for every job. He had a sophisticated system for diagnosing engine electrical/computer/sensor problems. I was very impressed with the technician's technical knowledge and assortment of tools. He checked various systems and found...
MIKE'S AUTO REPAIR LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Gassaway

J. Casey Consulting

4.7(

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Serving Gassaway, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

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"Structural engineering of house construction blueprints."

Response time4 days

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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)

Yes, they offer plans for repairs or reinforcements to address issues.

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.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

The Gassaway, WV 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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