Common Questions for Structural Engineers

You’ve probably heard about structural engineers before and may have even hired one if you’ve built a home or other type of building. However, not everyone knows what a structural engineer does. You may have some questions about this career and you’re not the only one. Here are some of the most common questions people have about this job.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do?

The simple answer is that these engineers help ensure your building will not fall down and will remain stable over time. They use their knowledge of physics and building materials to determine where potential problems may lie and come up with solutions for them. By calculating the strength of the building materials and method of building, the engineer can determine if the building is in danger of structural failure or not.

In a Renovation, What Should I Watch For?

Renovations and remodels of homes are popular these days because building a new home can be difficult and expensive. However, there could be some big problems that are uncovered if you are renovating. Some of the more important things to look out for during a renovation include:

-         Crooked or bowed walls

-         Load-bearing beams

-         Load-bearing walls

-         Sloped floors

Having a structural engineer work with you on the design can ensure your new design is safe.

Do I Need a Structural Engineer If a Home Inspector Checked the Building?

Home inspectors look for specific types of problems that could cause your building to lose value or cost you money in the near future. These issues include things like carpenter ants, termites, wood rot, etc. However, a structural engineer looks more at the structure and integrity of your new home. They know more about what they’re looking for in terms of long-term issues and can recommend solutions.

What Problems Can a Structural Engineer Fix?

Anything that will affect the stability of the building is something your structural engineer can work on. They will handle everything from soil movement and subsidence to deterioration of the structural elements and weight loads.

They’re useful before a building is built to ensure it is stable enough and properly designed to prevent instability, but can also help if a structure is failing. After a big storm or earthquake, the engineer is the one who will determine how safe a building is.

As you can see, there are quite a few ways structural engineers can help you stay safe. If you are in need of a structural engineer, then look no further than Integrated Designs & Associates! If you’re working on a construction project and you require a project management service, then we are the company that can give you a helping hand. To find out more about the services we offer, get in touch with our team today!