Home Projects That May Require a Structural Engineer
If you need to repair, renovate, or remodel your home, you may not think of calling an actual engineer to the site for an inspection of the home and your plans. However, it's very short-sighted to think that you can make just any change to a home and not have it affect the home's overall framework and structural integrity.
Unless your remodelling plans involve nothing more than just a fresh coat of paint, it can be good to consult with an engineer before you start work so you know if those changes you're planning would affect the home's safety. You might also need to make some changes to your planned repairs, remodelling or renovation, in order to keep the home structurally sound. To ensure your home's framework is always protected, note a few home projects that may require the assistance of a structural engineer so you know when to call such a professional.
Changes to the roof
If you want to have a roofer tear off the roof and replace those roofing materials with the same tiles or shingles, this work may not require an engineer since you're not actually making changes to the roof's structure itself. However, if you want to replace an old roof with a new roofing material, such as removing asphalt shingles and installing metal sheets, or want to add or remove a dormer, it's good to have an engineer examine those plans before work begins. Your new roofing materials may be overly heavy, putting undue stress on the roof and the home's framing. Changing the slope and pitch of the roof itself can also put pressure and weight on the home's frame or fail to support it properly. Always call an engineer when making such changes, to ensure the home's roof is strong and solid and properly supported.
Structural damage
If you notice structural damage to your home, including cracks in the foundation, walls, floors or ceiling, it's good to call a structural engineer before having that damage repaired. Simply bracing up framing around doorways or patching cracks in a foundation may not be enough to protect your home; the cause of that damage should be determined and addressed first, so the home doesn't suffer the same damage in the future. A structural engineer can also note if your home is suffering this same damage in other areas that are not readily visible. In turn, you can have the current damage fixed properly and then also avoid future damage to the home's framework, ensuring it's always safe and secure.