Structural insight & advice
Blog
Clear, engineer-written explanations of the questions homeowners and contractors in Lévis, on the South Shore and across the Quebec City area ask us most.
LVL, PSL or Steel Beam: How to Choose the Replacement Beam for a Load-Bearing Wall
Engineered wood or steel? The beam that replaces a load-bearing wall depends on span, load and available height. An overview.
Roof Snow Loads in Quebec: What the Code Says
Snow is one of the largest loads a roof must carry in Quebec. Here's how the Code handles it — and why it isn't the same everywhere.
Frost Heave: Why Your Slabs and Foundations Move in Winter
A garage slab that lifts in winter and drops in spring? Frost is often the cause. Here's how it works and how to protect against it.
Garage Slab: Why Engineer's Plans Are Increasingly Requested
Developers, municipalities and GCR increasingly require an engineer-designed garage slab. Here's what that means for a contractor.
Pyrite and Pyrrhotite: Two Different Foundation Problems
They're often confused, but they're two distinct problems. One attacks the fill under the slab, the other the concrete itself. Here's the difference.
How Do You Know if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
A few clues hint that a wall carries the structure — but none replaces an engineer's analysis. Here's how to read them.
Structural Engineer vs. Building Inspector: Who Does What During a Home Purchase?
Both can step in when you buy a house, but their role, methods and professional oversight are very different. Here's how to tell them apart.
Foundation Cracks: Should You Worry?
A crack in the concrete isn't always alarming — but some are. Here's how to read a crack's type, direction and movement over time.
French Drains and Iron Ochre: What Every Homeowner Should Know
That orange deposit can plug a foundation drain in a few years. Here's where iron ochre comes from and how the BNQ 3661-500 standard limits the risk.