Engineered beam installation



Engineered beams can be a much better choice than traditional wood beams in many situations due to their size and weight. Engineered beams virtually never fail if installed correctly and can cover a great length without the need for posts. XStructural is skilled at determining the exact beam to use and installing the beam in the most effective manner.

Undersized beam replacement



An undersized beam is one of the most significant and common structural issues. If a beam is not large enough for its load, it won’t be sufficient to hold up the structure over the long term. XStructural can determine the correct beam for the load and span that will provide for a sturdy and safe structure.

Sill plate replacement



A sill plate is the horizontal piece of wood directly on the foundation, or closest to the ground, of a structure. Sill plates commonly rot, especially in old houses or buildings. When the sill plate rots, it needs to be replaced immediately. The rest of the building is literally built upon the sill plate, so replacing it efficiently and effectively is extremely important.

Lintel repairs



A lintel is the beam above a window or door that supports the masonry above. In Boston, where brick buildings are common, lintels are also common, but people often don’t pay much attention to repairing them as needed. Whether your lintel is wood or steel, it will need periodic repairs or eventual replacement. One can tell the lintel needs to be repaired if you see any cracks or shifting in the bricks directly above the window, or if you can see rust around the window (if it’s a steel lintel).

Stress cracks



Stress cracks occur due to the settling of a structure after some time. Often, the foundation itself shifts a bit during settling and this causes stress on every other part of the building, especially walls and floors, where small to large cracks occur. Stress cracks do not automatically mean you have a major structural issue, as a certain amount of settling and cracking can be fine. It is important, however, to have cracks checked by a professional to rule out the presence of a larger structural issue. XStructural will inspect the building and then either repair the cracks, if deemed cosmetic, or will plan a course of action to repair to the foundation or other structural components that are the culprit of a larger problem.

Wet rot and dry rot



Wet rot is a result of prolonged exposure to moisture. Dry rot makes wood look like it’s shrinking, splitting or is crumbly when prodded with a screwdriver. It often has an orange or rusty color and a mushroom smell. Dry rot needs to be treated quickly and effectively because it spreads rapidly and causes broad harm.