Brite Smiles Dental Care Offers Fastbraces

Apple Valley, MN Dental Practice Offers Revolutionary New Orthodontic Technology

Apple Valley, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com) in Apple Valley is now offering Fastbraces® services to their patients in the southern Twin Cities area. Fastbraces is a revolutionary braces and tooth straightening technology that produces final results in about 3-12 months versus up to two years (or more) for traditional braces. Fastbraces has significantly changed the field of orthodontics over the last twenty years.

Brite Smiles Dental Care is one of the few dental practices in the Minneapolis area offering Fastbraces technology.

Practice founder Dr. Dennis Simmons stated “We are proud to now offer Fastbraces, which we feel is an excellent orthodontic option for both adults & children. Fastbraces work differently than traditional braces. Ordinarily, orthodontic devices first move tooth roots & then the portion of the tooth you can see above the gum line in a long, multi-step process that can take up to two years. The unique design of Fastbraces enables us to move those roots & crowns at the same time, drastically reducing treatment time from as long as two years, to 3-12 months. It’s a lot faster, causes less discomfort for the patient, and produces excellent results.”

L.L., a recent Fastbraces patient, stated “Fast Braces really are fast. I had them on for less than 6 months and just got them off in time for my birthday. My friends and my family have been telling me how much prettier my teeth look now that they’re straight. I know that I’ll have less dental problems now that my teeth aren’t crowded and I love my new smile!”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

American Dental Excellence Offers Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Kenneth Polke, founder of American Dental Excellence in the Denver area (http://americandentalexcellence.com), offers Cosmetic Dentistry including: teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding and shaping.
The term “cosmetic dentistry” is usually used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance but not necessarily the function of a person’s teeth. The main focus is on improving the aesthetics of the teeth by changing the color, shape, size, alignment, and overall appearance of the person’s smile.

Cosmetic dentistry includes:

• Adding material to teeth such as bonding, veneers, or crowns
• Removing material such as enamel either in preparation for fitting veneers or crowns, or as a final step to change the shape of teeth
• Procedures which neither add nor remove material- such as teeth whitening
• Straightening of teeth (braces)

Dr. Polke stated “For cracks and unevenness in tooth enamel; cosmetic bonding and shaping can be used to effectively pave over the cracks and even out the surface of your teeth. If your teeth are chipped, too short, or permanently stained, you can get veneers. A porcelain veneer is basically a very thin, tooth-shaped piece of ceramic, which is used to conceal a damaged tooth. For crooked teeth you can get braces to straighten them out. Strong, healthy teeth are important physically and psychologically. When your natural teeth are showing visible wear and tear, get them repaired and once again eat, talk, and smile with confidence. There are a lot of options for improving your smile, contact a dentist in your area to figure out which procedures will help you get the results you’re looking for.”

Dr. Kenneth J. Polke is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, and went on to study dentistry at Case Western University Dental School. Kenneth Polke is also an NFL Alumni, having played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and as quarterback for the Cleveland Browns! While he still has a passion for football, he chooses to serve the needs of his patients at American Dental Excellence (http://americandentalexcellence.com) (http://denverivsedationdentist.com), which he opened in 1981. Dr. Polke is an active member of many professional associations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiologists, and the International College of Oral Implantologists. He has a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, and is a Diplomat of the International College of Oral Implantologists. American Dental Excellence can be reached at 303-920-4900.

Big Trees Inc. To Install Douglas Fir Trees Onto Large Seattle Estate

Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been contracted to procure, deliver and install a number of 20’-25’ Douglas Fir trees onto a large hillside estate in West Seattle which is being developed over the coming year. The hillside location and large size of the trees make this a challenging task.

The process began when Big Trees was contacted by the landscape architect for the estate. They said there was a need for larger evergreen trees, and the Douglas Fir was chosen as the tree type for the project, based on their size and foliage. The 4 large Douglas Firs were chosen by the client’s representatives out of a field of dozens of candidates, and those trees were set aside for the project. Once all the details were ironed out and agreed upon, the digging of the trees was accomplished, and the first of the four trees was delivered.

A large crane was moved into position to lift and set the tree into a side of the location that was unreachable by all other options for handling. Once the tree was in position and properly set, bags of well-draining topsoil were also lifted to the position and used to backfill the tree’s new location, adding to the necessary drainage potential. The tree was staked and made ready for the significant winds it might encounter from time to time at this location. There are three trees remaining to be brought in at a later date once the project is further along. They are all in the 20’-25’ height range and weigh around 3,000 pounds each.

Nancy Penrose, the owner of Big Trees, had these comments regarding the project: “Our whole staff, from the sales team to the laborers and foreman, all play vital roles in making these kinds of projects come together. There can be a lot of moving parts to manage properly, and if any missteps are made, they can lead to situations that cannot be made whole again. I’m very proud of our team, and we look forward to moving the other three trees into their new home over the coming year.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

JulianConstruction.com: House Leveling Tips

By Julian De La Torre

At some point, your home’s foundation may need to be repaired. Houses settle over time, causing floors to slope and many other problems. Having trouble opening and closing windows? Your foundation may have settled too far into the soil, or settled unevenly.

Other signs include wall cracks, sticking doors, floor bumps or squeaky floors or a house that looks “uneven” from the outside. Walls can start to bow or lean, and gaps can appear around doors and windows.

Settlement can be caused by more than just the age of the house. Sometimes homes are built on soil that hasn’t been compacted properly. Soil can also get wet, causing it to expand. When it dries, it will shrink. Excessive settlement can occur in both cases, which can further damage a foundation. Your foundation can also be harmed by poor drainage and plumbing leaks.

When a floor is sloping, it can eventually slide off the foundation, especially during an earthquake.

A foundation repair expert is the best person to talk to about foundation issues, especially if you are seeing signs of settlement. There are many ways to repair a foundation. An experienced foundation expert will inspect your property to determine what is causing the situation and can fix any problems.

House leveling is one of the most popular methods of foundation repair. The leveling begins by inserting beams under your home that are supported by hydraulic jacks. Different sizes of jacks will be used to slowly raise the foundation. After the house has been leveled, piers are added to maintain the new height of the floors. The piers are placed directly into the soil for added support.

During the process, any damaged or rotten beams will need to be removed.

Helical piers are typically used to level a house. They can be used in all types of soil, are quickly installed and will have a minimal impact on your landscape. They can also be used in places where there is a high water table.

An important part of house leveling is knowing where to lift the house. Also keep in mind that raising the floor will usually create quite a bit of noise. Many times it is better to level the house over a period of days or weeks, raising it a few inches at a time. This will help prevent drywall and plaster from cracking. The home’s size and weight will also determine how long the project takes.

If house leveling isn’t done right, it can cause additional damage to your home. The structure of the house can weaken, windows will start breaking and large cracks can appear.

House leveling can help you avoid a complement foundation replacement, which can be expensive.

The best way to prevent costly repairs is to stay alert to problems and get them fixed as soon as possible. Ask a foundation contractor or house leveling contractors to check your home for foundation damage at least once a year. Get a thorough inspection both inside and out. Taking quick action on any issues can minimize repair expenses and keep you and your family safe.

Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, repair & house leveling (Los Angeles) and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) in Los Angeles, has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more home foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (http://julianconstruction.com/about/ ). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home. See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I8j7dXzpj4

BigTreeSupply.com: Creating a Hedge with Arborvitae

By Nancy Penrose

Hedges are a natural way to create privacy on your property. They can also reduce street noise, wind and snow.

Arborvitae is one of the best trees for creating a hedge. They can grow up to 60 feet tall, with a width of from 2 to 15 feet.

This North American native tree has year-round thick, dark green foliage. The tree’s leaves, which were once used as a cure for rheumatism, have a scale-like appearance.
Types of arborvitae include the eastern arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), the emerald green arborvitae and golden globe arborvitae.
Emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis "Emerald Green") grows up to 15 feet tall with a width of 3 to 4 feet. The tree is extremely hardy and can be found in abundance throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is one of the most popular fast growing privacy trees for screens and hedges.
The dark green tree has a somewhat round shape. Without pruning, the tree will grow tall with a cylindrical shape. The tree will be bushier when pruned. Use preventative spraying to prevent spider mite infestations. Once the tree has been established, it will grow approximately 6 to 9 inches a year.

The arborvitae grows well in full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. The tree does best in mostly well-drained soil. They grow fairly easily, some faster than others.

When using arborvitae for a hedge, make sure they have enough space to grow. If you plant them too close to each other, they will compete for soil minerals and nutrients.

Recently planted trees should be watered for the first year or two. During a hot summer, use a soaker hose or drip system on a timer to deep soak the tree every day for 15 minutes or so. Mulching will help the tree retain moisture. Once the tree matures, it will no longer require watering.

In order to maintain its shape, the arborvitae will sometimes need a pruning. Remove any dead growth and cut back branches as needed. Remove any dead foliage that has built up inside the tree, especially near the bottom. Be careful not to over-prune or ruin any pointed tops.

You can prune the tree in the fall or winter. However, a spring pruning is usually recommended to ensure the tree heals and continues to grow. If the tree is pruned in the summer, the tips of the branches can turn brown.

The arborvitae can live up to 150 years. In colder climates, covering the tree with burlap can protect it from the elements and prevent foraging. Another option is netting, which prevents mold by allowing air to circulate. The best netting is a heavy duty, multi-strand mesh. In addition to UV protection, the green color of the netting will blend in with the tree.

If you do not cover your trees, remove any snow from the branches to prevent breakage.

Thinking about putting a hedge on your property? A big trees (Snohomish) expert can help you design the hedge and ensure you select the right trees for your environment. You’ll also get advice on how to maintain the hedge and keep your trees healthy.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), tree nursery Snohomish, WA, one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (see inventory at http://bigtreesupply.com/sales-inventory/), specializing in large trees for sale and tree transplanting. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpactBDUPmQ

Big Trees Inc. will be Relocating Rare Trees in Seattle Arboretum

Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been asked to return to the Washington Park Arboretum and tend to a number of trees at the park. The trees are in the path of future trail enhancements that will bring better movability through the park for all those who use it every day. Once relocated, the trees from the numerous collections will continue to thrive and enhance the beauty of the park.

The trees have been previously root pruned by the staff of Big Trees Inc., and are now ready to be moved to new, permanent locations. Some of these trees have trunks measuring 6 to 8 inches in diameter, and will weigh around 6,000 to 8,000 pounds each once they are prepared for transport. The crews will go back in and re-package the trees, establish the best routes through the park for transport, and get the trees replanted where they won’t be impacted by the trail expansions.

Many of these trees are from different regions of the world and are very rare in the Northwest region. While many people appreciate the Arboretum for its peace and serenity, it can be like quite a trip around the world to take in so many large trees of uncommon varieties once you realize how much there is to appreciate. The Arboretum takes a lot of pride in maintaining this collection for everyone who comes to walk the trails, and each tree throughout the many acres is tagged and noted with its species and characteristics.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees says, “It’s always a pleasure to know that we have contributed to the environment of the Arboretum, and it’s an honor to have them trust us with their special trees under these circumstances. We have a good relationship there, and we’re looking forward to another successful project.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

AmericanDentalExcellence.com: Braces Fast & Easy

By Dr. Kenneth J. Polke

Crooked teeth are typically straightened and aligned with braces. A braces device puts pressure on teeth, forcing them to move into the right position.

Teeth need to be realigned when there is crowding, spacing, a crossbite, over bite, open bite or high canines.
Crowding, which causes overlapping of teeth, can happen when there is not enough room in the mouth for teeth that are coming in. The lack of space will prevent teeth from fitting properly in the jaw. Left untreated, the overlapping can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay and even periodontal disease.

Excessive spacing between teeth can by caused by tooth loss or extractions, as well as a difference in the size of the teeth compared to the jaw. Gaps between teeth can also be caused by small teeth, impacted teeth and protruding teeth.
Too much space between teeth can lead to gum issues, improperly functioning teeth and a less attractive smile.

A crossbite is typically the result of a misalignment between upper and lower teeth or jaws. Crossbites can involve one or many teeth. A common type of crossbite is when upper teeth biting inside of or behind lower teeth.

An overbite is when upper teeth extend over lower teeth. The overbite is typically caused by a jaw that grows unevenly. Overbites can lead to excessive wear on lower teeth, gum irritation and jaw problems.

Open bites occur when upper teeth cannot make contact with their lower, opposing teeth. Open bites can result in jaw problems, speech impairment and chewing difficulties.
Canine teeth, also known as cuspids, have a pointed edge. They are strong teeth used for grabbing and holding on to food. When canines are too high, they can cause gum inflammation and gum-related problems.
Repositioning and aligning teeth with traditional braces can take up to 2 years. The expensive procedure uses numerous wires and often changes a person’s natural bite. Pain during the process is not uncommon.
With Fastbraces, a breakthrough dental technology, repositioning teeth can take weeks or months instead of years. It’s a completely safe and affordable alternative for patients.

Fastbraces are triangular, not square-shaped like traditional braces. This increases the space between each brace. With more distance, the movement of teeth occurs at a faster rate. Only one wire is needed and extractions are rarely necessary.

During your initial consultation, photos will be taken of your teeth. A customized plan will be created to address any misalignment issues.

After the braces have been put on, the tooth root will immediately begin to move. The pain that commonly occurs with traditional braces will be significantly reduced. Many times retainers will only need to be worn approximately 15 to 20 minutes a day. You’ll also see fast results.

Fastbraces will preserve your natural bite and prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Once the braces are removed, the treatment is complete and you’ll be enjoying a beautiful smile for the rest of your life.


Dr. Kenneth J. Polke, (Family dentist Broomfield CO, Thornton family dentist, Fast braces dentist Denver) http://www.americandentalexcellence.com/services/cosmetic-dentistry/fastbraces/ ) is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, and went on to study dentistry at Case Western University Dental School. Kenneth Polke is also an NFL Alumni, having played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and as quarterback for the Cleveland Browns! While he still has a passion for football, he chooses to serve the needs of his patients as a dentist, opening American Dental Excellence (http://americandentalexcellence.com) in Westminster, CO, in 1981. Dr. Polke offers the latest in dental services and (Denver) fastbraces (http://www.americandentalexcellence.com/services/general-dentistry/ ). Dr. Kenneth Polke and American Dental Excellence can be reached at 303-920-4900.

American Dental Excellence Offers Same-Day Crowns

WESTMINSTER, CO: Dr. Kenneth Polke, founder of American Dental Excellence in the Denver area, (http://americandentalexcellence.com), offers same-day crowns which can be completed in one visit (about an hour), without requiring any follow-up visits or adjustments.

If a tooth becomes very badly decayed or damaged, it might need a crown or cap installed. The crown returns the tooth to its original functionality and appearance. Crowns are custom made and cover the whole tooth starting at the gum line.

Dr. Polke stated “Dental crowns used to require two or three trips to the dentist, a temporary crown, uncomfortable procedures, and a one to three week waiting period while your permanent crown was being made. Now, due to innovations in technology, you can have a custom crown made for you in a single visit without dental impressions, temporary crowns, or waiting for weeks to get your finished crown. We will start by preparing the tooth for the crown, the same way you would for a traditional crown, by numbing the area, removing decay, and shaping the tooth to fit inside the crown. Then instead of a messy tray of impression material, your tooth is dusted with a reflective powder and we will take pictures of the tooth with a special camera which uses light reflected from the powder to create a 3D image of the prepared tooth. The image is transferred to a computer and becomes the basis for your crown design.”

“We can adjust the details on the crown as needed before sending it to a milling machine (a specialty 3D carving “printer”) which carves your cap from a ceramic block in a shade that is the closest match to your natural tooth color. In about five minutes the cap is ready for additional coloring if needed and then it can be installed and bonded to the old tooth. The entire process can be done while you wait, usually in less than an hour,” concluded Dr. Polke.

Dr. Kenneth J. Polke is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, and went on to study dentistry at Case Western University Dental School. Kenneth Polke is also an NFL Alumni, having played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and as quarterback for the Cleveland Browns! While he still has a passion for football, he chooses to serve the needs of his patients at American Dental Excellence (http://americandentalexcellence.com), which he opened in 1981. His other web sites include http://westminstersedationdentist.com and http://denverivsedationdentist.com. Dr. Polke is an active member of many professional associations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiologists, and the International College of Oral Implantologists. He has a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, and is a Diplomat of the International College of Oral Implantologists. American Dental Excellence can be reached at 303-920-4900.

Brite Smiles Dental Care Now Offering Teeth Whitening Specials

APPLE VALLEY, MN: Brite Smiles Dental Care, (http://britesmilesdentalcare.com), is offering several teeth whitening specials for the holidays from now through Jan 30, 2016.

The upcoming holidays can be stressful and hectic, so this dental practice is urging people to take the opportunity to do something nice for themselves.

And with their discounted pricing you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Brite Smiles Dental Care offers a few different methods to help make your smile brighter. One option is a custom-fit tray whitening system that you can use at home. The trays are made to fit you exactly and can be used as often as you’d like. You will also get a whitening gel that is specific to your dental needs, with instructions on how to use it.

Brite Smiles also offers ZOOM! bleaching. ZOOM! is an in-office whitening procedure utilizing a gel activated by a light. This combination allows your teeth to be lightened several shades in a single visit.

Brite Smiles is currently offering $200 off ZOOM! whitening and $84 off at-home whitening. These are professional products that are not available over the counter.

Dr. Dennis Simmons, owner of Brite Smiles Dental Care, stated “Keeping your teeth their whitest is a lot harder than it sounds. With all of the smoking, coffee, wine, tea, and other foods that have the ability to stain your teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leaves them a little lackluster. Teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even give them a bit of extra brightness if you like. We use the most advanced techniques and treatments available to give you a healthier, more beautiful smile”.

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on teeth whitening specials and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Should You Replace or Repair Your Foundation?

Los Angeles Foundation Contractor Gives Tips on Deciding to Repair or Replace

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/), a foundation construction and foundation repair company in Southern California, shares information on foundation problems and gives tips on deciding between repairable damage and foundations needing replacement.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, stated “It is important to note that in homes where the owners neglected signs of foundation problems, they are more likely to need full foundation replacement later on. Homes which have undergone needed foundation repairs have most often avoided needing full foundation replacement.”

“Replacing a foundation can be a complicated and involved process depending on the size of the structure, its location and the extent of the damage. Whenever possible, it is preferable to repair foundation damage instead of replacing the whole foundation. Repair is not always possible if the damage has gone unchecked for a long time and become extensive.”

Fully understanding the cause of your foundation problem is the first step. There are many reasons why foundations fail. Bad design, poor soil conditions and moisture issues are some of the more common causes of foundation instability and collapse.

De La Tore stated “Examples of an improperly designed foundation include inadequate support and reinforcement, cement that hasn’t been cured correctly and a foundation that is too thin. Poor soil conditions typically involve soil that expands when wet and contracts when dry. Plumbing leaks and inadequate drainage can also create havoc with a foundation. Whether the problem is design, soil or moisture, the result will be foundation settlement. Indicators of settlement include wall cracks and sloping floors, as well as doors and windows that won’t open or close properly.”

“Replacing a foundation is a worst-case scenario when it comes to foundation damage. Regular home inspections will often uncover foundation problems before they become serious. Correcting these issues early-on can save you the time and expense of a full foundation replacement. If you have any concerns about your current foundation, contact a knowledgeable foundation contractor and request a free inspection. The sooner you start any necessary repairs, the better.”

“It is a positive thing to know that with these different foundation problems, each has a different way of recognizing it. When you know that, you can be more alert to the problem, and you are more knowledgeable when it occurs as to what is happening. You know when a problem is serious or not, because different cracks will tell you what kind of foundation problem you are looking at. And a trained foundation specialist will be able to spot the source of the problem right away so it can be completely handled,” concluded De La Torre.

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, http://www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Cold Weather, Foundation Problems, and You

Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, explains some of the home foundation problems that can arise from cold weather, and what you can do about it.

There are a number of foundation problems that can crop up when the mercury dips. Here are a few you can look out for to help prevent problems from forming and recognize any that already have.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, stated “Cold weather can cause your foundation to crack, even if the temperature is above freezing. Damage can be caused by temperatures as high as 40 degrees if it stays that cold for three or more days. Cracks in your home’s foundation can let water in, and water is the most damaging element to a foundation. If moisture gets into your foundation it can cause more cracks and many other types of damage.”

“Winter rains will also cause the soil to expand. The expansion underneath your foundation can propel a foundation upwards, which is called heave. If your home is built on soil that retains a lot of water, the damage that soil expansion can cause to your home can be extensive. If frost develops in the soil, it will increase its volume, which can also heave the foundation. When the frost thaws, suction is created that draws in more water. Constant freezing and thawing creates uneven foundation pressure as well as foundation shifts.”

“Take a walk around your house and check for cracks in drywall, cracking and or peeling paint and wallpaper, gaps between floors and walls, gaps in door or window frames, and doors that are sagging and sticking in their frames. If you find any of the above you should schedule an appointment with a foundation repair specialist to check for foundation issues that could lead to trouble.”

“It is a positive thing to know that with these different foundation problems, each has a different way to recognize it. When you know that, you can be more alert to the problem, and you are more knowledgeable when it occurs as to what is happening. You know when a problem is serious or not, because different cracks will tell you what kind of foundation problem you are looking at. And a trained foundation specialist will be able to spot the source of the problem right away so it can be completely handled,” concluded De La Torre.

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, http://www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/