Julian Construction: Interior Moisture Can Damage Your Foundation

LOS ANGELES, CA: Interior moisture can cause significant damage to a foundation says Julian De La Torre, owner of Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles.

“When water enters a home, even if it’s just in the atmosphere, it can lead to foundation problems that can end up requiring extensive repairs,” says De La Torre.

Interior water can come from many different sources such as sinks, tubs, showers and toilets. During the winter, moisture can get trapped inside a home or building by insulation, caulking and weather stripping.

Indicators of water problems include dark spots, mold, mildew, peeling paint and surface areas that have either started cracking, crumbling, warping or buckling. Drywall that is soft, spongy or swelling along the edges and seams are also signs of water issues.

When water seeps into the basement, it can start to weaken the structure’s foundation by penetrating cracks. It can also soften the soil around or beneath the foundation which will reduce the foundation’s load bearing capacity.

“Regular inspections can help you avoid foundation trouble,” says De La Torre, who adds that it’s also important to identify the source of the problem, not just fix it.

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, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ or http://quakeproofers.com/blog/.

Julian Construction: Expansive Soil Puts California Homes at Risk

LOS ANGELES, CA: During the late 1950s, many homes in California were built using pier foundations to prevent damage caused by expansive soil. In cases where the piers weren’t drilled deep enough, expansive soil can still cause foundation issues, reports Julian De La Torre, owner of Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles

Expansive soil contains clay minerals that increase in size when the soil gets wet. When the soil dries, the particles shrink leaving spaces in the soil. Over time, a foundation will settle deeper and deeper into these voids. The settlement is rarely uniform, which can cause cracks and other types of damage that weaken the foundation.

“Pier foundations are especially vulnerable to damage caused by changes in the moisture content of expansive soil,” says De La Torre. “When soil expands and contracts, it will affect the foundation’s load bearing capacity. If the stress is significant enough, the pier can end up falling.”

According to De La Torre, any home built on expansive soil should be inspected on a regular basis to prevent serious foundation issues. “If there is a problem and it isn’t addressed quickly, you may end up having to replace the entire foundation.’

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://julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ or http://quakeproofers.com/blog/.

JulianConstruction.com: City of Los Angeles Retrofit Update

by Julian De La Torre

Last year the City of Los Angeles enacted legislation requiring approximately 15,000 buildings to be retrofitted to withstand earthquakes. The legislation passed with a unanimous vote by the Los Angeles City Council.

The new rules focused on two specific types of buildings that have suffered the most serious damage during quakes: concrete buildings and wood-frame apartment complexes built on top of carports (also called “soft story” structures).

Recently the city released the addresses of 13,500 apartments and condos that will most likely need some type of earthquake retrofitting. The buildings are primarily located in the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and Westside.

It took two years to develop the list of these “soft-story” buildings – structures that have weak first floors because they have been built over carports supported with columns.

The hunt focused on buildings similar to structures that collapsed in the 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes. During the Northridge quake, a soft-story apartment complex collapsed killing 16 people.

City officials combed through tens of thousands of records and even walked through neighborhoods to locate structures that would need a soft story retrofit (Los Angeles).

The aggressive effort to get buildings in Los Angeles ready for the next big quake has not been without controversy. Even so, many property owners have begun the process of upgrading their structures.

The purpose of earthquake retrofitting is to keep a structure from slipping off of its foundation during the violent shaking that occurs in an earthquake. Different techniques can be used depending on the how the structure was built. Common types of retrofitting include brackets to connect the cripple wall to the frame; cripple wall bracing and foundation bolting.

With a 99% chance of a magnitude 6.7 quake or larger within the next 30 years, many cities throughout the state have stepped up their earthquake planning and preparedness efforts.

If you’d like a free inspection of your property, give us a call. We have decades of retrofitting experience and will make sure your home is properly secured.

Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation repair, house leveling & foundation inspection (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-2/). 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. Learn more about Julian Construction at http://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/.

See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI6-SXw6Z1c

BigTreeSupply.com: Why Trees Get Sick

By Nancy Penrose

There are many reasons why a healthy tree can get sick, such as pests, injuries, disease and poor maintenance. Even the environment can adversely affect a tree’s well-being.

There are several ways to tell if a tree is doing poorly. Some of the more obvious signs include areas of decay and evidence of infestations. A tree may also have health issues if it isn’t growing or has prematurely dropped its leaves. Other indicators of illness include early ripening, wilting, loss of color, and trunk or branch abnormalities.

Trees can become infected from pests such as aphids, root weevils, leafrollers, spider mites and the codling moth. The pests will either burrow into the tree or start feeding on it. Sometimes they do both.
Trees can also get blight, a type of fungi or bacteria, and root rot.
When a tree has blight, it will initially turn brown and then die. Root rot is also a fungal pathogen and can kill a tree. Indicators of root rot include dieback and foliage discoloration.

Storms can cause broken branches, split branch forks and snapped stems. When wood breaks and becomes exposed, it can become infected by microorganisms. These types of injuries, depending on where they occur, can also damage the tree’s overall health.

Trees can also be injured by bad pruning, garden equipment like lawnmowers and weeders, as well as foot traffic if it’s near the tree’s roots.

Environmental factors that affect the health of your tree include pollution and herbicides that drift in from other locations.

Trees can also have a difficult time adapting to a new environment. If you’ve recently planted a tree or had a tree transplant and it isn’t doing well, check for soil and drainage issues, as well as too much or too little light or water.

Trees are an investment and will need proper maintenance and care to survive. As professional tree arborist, specializing in big trees, we can answer all of your questions about tree care and how to 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 (visit Big Trees Planting Service page at http://bigtreesupply.com/planting-service/), specializing in large trees for sale and tree transplanting. For more tips on tree landscaping go to http://nurserytrees.net/. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEP1vudflm0 and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Big Trees Inc. To Save Hospital Campus Trees

SNOHOMISH, WA - Big Trees Inc. (http://bigtreesupply.com), a Washington state tree sales and transplanting company, will help save more than a dozen trees at a hospital campus during a project involving the re-routing of utilities. The trees currently provide privacy to surrounding neighbors.

“We’re very happy to have the opportunity save these large trees,” says Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees. “In projects like these, many times the trees end up in a grinder.”

According to Penrose, reusing trees during a construction project always generates goodwill and support for the endeavor. “We really enjoy helping out with this aspect of a project because of the positive impact it has on the community.”

Thirteen trees will be moved out of the path of construction, including cedars, hemlocks, firs and hornbeam trees. Some of the trees that will be relocated are over 20 feet tall. There are also a few trees that weigh between 4000 – 5000 pounds.

The trees will be balled, burlapped and brought to a storage bed that is beyond the reaches of the construction area. The re-routing of utilities is expected to take 1 to 2 years to complete. Once the project is finished, the trees will be root balled again and moved back to their original locations.

“Replanting the trees will give neighbors the same privacy they had before the undertaking began,” says Penrose.

Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com) is located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the area’s largest tree nurseries, 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, including spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also transplants large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

Brite Smiles Patient Eats Corn on the Cobb with Dental Implants

APPLE VALLEY, MN - A patient at Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), located in Apple Valley, MN, put his new dental implants to the ultimate test by eating corn on the cob at a family get-together.

“I looked at the corn-on-the-cob and said to myself, ‘Do I dare?’ and then decided there was only one way to find out,” said the patient. “Pretty soon the corn was off the cob - and I got a standing ovation.”

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing or extracted tooth. The tooth is secured to the jaw bone with a small titanium post. The implant is permanent and matches the surrounding teeth. There is very little discomfort during the procedure, and the recovery period is relatively short. Once the healing period is over, you can eat all of the foods you enjoy - including corn on the cob, with confidence.

“Implants are an alternative to bridges and dentures,” says Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care. “They look, feel and function the same way as regular teeth.”

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 services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Building Cleaning Services Warns Renters to Avoid Mold and Health Problems

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net), a mold removal company based in Los Angeles, is warning renters to watch for signs of mold related health problems, so they can avoid the fate of a Bay area family. According to a recent KTVU article, a Danville, California family is trying to move on from a rented house they say has made them sick and put them in limbo as they seek to have the home cleared of toxic mold that permeates the residence.

City officials have restricted access to the million-dollar home because of the mold contamination. Municipal inspectors found toxic mold spores known as penicillium and aspergillas in high concentrations. The family claims the environment made their kids sick for months with coughs, sore throats, nosebleeds, and wheezing. The couple say they can only make short visits inside and cannot bring their four children inside, and cannot take their possessions out of the home.

The couple discovered the mold problem only after numerous doctor visits, when they were unable to find the reason for health issues experienced by their children. The family had an inspection of the attic, where heavy amounts of black mold were found caked on the beams, apparently from a leaky roof.

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning services, stated: “Renters need to be alert to instances of respiratory health issues, especially repeating or unexplained issues, and know that these could be related to mold. The sooner such mold infestations are handled, the better, to prevent the concentrations of mold in the air reaching dangerous levels. We work with property owners to quickly assist their renters in such a situation.”

For more information about mold, go to BCS’s informational website (http://buildingcleaningservices.net). And reviews of BCS’s help given clients is available on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS provides water damage handling, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning for companies, post construction cleaning, and commercial janitorial services for the Greater Los Angeles area, and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Article on Bay area family and their problem:
http://www.ktvu.com/news/142164096-story

Julian Construction: Older Homes More Likely to Have Foundation Damage

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian De La Torre, owner of Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, reports that homes built over 50 years ago often have foundation problems.

According to De La Torre, there were very few building regulations or standards for homes constructed before 1940, and the use of improper equipment and low-quality materials was not uncommon.

“The most important part of your home is its foundation,” says De La Torre. “If the foundation is not built right, the structural integrity of the building will be compromised. Foundations are built to carry the weight and load of all the other parts of the structure. Without a strong foundation, the building can eventually collapse.”

Homeowners can also have trouble with older foundations if the home was built on clay soil. When clay soil gets wet, it expands. As the soil starts to dry, it contracts. A building will be pushed up by the foundation when the soil is moist, and settle into the spaces created when the moisture disappears.

“If you own an older home, make sure the foundation is checked on a regular basis,” says De La Torre. “If a problem is caught early, it can usually be easily fixed. The longer you wait, the more you will have to spend on repairs.”

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, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ or http://quakeproofers.com/blog/.

Julian Construction: Roof Damage Can Cause Foundation Problems

LOS ANGELES, CA: Roof damage is a commonly overlooked cause of foundation problems, reports Julian De La Torre, owner of Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles.

According to De La Torre, when a roof becomes damaged, water can begin to seep into the structure. “Water is a foundation’s worst enemy,” says Torres. “It can cause cracking and other issues that will weaken the foundation and destabilize the structure.”

There are various environmental factors that can damage a roof, such as wind, too much sun, rain, storms, earthquakes, falling tree branches and lightening. Indicators of roof damage include broken, chipped, cracked or blistered tiles.

These days, many homes are built with asphalt tiles that have been coated with tiny granules. When the tiles become bruised or dented, the granules can start to fall off. “if you find asphalt tile granules in your rain gutters, your roof is deteriorating and needs to be repaired,” says De La Torre, who also notes that natural roofing tiles and materials will decompose even faster than synthetic roofing.

De La Torre encourages homeowners to regularly inspect their roof. “If you see wet spots, cracking paint, wet insulation, light shining through the roof or the roof starting to sag, have it inspected by a professional and get the repairs done as fast as possible.”

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, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ or http://quakeproofers.com/blog/.

JulianConstruction.com: How Expansive Soil Can Damage Your Foundation

by Julian De La Torre

Soil contains three main organic materials: sand, silt and clay. Clay particles are extremely small, which means many of them can exist in a tiny space. This increases the density of the soil and helps create a smooth texture.

Soil that has a high concentration of clay particles is called expansive soil. When the soil becomes wet, the clay particles absorb the water. This causes the soil to expand.
If a house has been built on clay soil, the expansion can lift a foundation. Sometimes the lifting occurs in different areas of the foundation. The amount and location of the lifting is determined by the building load and how much moisture is present.

Eventually, the clay will dry. When it does, the soil will shrink, creating even more foundation problems.

Foundation lifting and settling will eventually cause foundation cracks. The cracks will allow more moisture to enter the structure, which can worsen the damage. Signs of foundation problems include sloping floors, bulging walls, and doors that won’t open or shut properly.

One way to remedy foundation problems caused by expansive soil is to extend the foundation past the area where the soil’s water fluctuates. You can also add more drainage around the structure so water is channeled away from it. Strengthening the foundation is another option. A strong foundation can withstand lifting and settling.

If you live in an area with significant wet and dry seasons, you will probably end up having more foundation problems than homeowners who live in areas where the weather is more consistent. But also keep in mind that other sources of water, like sprinklers, can impact soil moisture content as well.

If your home was built on expansive soil, call a professional foundation contractor and get them to conduct a foundation inspection. They will be able to address any foundation issues related to moisture in the soil.

Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation repair, inspection & 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-2/). 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. Learn more about Julian Construction at http://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/. Watch their video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I8j7dXzpj4