Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Building Cleaning Services Works With Real Estate Management to Remove Mold and Protect Tenants' Health

LOS ANGELES, CA: A reputable realty & property management firm in West Los Angeles wanted to ensure that their tenants’ mold concerns were quickly dealt with in order to protect their health. They turned to Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net), as a company that understands the relationship between tenants, property owners and management companies, and the need to ensure a fast resolution to the discovery of water damage and mold.
BCS performs mold remediation and environmental deep cleanings when there is cross-contamination in apartments and homes. BCS is often chosen for the job because it consistently gets excellent results. Reviews of BCS’s work is available on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning services, stated: “It is imperative that ‘cross contamination’ is identified and addressed. This is where mold is found and disturbed in a bedroom, for example, and the mold spores go air-borne. With the occupants moving through the rooms of the house, the spores float and settle in other rooms. When air samples are taken of these other areas, the mold spores show up in the lab results even though there is no mold damage in that room. The two-fold approach, therefore, is to remove the actual mold by working in sealed containments built to prevent further cross contamination, and then in the other areas where lab tests detect just mold spores, a process known as ‘environmental deep cleaning’ is performed.”
For more information about mold, go to BCS’s informational website (http://buildingcleaningservices.net).

BCS provides water damage handling, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning, 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.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Big Trees Inc. Saves Large Trees at Local Golf Club

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been asked to help save several large specimen trees from a construction zone at a local golf club, and to replant them at the club house once the new renovations have been completed. The project will benefit aesthetically from the larger trees being replanted around the new construction, and saving the trees from the original landscape will please many people associated with the club.

There are two approximately 25-year old 20-foot tall Dogwoods and a large Japanese Maple that were chosen to be saved from the former landscape. Each of the trees weighs around 2,500 pounds, for a total weight of nearly four tons. For reference, that’s roughly the weight of a small African Elephant.

The trees were prepared for the move by being given treatments to slow their transpiration and movement of hydration (transpiration is the movement of water to the leaves where it evaporates), and then the trees were dug in expertly carved root balls that are proportionate to the size and scale of each tree. The trees were then loaded onto Big Trees’ flatbed trucks with a large material handler forklift and brought back out to their nursery to be stored until the project is ready to reaccept the trees. The trees appear to be reacting to the summer handling very well up to this point. They have been put into storage conditions and are on a drip irrigation system.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees had this to say about the project; “This process has gone quite well and we expect the trees to be a vibrant part of the new renovations in time. It’s a pleasure to know that our handiwork plays a role in the continuation of a garden, from one era to the next.”

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/

BigTreeSupply.com: Root Rot in the Pacific Northwest

by Nancy Penrose

Root rot is a serious tree disease caused by fungi. It is usually found in mature trees or younger trees that have damaged roots.

Root rot can stunt the height and diameter of a tree. It can also cause dieback (the tree begins to die from the tip of its leaves or roots backwards), leaf discoloration and leaf loss. Indicators of root rot include yellow crown, a red-brown stain on the tree’s core and thinning leaves. When a tree has root rot, its overall health will begin to deteriorate. Eventually the tree will die.

There are many different types of root rot. In the Pacific Northwest, laminated, annosus and armillaria root rot are especially common.

Laminated root rot, also called yellow ring rot, is the most serious type of rot. It can infect fir, hemlock, larch, spruce and western red cedar trees. Most pines can tolerate or resist infection.

Healthy trees acquire laminated root rot by coming into contact with an infected tree. The rot destroys the tree’s roots, which can cause it to topple over during windy weather. The damaged roots can also make it difficult for the tree to absorb water and nutrients. Older trees can live with laminated root rot for many years, while younger trees will succumb quickly to the disease.

Annosus rot is a fungus disease that can reduce tree growth. It can also kill a tree. The rot can affect some pine tree species, as well as hemlocks and firs. The infection starts off as a red-brown stain inside the butts and roots. When the disease gets worse, brown lines will streak across the wood, and white lines will show up on the inner bark.

Armillaria root rot is another type of fungal infection. A tree with armillaria root rot will usually have mushrooms at its base. The fungi enters the tree through a wound and then grows into the roots. Trees can have the rot for up to six years without showing any signs of infection.

Give us a call if you are planning on purchasing a big tree for your landscape. We can give you tree care tips and show you how to prevent root rot and many other types of diseases that can affect trees.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (see Big Trees planting services page at http://bigtreesupply.com/planting-service/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree installation or care go to arboristblog.com. 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

Brite Smiles Dental Care Offers FastBraces and Invisalign

Crooked Teeth Can Cause Long Term Health Effects

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley is now offering FastBraces and Invisalign to their patients in the southern Twin Cities area.

Most people are aware that having crooked teeth can affect their self-confidence and happiness, but crooked teeth can also negatively impact your health in ways that might surprise you – affecting your dental, overall, and even mental health.

Crooked teeth make it more difficult to reach all of the crevices between crooked teeth with toothbrush bristles and floss, which can lead to bacteria growth. Gum disease develops when bacteria in our mouth forms into plaque. The problem becomes accentuated when your gums don’t fit around your teeth well, leaving more room for bacteria to grow. The lingering bacteria around crooked teeth can cause bad breath, and lead to serious health problems. Studies by the American Dental Association have proven that oral infections caused by bacteria buildup may lead to more serious ailments, including diabetes, stroke, pneumonia, and heart disease.

Other problems that can be caused by crooked teeth include; unusual wear of tooth enamel, increased risk of tooth injuries caused by protruding teeth, cavities caused by crowded teeth, misalignment making it difficult to chew, or even talk, and of course, lowered self-esteem. Several studies have shown that having a better-looking smile increases the amount you smile.

FastBraces are a faster, more effective, and less expensive alternative to traditional metal braces. They are great for children that may have a harder time remembering to wear Invisalign, and for teenagers and adults that want the fastest option. They are also available in an inconspicuous Ceramic Clear version.

Invisalign gradually straightens your smile using a set of custom-fit clear plastic aligners that gently move your teeth into place. They are a great option for teenagers and adults that want to completely avoid the look of braces.

If you have crooked teeth, talk to your dentist about your options. They’ve come a long way since the braces of the past.

A recent Brite Smiles patient stated “FastBraces really are fast. I had them on for less than a year 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.

JulianConstruction.com: Concrete Slab Foundation for Homes

By Julian De La Torre

Since 2013, a little over half of the new homes built across the nation have been constructed with a slab foundation. A slab foundation is a concrete foundation poured onto a prepared surface. It is usually several inches thick. Slab foundations are more commonly found in warmer climates. They are also used for structures built on clay soil.

Compared to the cost of other types of foundations, they are relatively inexpensive.
They also serve as the building’s floor and can help prevent pests for getting under and into the building.

Many slab foundations are constructed using footings – thickened areas of slab placed on load bearing walls. The footing is often wider than the base of the foundation. It is also reinforced with steel. The footings help transfer the building’s load to the foundation and distribute its weight.

Soil and climate are some of the key factors that determine where a foundation with footings is built. In regions where the ground freezes, the footing are put in place first, followed by the building’s walls and finally, the slab itself.

In places where the ground doesn’t freeze, a slab-on-grade foundation is used. The slab-on-grade foundation is poured all at once, usually over gravel. Slab edges are thicker than the inside of the slab, and there is no space between the slab and the ground.

Stem walls are also used when building slab foundations. The walls, which are usually made of cinder blocks, connect the foundation to the structure’s vertical walls.

Before a slab foundation can be poured, the ground underneath it needs to be leveled (also called grading). A slight slope will be created to make sure water drains away from the building.

Does your slab foundation need to be repaired? Cracks and other foundation damage can cause structural weakness. If you’re concerned about your slab foundation, give us a call and we will do a foundation inspection for free.

Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractors in Los Angeles, house leveling & foundation repair Los Angeles and founder of Julian Construction ( http://www.julianconstruction.com ), 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/services/foundation-repair/ ). 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=6I8j7dXzpj4 and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts

When Buying a Home, Are Foundation Problems a Dealbreaker?

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, shares some tips on recognizing signs of foundation damage in a potential home, and what to do if you find any.

When you find a home you like, personally check the property for the below signs of foundation problems. If you find any, you should hire a structural engineer to inspect the home and get a better idea of repair costs. Having a dollar amount for repairs will also help you negotiate the price down.

Here are some of the signs of foundation damage to look for:
  • Sunken floors or foundation.
  • Cracks on the outside of your home- especially diagonal ones. If they are small it may just be a cosmetic issue, but large cracks are often a sign of a more serious issue.
  • Patios that have pulled away from the house.
  • Doors and windows that don’t open and close properly.
  • Gaps between the caulking on windows and doors.
  • Sloping floors with a height difference of more than an inch over 15-20 feet.
  • Wallpaper that has wrinkled or creased.
If you notice any of the above issues with the house of your dreams, don’t let it scare you away. Many potential buyers are put off by foundation issues because they think it will be too difficult and expensive to fix. In turn, that makes houses like this harder to sell, and the seller is more likely to be motivated. You can have a structural engineer inspect the property and get an inspection report detailing what needs to be fixed and recommendations as to how. You can then take that report to foundation repair companies to get estimates, and then use the estimates to negotiate a lower price on the house.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “If you notice any of the signs of foundation problems when you’re considering buying a home, have an inspection done, so you know how expensive the problems will be to fix. That then gives you leverage with the seller to bring the price down enough to cover those 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/

Julian Construction Explains What Causes Foundation Problems

Julian Construction Explains What Causes Foundation Problems

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, shares some of the more common causes of foundation problems.

Foundation problems and foundation damage can be caused by many things ranging from natural disasters to improperly conducted remodeling or construction. All foundation problems can be traced back to one or more causes. Here are a few of the more common ones:

Earthquake: During an earthquake, your home’s foundation moves along with the ground. If you experience an earthquake, check your foundation for cracks in the slab, blocks, and brickwork. Earthquakes will often magnify pre-existing cracks in your foundation.

Drought: When the moisture is removed from the soil, it shrinks (like a sponge) and will pull away from your foundation. When the soil pulls away, it creates a gap which allows for foundation movement. If your foundation isn’t supported properly then it will shift into the space and cracks will start to appear.

Flooding or Plumbing Leaks: Flooding, plumbing leaks, inadequate drainage, or poor grading can all cause house settling. When soil is wet, it expands, pushing against your foundation. When the pressure becomes too much for your foundation, you may start to notice cracks, leaks, and bowed walls.

Poor Drainage: Clogged gutters, improperly positioned downspouts, landscaping too close to the foundation… These can all create situations of poor drainage, external pressure, or expansive soil, and cause foundation damage.

Poor Construction: If the ground under your home was not properly prepared before the foundation was laid it could be at risk.

Large Trees Next To Your Home: A large tree growing too close to your home’s foundation could be causing foundation problems. If the tree is close enough, the roots can push against the foundation and disrupt it. If the roots get under the foundation, they can cause a moisture discrepancy and cause shifting or settling.

If you have any of the above issues or suspect that you have foundation damage, you should call a professional and get a foundation inspection to determine the extent and cause of your foundation issues.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “Keeping your home’s foundation in good repair is so important, it’s the first thing we look at when we go to a home with structural problems. And maintaining the foundation will prevent more serious problems from occurring in the future. Always get your home inspected on a regular basis. It’s important for the safety of your home.”

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/

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Attorney Offers 4 Free Hours of MCLE Credit.

LOS ANGELES, CA: Los Angeles Attorney Douglas A. Crowder (http://crowderlaw.com) announced plans to deliver two seminars that will provide a total of 4 hours of Continuing Legal Education credit for California Attorneys. The tentative dates are August 27 and September 10, 2016. Both will be on a Saturday morning from 9am to noon, at Mr. Crowder’s office in downtown Los Angeles (or, depending on the turn out, at another location in or near downtown L.A.)

These seminars will be geared toward beginning attorneys desiring to start their own law practice, but more experienced attorneys (as well as non-attorneys) will be welcome to attend, if space permits.

The first session will cover how to sign up a debt relief client, and will include such topics as
  • Ways to attract new clients, while complying with California ethics rules.
  • The 4 options when faced with a collection lawsuit.
  • A summary of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
  • A summary of alternatives to bankruptcy
  • Drafting attorney client agreements
These meetings include networking as well as education. One of the purposes of these seminars is to find, and provide training to attorneys to whom Mr. Crowder can refer cases. Several attendees of past seminars have obtained temporary contract work or case referrals, and two received full time employment as a result of attending the seminar.

Mr. Crowder has been practicing debt relief and other areas of law in California since 1989, and has been approved by the California Bar to provide Continuing Legal Education to attorneys (Provider Number 13474).

Those interested in attending (attorneys and non-attorneys) can contact Mr. Crowder’s office at 213-325-3040 or by email at dcrowder@crowderlaw.com.

Monday, August 8, 2016

BigTreeSupply.com: Types of Tree Nutrients

By Nancy Penrose

Trees, like all living things, need nutrients to survive and grow. Trees get their nutrients from the air and soil.

There are 16 elements a tree needs to maintain its health. Three – carbon, oxygen and hydrogen - come from the air. The remaining nutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium sulfur, iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum and chlorine – are absorbed from the soil.

When there is not enough nitrogen in the soil, the photosynthesis process speeds up and turns leaves yellow. A nitrogen deficiency can also result in a more pronounced color during the fall, stunted growth, small leaves and leaf drop.

An iron deficiency can cause yellow leaves as well. The color change however, is not consistent. For example, only a single branch may have yellow leaves.

A manganese deficiency will not only turn leaves yellow, but also make them appear limp.

If there is not enough phosphorus in the soil, the tree will grow slowly. When a tree doesn’t have enough potassium, it is more likely to become diseased or damaged.

A calcium deficiency will impact the tree’s growth and cause unhealthy, thin foliage. If there is not enough magnesium in the soil, the tree’s older leaves will start turning yellow between the veins and around the edges. Other colors can also start appearing, such as red, brown or purple.

If you see any signs of nutrient deficiencies, get your soil tested by an experienced and knowledgeable tree nursery that can find the source of the problem and recommend the proper treatment and tree care. For example, nitrogen issues can be handled with proper fertilization. An iron deficiency can be corrected with sprays, root injections and surface applications.

Are you planning on purchasing any big trees? We can help you chose the right tree for your project based on soil conditions and other environmental factors. We’ll also make sure your tree gets the nutrients it need to maintain its health.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (see Big Trees Customer Testimonials page at http://bigtreesupply.com/customers-speak/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree installation or care go to nurserytrees.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qYmha94OvQ and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Big Trees Inc. To Beautify WA State Convention Center

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, is currently involved in a project to enhance the exterior of the Washington State Convention Center entrances on Pike Street in downtown Seattle. There will be large sequoia trees getting installed into artistic planters at two of the main entrances.

This project is still developing on some fronts, but there will be 6 large Coast Redwoods, a type of Sequoia and “the world’s tallest tree,” being delivered from out of state and weighing in the 5-6,000 pound range per tree. Big Trees is being asked to unload and handle the large Sequoia trees, moving them to their new planter locations from the large trucks that they will be arriving on. The trees will likely be around 20’ tall and packed in large wooden root ball boxes, and they will be using a large material handler forklift to unload and place the trees.

There are some challenges with this installation, in that the downtown location can be quite busy, day and night. Big Trees will be operating and handling the trees in the night time to minimize their disruption to the area, and so they can take advantage of having as much space as possible to work with. Big Trees is anticipating that the people and night life will be cooperative while they work over two consecutive evenings to accomplish the tree installations.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees says, “There is a lot of planning and preparation going into making this project successful over the brief timeframe available to us. It’s going to be two busy evenings in a row, and while working overnight is a challenge from a sleep shift for the crews, there is something exciting about having a normally busy environment all calmed down and to yourself for planting some large trees!”

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/

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Julian Construction Advises Public How to Protect Your Foundation in the Summer

LOS ANGELES: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, shares some tips on protecting your foundation in the summer.
Hot summer weather brings with it a unique set of potential problems for your home’s foundation, that can end up costing thousands to repair. Here are a few ways you can protect your foundation when the mercury rises.
  • “Regularly inspect the outside of your home. Check for signs of foundation damage such as cracks and sticking doors, but also check and make sure any brick, vinyl, siding, or wood on the exterior is at least six inches above the bottom of the foundation. Dirt and leaves can make this clearance insufficient and allow moisture into your foundation.
  • “Make sure water doesn’t pool anywhere near your foundation. Check after a summer storm or after watering the foundation (see # 5). If you do find water pooling in an area, remove it and fill the spot in with dirt to keep it from happening again.
  • “Clean and inspect the gutters regularly. Debris and faulty gutters can cause water to collect where it can cause water damage. When you clear the gutters, dispose of the debris properly. If you leave it on the ground it can cause pooling.
  • “Maintain foliage around the home. Cut back vines and foliage on your home. An overgrowth can prevent proper airflow and lead to water damage.
  • “And lastly, if you have clay soil on your property, extreme heat can cause the soil to dry out, shifting the foundation and leading to foundation damage. You can prevent this by lightly watering the soil around your foundation regularly and maintaining the moisture level.
Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “Keeping your home’s foundation in good repair is so important, it’s the first thing we look at when we go to a home with structural problems. And maintaining the foundation will prevent more serious problems from occurring in the future. Always get your home inspected on a regular basis. It’s important for the safety of your home.”

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/

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Do You Need to Water Your Foundation?

Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, explains when and how to water your home’s foundation, and most importantly, why.

Clay soils expand when they absorb water, and shrink when they dry out. If your home is built in an area with clay soil your home could be at risk of foundation damage caused by seasonal changes in the weather. Clay soil tends to retain water and expand in winter and spring, and dry out and shrink in the summer, especially during a prolonged drought.

All of that expansion and contraction can cause foundation stress when the foundation tries to bend in ways that it can’t, and can lead to different types of foundation damage including; cracks in walls, sloping floors, sticking doors and windows, and damage to plumbing or electrical wiring.

One way that you can halt this type of foundation-damage causing action is by maintaining the moisture level of the soil under and immediately surrounding your home. If the moisture level is consistent, there won’t be any expansion and contraction motion shifting or damaging the foundation.
One way to achieve this is a buried foundation watering system, like a larger version of a drip irrigation system. You can also use a soaker hose- either above ground or buried about three inches deep. Soaker hoses are much less expensive than a buried foundation watering system, but still very effective. Another option is to use a hand-held hose, but you’ll have to be patient- it can take a while to water the area thoroughly.

Make sure you keep the water source 6”-12” away from the foundation to give it a chance to spread out evenly. Keep an eye out for signs of foundation damage, and if you find any contact a local foundation company to help take care of the problems.


Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “Keeping your home’s foundation in good repair is so important, it’s the first thing we look at when we go to a home with structural problems. And maintaining the foundation will prevent more serious problems from occurring in the future. Always get your home inspected on a regular basis. It’s important for the safety of your home.”

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/

JulianConstruction.com: Building a Retaining Wall

By Julian De La Torre

Retaining walls have many uses. Throughout history, they have been built to create agricultural terraces on slopes of land. They have also been used to reduce the flow of rainwater.

Today, retaining walls are primarily a protective structure used to prevent soil erosion, flooding, property or structural damage. They can also be used to create more usable space and reduce maintenance. Some retraining walls are built simply to create a more aesthetic environment.

Retaining walls can be constructed with many different types of materials, including concrete, steel, stone, brick, composites, wood and even glass.

There are also various kinds of retaining walls, including anchored walls, sheet pile walls, gravity walls and cantilevers.

Anchored walls are complex restraining walls built with cables. The cables are anchored into the soil or rock behind the wall. Anchored walls are used when a wall needs extra support to restrain the load.

Sheet piling walls are used in cases where the space is tight or the soil is soft. The wall is created by connecting panels of steel, but vinyl and wood can also be used.

Gravity restraining walls, which are built using stone, concrete or other types of heavy materials, use their own weight to keep soil from moving. The wall is constructed leaning backwards toward the soil.

Cantilever walls are used to hold back a large amount of soil. They are made with steel-reinforced concrete that rests on a slab foundation. Less material is needed to build a cantilever wall than a gravity wall.

We’ve constructed many different types of restraining walls and can give you some tips and advice on the type of wall needed for your project. Give us a call for a free consultation. We’ll inspect your property and come up with a great plan for the perfect restraining wall.


Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractor 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 and soft story retrofit (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (http://julianconstruction.com/services/retaining-walls/). 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. Visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts