Get Ready For The Next Big Quake

By Shawn Kyles

Did you know that California has a 99% chance of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 quake or greater within the next 30 years?

The Northridge Earthquake, which hit at 4:31 a.m. on January 17, 1994 was a magnitude 6.7. The quake occurred at a depth of 11.4 miles on an unknown fault, and was followed by thousands of aftershocks. Fifty-seven people died and over 5,000 people were injured during the event. An estimated 1,600 people were hospitalized.

The Northridge quake actually took place in Reseda, CA, with property damage occurring more up to 85 miles away. Total property damage has been estimated at more than $20 Billion. It is considered one of the costliest U.S. natural disasters.

Structural collapses included the Northridge Meadows apartment complex which killed sixteen people, several commercial buildings and sections of the Santa Monica Freeway, the Antelope Valley Freeway and Interstate 5.

Multi-story wood frame buildings suffered the most damage, along with structures made of masonry, constructed on slopes or built over parking areas. The quake also caused hundreds of fires and left tens of thousands of people without utilities for several days.

If you are a Southern California home owner, there are many things you can do for earthquake preparedness before the next big quake. Start by making sure furniture and other moveable items are properly secured. Stock up on supplies that may be needed following a quake and organize a disaster plan. You’ll also want to gather and keep important documents in a safe space.

You will also want to make sure your home is in good repair and structurally sound. Start by contacting a foundation repair expert and requesting an inspection. A foundation professional will know where to look for damage and potential weaknesses that could put you and your family in danger during an earthquake.

Homes that have been built on concrete, especially unreinforced concrete, stone masonry or bricks, are at greater risk for structural failure during a quake. A home can also break away from its foundation if it hasn’t been secured properly. When a house shifts off of its foundation, it can disrupt gas lines, which can lead to fires.

Is your home built on a hill? When a house that has been built on a hill isn’t properly supported, it can collapse during a quake. If your home has a crawl space that hasn’t been braced correctly, it could fall during periods of increased seismic activity.

A foundation expert or foundation contractor will look at the interior and exterior of your home, including walls, windows, doors, floors, concrete slabs, crawl spaces and basements to determine if there are existing or potential foundation problems, if you need foundation bolting, or foundation repair, etc. You’ll get a post-inspection report and a summary of the issues that need to be addressed.

If any repairs are needed, get them done quickly! Foundation damage will only get worse over time.

Earthquake retrofitting and foundation bolting will not only give you peace of mind, it can help protect your property during an earthquake and may even save lives.

Solar Systems a Good Investment for Saving Energy

Julian Construction Recommends Installing Solar Systems in a Home

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a home foundation repair and general contractor company in Los Angeles, recommends that homeowners look at the long term benefits of installing solar systems on their home. The company has found that energy savings as well as property savings can be realized as a result of installing a solar energy system. The company has installed many such systems for homeowners.

In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that "the development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource, enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, lower the costs of mitigating climate change, and keep fossil fuel prices lower than otherwise. These advantages are global. Hence the additional costs of the incentives for early deployment should be considered learning investments; they must be wisely spent and need to be widely shared".

Julian Construction has many years experience in the installation of personalized home solar energy systems, most often during the process of re-roofing a home. State and federal agencies offer tax benefits and rebates to homeowners who install clean energy solutions such as solar systems, in addition to the direct energy savings.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “There are multiple benefits to installing a solar energy system in your home. State and Federal agencies often will offer tax benefits on this, the system will increase the property value, and there is the savings made on the energy itself. We’ve been very happy to supply this service to homeowners in the past and can highly recommend it as a very beneficial way for homeowners to save money.”

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/

Repairing Retaining Walls a Complicated and Professional Project

Construction Company Says Retaining Walls Not a DIY Project

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and general contractor company in Los Angeles, has had many years of experience in the construction field, largely with their specialty of home foundation repair and replacement but also home construction projects such as the construction of retaining walls. Due to the complexity of the process and the number of different types of retaining walls that may be used, the company strongly recommends that only a licensed professional construct a retaining wall for a home.

A retaining wall is a stabilizing structure used when soil on a slope threatens to spill and cause soil erosion, ruining the landscape or causing other problems with the home’s foundation. A retaining wall holds back the falling soil and redistributes the pressure of the sloping ground.

Many different materials are used for a wall, such as concrete, steel, stone, brick, composites, wood and even glass. There are also several different types of walls, from those that use the wall’s own weight to hold back the soil to those which are supported by heavy steel cables. The type of wall needed is determined by the type and quantity of soil in the landscape, as well as the amount of space for the wall and other factors.

Due to the variety of different types of retaining walls, each one required by a different set of circumstances for that yard, Julian Construction strongly recommends that homeowners only use a licensed professional foundation contractor with many years experience constructing retaining walls on different properties. Retaining wall projects done by inexperienced individuals could lead to a wall not strong enough to hold up the soil, drainage problems (which would damage the wall) or other problems which would lead to having to reconstruct the retaining wall entirely.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “We have often installed a retaining wall where the soil erosion was the factor causing foundation damage. Definitely, if soil erosion is not handled in a home it will cause problems for a landscape but also can cause problems for the structure itself: if the soil is going away from the foundation it can weaken it. Homeowners also use a retaining wall to create more usable space in their yard. Whatever the reason it is needed, always hire a professional to construct a retaining wall.”

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/

Developmental Editor Susan Mary Malone to Speak at LexiCon 2014

Editor and Award Winning Author to Speak at This Year’s LexiCon Writer’s Conference in Denton, TX

DALLAS, TX: Susan Mary Malone, (http://maloneeditorial.com/) developmental editor (with over 40 books she’s edited published by traditional publishers) and award-winning author, will be speaking at the upcoming LexiCon writer’s convention. Ms Malone spoke at LexiCon year and is enthusiastically welcomed back to the podium for this year’s convention. The convention will take place Friday through Sunday, July 11-13, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Denton, TX.

According to the conference web site, “LexiCon is a positive experience where writers of all levels and degrees of talent, success and genre are encouraged and supported. It's a place where egos are left at the door to build networks of friendships and associates, creating and improving on a sales dynamic.”

Ms. Malone will be speaking on the subject of Surviving Publishing’s Maelstrom, a talk on many of the mishaps a book author can encounter going through the publishing world, from her experience as a fiction editor and editor, and how to best avoid them. Ms. Malone was very excited about attending again, stating: "Mitch Haynes, the mastermind behind LexiCon, has formed a new model. And that model was not only successful...but it will be hugely so in the future. Another thing that was in stark contrast with this conference was the camaraderie."

Ms. Malone further stated: “Conferences like these really need to become even more prominent. It provides an excellent atmosphere for up-and-coming writers and veteran authors to traditional publishers to mix and mingle. And experienced professionals in the industry can share the trade secrets needed to really succeed in the literary world. I’m very much looking forward to this year’s convention and hope it continues for many years to come!”

More data about the convention can be found at their website: www.lexi-conwritersconference.com

Susan Mary Malone has worked as a freelance editor since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. Her client list includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself. She participates as a speaker in literary conferences such as the Harriett Austin Writer's Conference (at the University of Georgia), the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, the SouthWest Writer's Conference, and the East Texas Writer’s Guild, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com

Root Rot in Pacific Northwest Trees

by Nancy Penrose

Root rot is one of the most serious types of big tree diseases. The health of a tree with root disease will deteriorate over time until the tree eventually dies. The rot, which can also affect the butts of big trees, is usually caused by fungi.

Root rot is typically found in older trees or trees with damaged roots. Trees with root rot often have dieback, leaf loss and leaf discoloration. The tree’s growth is also stunted by the rot, both in height and diameter.

The three most serious types of root rot that can be found in Pacific Northwest trees are Annosus root rot, Armillana root rot and Laminated root rot.

Annosus rot is a fungus-based root disease. It affects many different types of big trees, including the western hemlock, mountain hemlock and white fir. Sometimes pines such as the western white pine, ponderosa pine and lodgepole can also contract the disease, as well as larch, spruce and Douglas fir. The fungus causes reduced growth, root and butt rot and tree death.

Certain types of trees with Annosus root rot will have a yellow and thinning crown. The tree’s cones will also look unhealthy. At the beginning of the infection, the fungi appears as a reddish-brown stain inside the butts and roots. As the disease progresses, the wood will become streaked with brown lines and small white flecks will appear on the surface of the inner bark. Sometimes pockets of white fibers with black specks will appear on the roots. In advanced stages of the disease, the bark will have white streaks and black flecks in areas of the wood that have become decayed. Armillaria is a root disease that, like Annosus rot, affects many different types of trees including oak and dogwood. The disease is caused by a white-looking fungus that infects the wood. It spreads through root contact and infection from spores.

Trees with Armillaria root rot (ARR) usually have mushrooms at their base. The mushrooms, which are part of the reproduction cycle of the fungi, generally appear towards the end of summer or during the fall. Conifers with Armillaria will also ooze resin. The only trees that are resistant to Armillaria root rot are birch and larch.

The fungus typically enters the tree through a wound, and grows into the roots. In trees infected with ARR, the fungus will appear between the tree’s bark scales and as stringy white and tan growth (called conks) on the base of the tree. Many times the tree will show no visual indicators of ARR for two to six years after infection and when at least half the root system has become infected.

The most serious type of root rot in the Pacific Northwest is laminated root rot, also called yellow ring rot. Laminated root rot can infect hemlocks and firs, as well as the western red cedar, larch and spruce trees. Pines can generally either tolerate or resist the infection.

Laminated root rot, a fungus infection, spreads when a diseased tree comes in contact with a healthy tree. Roots are either destroyed over a period of time causing the tree to uproot or fall during windy conditions, or the tree loses its ability to absorb nutrients and water. Small trees will die quickly from laminated root rot, while older big trees can last decades with the infection.

Signs of root rot include yellow crowns, thinning leaves, a reddish-brown stain on the central core of the tree and annual rings that separate.

If you are planning on buying a tree or transplanting trees, contact a big tree specialist to find out how to prevent root rot. Discussing tree diseases with a professional tree nursery experienced in landscape trees can help you avoid costly tree replacement later on.

Landscaping Project to Move Trees into Property Via Barge

Large Trees Transported to Private Property Owner for Landscaping by Big Trees Inc.

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree nursery and tree transplanting company in the Seattle area, recently undertook an unusual project which involves barging in trees to a lakeside property.

Due to limited access for the large trees requested for the project, a barge and crane were obtained for purposes of transporting the trees to the property. The company has now obtained all necessary equipment and the project will commence shortly.

The project involves a large number of big trees, including some 600 pound flowering Cherry trees, some Dogwood trees and numerous 12’ tall Arborvitaes for a total of 16 trees. In addition to the trees, several large soil and gravel sacks will be brought in as well for other aspects of the landscaping. The materials will be loaded in from the lakeside of the property by a barge and crane combination, which will be used to reach out and put the trees on the pool-side patio. The trees will then be brought to their respective locations for the landscaping project.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated: “The project is a bit out of the ordinary, but we’ve transplanted trees by boat before. Our team of tree transplant specialists are very familiar with all of the aspects of this project, so we expect it to come off very well. The owner requested this as a privacy screening project, but also to enhance the beauty of the yard which we certainly expect it will.”

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/

The Home Foundation Inspection Process

by Shawn Kyles

A home foundation inspection by a qualified expert is not only an important part of foundation maintenance, it can prevent the need for expensive repairs or foundation replacement. You’ll also get peace of mind knowing that your foundation is in good shape.

When you request an inspection, both the outside and inside of your home will be checked for evidence of foundation problems.

When looking at interior and exterior walls, the inspector will check for cracks, bowing, shifting and leaning. Cracks are evaluated based on location, size and direction. Not all cracks in bricks, plaster, masonry, drywall or plaster are an indicator of structural damage. Sometimes the cracks are the result of normal house settling. However, poor soil conditions and other factors can contribute to excessive settling, which can lead to foundation problems. For this reason, soil conditions will also be looked at, along with slopes and drainage.

The inspector will also determine if the foundation is straight by looking down the length of the foundation wall from each corner. Doors and windows will be inspected to ensure they open and close properly.

Basements and crawl spaces will be entered and assessed to determine if the posts and supports are straight and secure.

Concrete slabs will be evaluated for chips, cracks, flaking and shifting, including sidewalk, patio and garage slabs. Floors above the basement or crawl space will be checked for sloping, sinking and other types of displacement. Chimneys will also be inspected for cracks, broken bricks and tilting.

Your foundation inspector will look for any areas where water has entered the building. Water is a foundation’s worst enemy. Any standing water near or on the foundation (or even the roof) could mean trouble. If there is evidence of a moisture issue, your inspector will look for the cause of the problem.
The inspector will take notes on anything that has been found, summarize the findings and make cost-effective recommendations on any repairs that are needed. Even when the damage seems severe, there may be ways to correct the problem instead of replacing the foundation.

The ability to diagnose not only existing but potential foundation issues is critical. Identifying the underlying cause of the situation is also vital. When a foundation problem isn’t properly addressed, it can result in more costly repairs later on.

Choosing the right foundation inspector for your property is important. Look for someone with extensive home foundation inspection experience. A foundation expert who has conducted thousands of inspections will know how to properly evaluate your home and property. Many times foundation damage isn’t obvious. A professional will not overlook even the smallest indicator of a foundation problem.

If you are aware of any type of foundation damage, request an inspection as soon as possible. Foundation issues don’t disappear over time, they usually get worse. In between inspections, record any foundation changes you are aware of, such as a crack growing in size. Keep you drain spouts debris-free and stay alert for even minor structural damage.