How to Tell If Your Foundation is in Need of Repairs

Los Angeles Foundation Contractor shares warning signs of foundation damage

Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, has compiled a checklist that you can use to walk around your house with, to tell if you have any foundation damage issues. If you notice any of the items mentioned, you should contact a foundation contractor to schedule an inspection.
As a homeowner, it can be difficult to tell when something is wrong with your foundation, especially since the early warning signs can be subtle. However, a damaged foundation is very dangerous and it is important to have it inspected regularly to catch and repair damage before it has a chance to get worse.

• Doors and windows that have shifted and don’t open and close properly. This can be a sign that your foundation has settled.
• Cracks on the outside of your home- especially diagonal ones. If they are small it could be a cosmetic issue, but large cracks are often a sign of a larger problem.
• Nails that have popped out from the wall, indicating that the drywall may be bowing inward or outward.
• Sloping floors. If the floor is gradually sloping less than an inch across the whole foundation, it might not be an issue. However, if your floor has a height difference of more than an inch over 15-20 feet, it is more likely the foundation settling or shifting.
• Gaps between the caulking on windows and doors. This is usually caused by the foundation shifting.
• Patios that have pulled away from your home. This is a sure sign of a shifting or sinking foundation.
  Wallpaper that has wrinkled or creased. This can be caused by a sinking or shifting foundation, which in turn, causes the walls to shift.
• Sunken floors or foundation. If you notice the ground around your foundation sinking, you could have a big foundation issue on your hands, call for an inspection right away.

If you encounter any of the above problems, you don’t necessarily need to replace your foundation. It is often possible to repair smaller issues and cracks with a strap, epoxy injection or a pad known as an underpin, halting the damage and strengthening your foundation for a safer home.
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 Los Angeles foundation repair on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Julian Construction Warns of the Dangers Of Poor Drainage and Cold, Wet Weather

Drainage Problems, Mold, and Foundation Cracks- Are You At Risk?

Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, is warning the public of some of the home foundation problems that can arise from wet weather, and what you can do about it.
As the weather gets cooler and wetter, the risk for indoor mold and foundation cracking increases. The maintenance and installation of proper drainage systems surrounding your home provide a safeguard against the effects of water accumulation and flooding during the rainy season.

Be on the look-out for signs of drainage problems, as a potential threat to the foundation of your home. There is a list below of indicators of drainage problems. If you encounter any of them on your property, contact an experienced foundation contractor near you for help resolving the issues.

 Water pooling in a yard
 Rainwater accumulating on a rooftop
 Moisture seeping into a house
 Foundation cracks
 Mold, mildew, or a damp musty smell

In addition to water damage that can be caused by any of the above problems (including drywall damage, mold, and mildew), foundation damage can also occur if the problem is not corrected early enough. When water seeps into the soil underneath a foundation, it can cause the soil to expand and lift the foundation, resulting in foundation cracks. When the soil dries, the foundation will settle.

Constant expansion and contraction will increase and worsen structural damage. Water can also create foundation cracks and make any existing fissures larger.

A qualified construction company can install a drainage system to avoid mold and foundation problems from poor drainage.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “It’s vital to make sure that water is being drained away from your home properly. If it is not draining properly, and is pooling near the house, you are at risk of foundation damage. If you suspect you have a problem, get an experienced foundation expert out to inspect 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/

JulianConstruction.com: Common Types of Anchor Bolts Used in House Bolting

By Julian De La Torre

Over the years we have learned the effect seismic activity has on a building and how to minimize the impact of a quake.

Earthquakes can cause a building to slide, shift off of its foundation and overturn. They can also buckle cripple walls, causing them to collapse.

House bolting is also called foundation bolting, anchor bolting, or seismic retrofitting. The purpose of house bolting is to make the structure safer and prevent damage during an earthquake. The bolts strengthen the wood frame by connecting it securely to the foundation. The two types of bolts commonly used in house bolting are epoxy foundation bolts and expansion foundation bolts.

If you live in an older home, an epoxy-set foundation bolt will be your best option. Older homes tend to have weaker concrete. Epoxy bolts are longer than expansion foundation bolts, which means they must be inserted deeper into the concrete. The deeper insertion improves the bolt’s performance.

Epoxy bolts are also a good choice in locations where the motion of a quake can lift up the structure. Because of the length of the bold, the chances of the wood frame pulling away from the concrete foundation is reduced.

Expansion foundation bolts are best used with foundation concrete that is in good shape, such as concrete in a new home or a new foundation in an older home. This is because the bolt requires “strong concrete” to be effective. The bolts can be used as long as they don’t crack the concrete.
Anchor bolts need to be installed with square plate washers. The washers create a sturdier and more secure connection to the foundation. Before square plate washers came into use, the bolts were secured with round washers. However, round washers did not have enough holding strength.

Sometimes other types of anchors may be necessary, depending on whether or not the home has cripple walls. Homes can also have a combination of cripple walls and places where the floor rests on the foundation.

To find out if your house needs bolting, go down into your home’s crawl space. The crawl space is the area between the foundation and the first floor. Find the sill plate, which is the board located on top of the foundation. Most but not all sill plates are made of lumber. The board runs horizontal to the vertical wall.

Inspect the sill plate for the head of anchor bolts. In most cases they will appear every four to six feet.
Many homes built during and after the late 1930’s will have some form of house bolting (Los Angeles and other earthquake-prone cities especially). Check to see if any existing bolts have become weak, or are set to far apart to provide the support needed in a quake.

Any work that gets done to strengthen the structure of your home needs to meet current standards. A foundation repair expert or foundation contractor should be consulted to determine if any existing bolting needs to be replaced, and the extent of any new bolting that may be necessary.


Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, repair & house bolting 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 work than any other company in the Los Angeles 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

Big Trees Inc. Prepares To Add 10 Acre Field Of Trees

New Field Represents Major Expansion for One of Largest Tree Nurseries in Seattle

Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) one of the largest tree transplant and tree nursery companies in the Seattle area, is preparing to plant an entirely new field of trees to propagate and share with their clients.

 They are preparing 10 acres of land to accept new stock that will grow and be available in the coming years to beautify and provide privacy throughout the Seattle area.

Big Trees has a large field that they have farmed in the summers over the years with corn and other crops, but never attempted to plant with trees, as the field tends to hold water over the winter. This year they have made a large commitment to this field, to drain the areas that previously held on to the winter rains. They have hired a local commercial farming drainage expert to do what’s necessary, and the area will soon be laid out in new rows of excellent trees. Big Trees Inc. will be planting significant numbers of evergreens and deciduous specimens, taking into consideration what types of trees have been most popular over the years, as well as trees that are sometimes difficult to get from other sources.

The project is going very well, with the drainage work currently underway, and the row spacing and access roads to be arranged in the coming weeks. Then it will be time to receive the incoming smaller stock, which will be planted and cared for so those trees grow into strong additions to their landscaping repertoire.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees says, “This is a significant reclamation of a space we have been meaning to cultivate for a long time now. It’s so exciting to be in this stage of the process, and we can’t wait to walk through the rows of trees and watch them grow over the coming years!”

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/

Dr. Polke of American Dental Excellence Now Teaching Dental Sedation

Westminster Dentist Now Teaching Other Dentists to Use Sedation

WESTMINSTER, CO: Dr. Kenneth Polke, (http://americandentalexcellence.com), founder of American Dental Excellence in Westminster, CO, is now a member of the teaching staff for Rocky Mountain Sedation (http://rockymountainsedation.com/), an organization that trains dentists on how to use sedation in their dental practices. Dr. Polke now handles these teaching chores in addition to running his busy dental practice.

Rocky Mountain Sedation is considered to be one of the top facilities in the country for training in IV sedation because they are the only one that has two board-certified anesthesiologists on staff.

Dental Sedation is used for people who have extreme fear or anxiety of dental procedures, to help them relax and be comfortable during their dental work. There are two types of sedation taught by Dr. Polke through Rocky Mountain Sedation’s program and they are: Oral Sedation, in which you take a pill about an hour before the procedure (the level of sedation will vary from minimal to moderate, depending on the dose given), and IV Sedation which is delivered intravenously, making it go into effect much faster (the level of sedation can be continually adjusted by the dentist as needed).

Regardless of which type of sedation is used, a local anesthetic would also need to be used if the procedure causes discomfort or pain.

The comprehensive course includes 60 hours of classroom training and 20 hours of clinical training, which can be done at American Dental Excellence under the supervision of Dr. Polke. When trainees complete the IV sedation program, they receive a certificate of completion which they can take to their state dental board and get a certification to perform sedation dentistry.

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. 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.

AmericanDentalExcellence.com: Maintaining Your Smile And Oral Health With Dental Implants

by Dr. Kenneth Polke

The loss of a tooth can have many consequences. In addition to affecting your appearance, remaining teeth can shift to close the gap left by the missing tooth. Your teeth can also become weaker because there are less teeth to use when eating. Tooth loss can also cause chewing difficulties, jaw problems and bone loss.

The bones that surround your teeth need to be stimulated in order to maintain their shape and density. This stimulation comes from your teeth. When you lose a tooth, the decrease in stimulation causes the bone to decrease in height and width.

The more teeth that are lost, the more oral problems you will have. Dental implants are one of the best ways to prevent these issues from occurring. A dental implant is a method of tooth replacement.

First, a small screw made of titanium (a lightweight, extremely strong metal that is corrosion-resistant) is placed into the jawbone. The screw becomes the roots for the new tooth.

Once implanted, the jawbone and screw fuse together. This stabilizes the area and prevents bone loss. The implant also keeps the jawbone’s shape and density intact, which supports other facial bones as well as the gums, cheeks and lips. The fusion process can take from two to six months to complete.

An abutment is also attached to hold the dental crown in place. Crowns are the parts of teeth that you see in a mouth. The dental crown used in a dental implant will be customized to match your other teeth. To keep it in place, the crown will either be cemented or screwed into the abutment.

When there is an inadequate amount of bone for the posts (or the bone is too soft) another surgical procedure called “bone grafting” may be necessary. Bone grafting involves the placement of new bone tissue in the implant area, where it regenerates.

Anyone who has lost a tooth is usually a good candidate for dental implants. However, there are certain health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes that can prevent the screws from fusing with the bone. Smoking, alcoholism and advanced gum disease can also inhibit fusing.

If you have lost a tooth and are considering an implant, your dentist (family dentist broomfield co) will conduct an assessment to determine if the procedure is right for you. Special x-rays, including in some cases 3D scans, will also be needed to determine the best location and position for the screws.
The dentist you choose (Westminster dentist) will need information on your health and medical history, as well as any medications you are currently taking.

Your Implant will look just like your natural teeth and even feel the same. They are taken care of like regular teeth with brushing and flossing. When you visit your dentist for a checkup, the implant will be cleaned with special instruments. If your dental implant becomes damaged, the crown can be removed and replaced. Unlike regular teeth, dental implants will not decay or require a root canal.

A dental implant will enable you to eat and chew normally, and smile with confidence. They also have the highest success rate of any type of implanted surgical device.


Dr. Kenneth J. Polke, (family dentist Broomfield co, Thornton dentist, Denver sedation dentist) http://www.americandentalexcellence.com/services/sedation-dentistry/ )
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 (http://www.americandentalexcellence.com/services/general-dentistry/ ). Dr. Kenneth Polke and American Dental Excellence can be reached at 303-920-4900.

Leaving Mold Growing in a Home Can be Hazardous

FEMA and Other Organizations are Warning Building Owners about Mold Infestations

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services, (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/) a Los Angeles mold remediation and building cleaning company, has been helping building owners combat Los Angeles mold infestation for over 10 years. Data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shows why mold must not be allowed to grow to hazardous levels. Other organizations which have spoken about the dangers of mold infestation include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Occupational and Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

FEMA’s report “Mold and Mildew in your Flood-Damaged Home” states: “Mildew and molds are fungi - simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. Molds are a necessary part of the environment; without them, leaves would not decay and aspects of soil enrichment could not take place. It is their ability to destroy organic materials, however, that makes mold a problem for people - in our homes and in our bodies...Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores - tiny, lightweight ‘seeds’ - that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health problems.”

Due to the dangers of excessive mold exposure and the speed at which mold infestations can spread indoors, Building Cleaning Services, is the “go-to” company in Los Angeles to ensure a fast and professional mold remediation job. Visible mold when there is water damage must be handled immediately. Some of the symptoms of mold can be found on Building Cleaning Services website: http://buildingcleaningservices.net/mold-removal/

Building Cleaning Services has helped many building owners fully address Los Angeles mold problems. One of their clients stated: “We used a separate inspection company who referred us to BCS, among other mold remediation services. We got quotes from three remediation services and Sheldon from BCS was by far more thorough and helpful. We had mold in the kitchen and bathroom and the original inspection company provided suggestions for remediation. When Sheldon came by to give us an estimate he actually helped save us some money by suggesting some less costly (but equally effective) alternatives for remediation. BCS's crew came in and took care of the mold and passed the post-remediation inspection with flying colors. We would definitely use BCS if we have mold problems again.”

Building Cleaning Services' other reviews on Yelp can be seen at www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS provides water damage handling and mold removal 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.