Is Your Home Safe in an Earthquake?

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, is releasing information to the public on a few types of homes that are especially at risk during an earthquake.

What: Wood Frame Multi-Family Buildings

Risk: Soft-Story Problems. A soft-story residential building is one that has wide open spaces on the ground floor for windows or garage doors, retail or parking space, and housing on upper floors, and built before recent stricter building codes. The risk is that the lower floor can collapse.

What to do: If you live in this type of building and you own it, contact a foundation contractor or structural engineer to handle the retrofitting and ensure it’s safe. If you rent, ask your landlord what has been done in the way of earthquake retrofitting to bring the building up to current codes.

What: Older Single-Family Homes

Risk: Cripple Wall Problems. Older (often pre-WWII) houses are often not properly bolted to their foundations and/or don’t have properly braced cripple walls. (The walls around the crawl space below the structure). In an earthquake the wood frame could come off of its foundation, the cripple walls can lean or collapse, the foundation itself can crack, or the chimney could break at the roof line.

What to do: Earthquake retrofitting can be done by a qualified foundation contractor. This would typically include a combination of anchor bolting and reinforcing the cripple walls to prevent collapse.

What: Mobile Homes

Risk: Mobile homes installed prior to 1995 that are not properly secured to their foundations can shift off their supports during an earthquake.

What to do: There are three common earthquake retrofitting methods that can ensure that mobile homes are properly secured to their foundations (in order of effectiveness and cost):

1. You can have a conventional foundation installed (similar to what’s used for a wood frame home);
2. For new homes or existing homes being relocated, owners are required to install an engineered tiedown system using standard plan approvals; or
3. For existing homes, owners can install a certified earthquake resistant bracing system.


Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your home will be safe in the event of an earthquake. You should rest easy, knowing your home rests on a structurally sound foundation. We can inspect your home to find out what steps are needed to get it there. We offer free foundation inspections for homeowners, and for those with a higher cripple wall, we can review plans or obtain the engineering necessary for your project.”

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

What are the Most Common Types of Earthquake Damage?

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, explains the most common types of damage caused by earthquakes to single-family homes.

Most earthquake damage is caused by shaking. The intensity of the shaking depends on three main factors:

1. The magnitude of the earthquake—in general, the bigger the earthquake, the more intense the shaking and the bigger the area affected.

2. The distance from the earthquake—the closer to the origination point, the more intense the shaking.

3. The type of ground material beneath the structure—different soil types can accentuate or minimize movement during an earthquake.

The most common types of damage caused by earthquakes are:
• Cripple wall shearing and collapse. The walls around a crawl space under the home can shear (lean) or collapse if not correctly braced.
• Improperly bolted houses sliding off their foundations.
• Damaged electrical or gas lines. These can cause fires and even explosions if not handled immediately.
• Unsecured furniture and appliances falling and causing damage to the home or bodily injury.
• Chimneys can separate at the roof line, collapse, and fall over.
• Windows can crack or shatter. Windows with rounded corners are less likely to break, though not as common or readily available.
• Uprooted trees or broken branches falling on the house. Trees can cause a lot of damage if they fall on your home. Consider removing trees that are too close to the home or would be at risk of falling over.

Before the next big earthquake, you should put together an emergency kit that has enough water and supplies for 3 days. Then go through your home and check for risk factors for these types of damage. If you can- have your home’s foundation inspected and repair anything that needs to be fixed. If your home needs earthquake retrofitting, have it done as soon as possible so that you’re prepared.

"You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your home will be safe in the event of an earthquake. You should rest easy, knowing your home rests on a structurally sound foundation. We can inspect your home to find out what steps are needed to get it there. We offer free foundation inspections, and for those with a higher cripple wall, we can review plans or obtain the engineering necessary for your project," says Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction.

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

JulianConstruction.com: Repairing Foundation Cracks

By Julian De La Torre

Foundation cracks are serious business -- so much so, that they can severely weaken a building’s structural integrity.
One of the leading causes of foundation cracking is settlement. Settlement occurs naturally, but can also result from poor soil compaction and moisture issues.

There are three main types of foundation cracks: vertical, horizontal and diagonal.

Vertical cracking -- the most common type of cracking -- is typically found in poured walls. The cracks, which are usually wider at the bottom, can extend the entire length of the wall all the way to the floor.

Horizontal cracks will appear in concrete block construction. It's important to note where the break is located, because it typically indicates the cause of the cracking.

Diagonal cracks generally show up at the corner of a concrete wall due to settlement. Settlement is soil or foliage that forms too close to the structure.

Foundation crack repair should be done immediately -- either with epoxy injections, strapping or underpinning.

An epoxy injection is one of the most common ways to repair a foundation crack. Epoxy is a tough resin with significant strength and minimal shrinking. It is also extremely resistant to moisture and chemicals. After it is injected into the crack, staples are used to stabilize the repair.

Strapping is another way to repair a crack. The straps are made of Kevlar, and are typically used to repair horizontal cracks (which have been known cause walls to collapse). Horizontal cracking is often a sign of too much weight against the structure.

Another method of fixing foundation cracks is underpinning, which increases the depth or width of the foundation. Underpinning provides better support for the building’s weight by distributing its mass more evenly. It can also be used on homes that have been built on expansive soil.

If you have cracking issues, give us a call for a free foundation inspection. We can tell you what is causing the cracking and how to fix it.


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 inspection and 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://quakeproofers.com/.

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

BigTreeSupply.com: Protecting Your Trees During the Winter

By Nancy Penrose

Are your trees ready for winter? Cold weather, winter sun and wind, can damage trees in many different ways, especially foliage that is isolated and exposed to the elements.

During winter, temperatures often fluctuate from daytime warmth when the sun is out, to nighttime cold air and freezing.
Daily changes in temperature can cause tree bark cells to rupture, which can lead to cracking between the outer bark and inner wood. If not too severe, most trees will be able to repair the damage.

Cracking can be prevented by insulating the tree bark using a fabric blanket. The blanket is wrapped around the tree to protect it from the cold weather, while still allowing it to breathe. The blanket will also let in moisture and light.

The cold can also damage late growth, which can result in die-off. The best way to minimize this type of damage is to prune a tree after it becomes dormant.

You should also prune during the fall to prevent snow and winter storms from breaking branches.
Mulching is another way to protect trees when it gets cold. The mulch will help insulate the tree and its roots. It will also minimize water loss. Mulching should take place after the ground freezes.

If you have young trees, their bark may need to be protected from rodents, mice and rabbits. Tree bark is a food source for small animals, especially during the winter. Protect the bark with chicken wire, guards and repellents.

When snow starts accumulating on the branches of big trees, it will need to be removed. Take the snow off gently to prevent branch and tree damage. If ice starts forming, it can be rinsed away with warm water by connecting your garden hose to a hot water faucet. Be careful not to scald the tree.
Implementing proper tree care for your landscape, privacy trees, and big trees will help them make it safely through the winter.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (learn more about Big Trees at http://bigtreesupply.com/about-big-tree-supply/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOe3ZpFTjc8 and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

BigTreeSupply.com: Tree Storage During Construction

By Nancy Penrose

Remodeling or construction projects can damage trees and bushes. Proper tree care during this time is very important. Any type of soil movement, including changes in grading, can weaken your plants and lead to root issues. Root damage can keep foliage from retaining water and critical supplements. The wellbeing of trees and shrubs can likewise be affected by the expansion of walkways, carports and yards.
It can take years for the damage to become obvious. Early leaf dropping, leaf yellowing, withering, less leaves and dead branches, alongside changes in blooming and seed generation, can be indications that your foliage has been harmed.

Before you start your project, inspect all of the foliage on your property. Identifying trees and bushes you might want to secure is very important. Direct pedestrian activity and equipment paths away from the foliage with fencing and signage. Also make sure any root systems are protected as well.
If you plan to plant new trees and bushes after the project is finished, you can shield the dirt from harm with layers of wood chips. The chips will minimize soil compaction, which can choke out roots.
 
Sometimes, the project may require the site to be cleared. Site clearing can bring about the loss of expensive and crucial plants. It can also cause remaining foliage to lose their sun and wind protection.

One solution to site clearing is evacuating and temporarily storing trees and bushes in another location until the project has been finished. We’ve stored trees and plants for up to three years.

Transporting big trees can require several people and different types of equipment. Properly preparing the root ball before the move is paramount. Root balls should be wrapped and attached accurately to avoid tree shock. Root balls can be 20 feet or more in width and more than 10 feet in depth.

Once the root ball has been wrapped, it should be kept damp, particularly if the tree is being transported to an area that is far away.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (view Big Trees transplanting page at http://bigtreesupply.com/transplanting/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree installation or care go to bigtreemover.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vVhNW1XJI and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Big Trees Inc. to Transplant Large Trees at University Village

Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been asked to help transplant several large trees at the campus of University Village. The busy shopping mall will benefit aesthetically from the larger trees.

Big Trees was asked to bring some trees to the campus of University Village and plant them into a bed where a previous tree had struggled. The planting bed is in a location where thousands of people pass every day, and the trees will help bring some life back to the busy location.

There are 3 large trees being requested for the new planting. One tree was a large 20’ tall by 18’ wide Japanese Maple that had been transplanted out of one of the principal owner’s properties and back to Big Tree’s nursery for storage until a use could be found for its beautiful size and structure. There was a need for two more trees, and the team involved chose two large ‘Pink Chimes’ Styrax trees from their nursery collection to use around the large Japanese Maple.

The project had to occur at night, as there is simply too much traffic in the day time. The trucks had to be parked at one end of the campus, and the trees had to be shuttled across the property to the planting bed, as there was no available parking for their large vehicles near the actual work area. The crew got the trees into position and planted in a manner that will help them thrive in what can be a bed with heavy ground water seeping up from time to time. There were additional soils added to lighten the density of the existing planting medium, and the trees were planted high on berms to help keep them out of possibly damp conditions.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, said, “The handling and execution of the process went very well that evening, and the trees look fantastic in their new home! We have had a long, terrific relationship with The University Village staff and property, and it’s very satisfying to drive through and see all the different trees we have handled and how things are cared for. It’s a positive partnership we look forward to maintaining far into the future.”

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/

3 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, describes three major signs that it’s time to replace your roof.
Roofs can be built using many different types of materials including tile, wood shake, asphalt, slate, and metal. No matter what a roof is made of, it will eventually wear out and need to be repaired or replaced. As part of regular roof maintenance, check the following items at least once a year. Here are 3 signs that your roof is wearing out and will need to repaired or replaced soon:

Daylight shining through the roof boards

If you notice a spongy feel or bouncy feel when walking on the roof, that means the underlying decking is weakened from moisture. Check for moisture in the insulation. And check your attic to see if there is any daylight coming through the roof boards.

Shingle granules in the gutters

If you notice a lot of granules in your gutters, it could be a sign that your roof needs to be replaced. Roofs tend to lose more of these granules towards the end of their life. Inconsistent or darker color on parts of the roof is also a sign that the granules have worn away.

Roof valleys

If your roof shingles are missing or falling apart in the valleys of your roof, it's a definitive sign you should have your roof replaced. Valleys are one of the most critical areas of your roof. Rain, snow, and debris flow through valleys and into gutters. If the valley is weakened, you could be at risk of roof leaks.
Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, says: “Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional contractor is an important part of the roof maintenance process. When roof problems are detected early, not only will the repairs usually be less costly, it can help prevent other types of damage to your home. We can inspect your roof to find out what steps are needed to get it in top working order.”
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/