Julian Construction Blog

Is Your Roof in Good Shape?

by Shawn Kyles

Roofs are designed to protect a structure from the elements, especially water. They can be built using various types of materials such as slate, rubber slate, wood shake, asphalt and metal. Whatever materials are used, a roof will eventually wear out over time and need repair or replacing. Evidence of roof problems can include missing, loose, warped or buckled shingles and tiles, which leave the underlying roofing materials unprotected. Roof leaks are especially serious and should be immediately addressed to prevent dry rot and mold.

Certain factors can accelerate the deterioration process, including:

Design Issues

If a roof isn’t designed correctly, it can lead to serious issues such as sagging and splitting, as well as water and sediment accumulation. 

Improper Installation

The life expectancy of a roof will decrease when it hasn’t been properly installed. You will also encounter issues similar to those found in a faulty design, such as poor drainage.

Poor Maintenance

Even when a roof is properly designed, maintenance is still required to prevent debris from clogging drains. Minor repairs may also be needed on occasion. When necessary fixes are ignored, it can result in more severe problems.

Weathering

The condition of a roof will deteriorate over time under any circumstances, but certain weather conditions can facilitate the process such as rain, wind, snow and hail. The rate of deterioration is often determined by the type of roofing material used. As an example, natural roof materials will deteriorate faster than synthetic roofing. A roof can also decay due to exposure to pollutants and toxic chemicals.

Flashing Problems

Flashing seals and protects the joints and places where the roof intersects with pipes, chimneys, skylights, vent stacks and similar objects. There are many issues that can arise with flashing, including poor design, improper installation or fastening, poor adhesion and inadequate coating.

Roofs can be replaced at any time, even in wet weather. The process involves removing all of the existing roof shingles and paper. There may even be additional roof layers that need to be removed depending on the age of the house. Once this phase of the process is completed, any necessary repairs will be made. The next step is to lay down asphalt paper, after which the new shingles, followed by flashing and installing the ridge vent. The costs associated with replacing a roof will depend on the steepness of the roof, the size of the area that will need to be replaced and the roofing materials that will be used.

Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional contractor is an important part of the 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.

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Construction Company Issues Public Statement On Foundation Safety

Julian Construction Aiming To Raise Awareness Of Earthquake Readiness And Safety

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a foundation construction and repair company in Southern California, recently released a statement regarding the retrofitting of homes and its effect on the safety of a home’s foundation in the event of an earthquake. The statement was issued by professional building inspector, Shawn Kyles, who has inspected over 15,000 structures in his career.

Mr. Kyles stated “Retrofitting is the modification of a structure by adding new components to make the building stronger. Statistics show time and again that during seismic activity, houses that have been retrofitted will have less damage than a home that hasn’t been reinforced. This was the case in the Long Beach earthquake of 1933, which resulted in the structural failure of brick buildings without reinforced masonry walls, including many school buildings in the area. Buildings with reinforced concrete had very little, if any, structural issues.”

Kyles recommends several methods of retrofitting a house, and suggests that a homeowner get an inspection from a foundation repair contractor to determine the best process in retrofitting one’s home.

The founder of the company, Julian De La Torre, stated “Retrofitting is very, very important. It is a preventive measure a homeowner can take to help them be prepared for an earthquake. Southern California is very prone to earthquakes. If you can be ready in case of any emergency like that then you can rest assured that your home is safe.”

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.typepad.com.

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Julian Construction Warns Homeowners To Watch For Mold

Construction Company Advises On Indicators and Handlings For Household Mold

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a general construction and foundation repair specialist company located in Los Angeles, recently issued a statement on the importance of mold detection and handling in the home, as written by its principal executive and chief safety inspector, Shawn Kyles.

Kyles began with the ways it can be found in the home, stressing the importance of watching for this as it is a very common problem in homes. He goes on to detail how one gets rid of the initial manifestations of the mold found, as well as the necessity to find its source. Kyles provides some ways and means that a homeowner can search for the infestation solo. He also provides a step-by-step handling for the various mold manifestations that you may find, and the drainage difficulties that often accompany molds.

Finally, if all of the above fails to get rid of the problem he advises one contact a company specializing in mold treatment and which can get rid of the fundamental problem in a home: “Many homes have mold. It is the extent of the mold growth that is often the problem. A company that specializes in mold testing and remediation can answer your questions and will usually conduct a free inspection of your property. They can also give you good advice on how to eliminate any mold problems.”

The full text of the statement can be read here:http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2011/04/julianconstructioncom-preventing-indoor-mold-problems.html

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.typepad.com.

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Retrofitting a Home for Earthquakes

By Shawn Kyles

An earthquake can cause serious damage to a home, especially if the building has not been retrofitted.  Retrofitting is the modification of a structure by adding new components to make the building stronger.  Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the severity of structural issues in residential neighborhoods varied considerably from house to house depending on the steps each homeowner had taken to fortify their home.

Statistics show time and again that during seismic activity, houses that have been retrofitted will have less damage than a home that hasn’t been reinforced.  This was the case in the Long Beach earthquake of 1933, which resulted in the structural failure of brick buildings without reinforced masonry walls, including many school buildings in the area.  Buildings with reinforced concrete had very little, if any, structural issues.  In the aftermath of the magnitude 6.25 quake, California’s Riley Act was adopted, which required local governments throughout the state to establish building departments and inspect newly constructed homes and businesses.  During the years that followed, new building codes were implemented requiring the bolting of any wooden walls to the structure’s foundation.

House bolting is a method of retrofitting in which a home is securely fastened to the foundation. It reduces the potential for earthquake damage by increasing the home’s resistance to ground motion.  Any house built prior to 1950 that has not been retrofitted, will not be attached to its foundation; it is simply resting on the home’s concrete base.  In an earthquake, structures like these can easily slide off of their foundation and collapse.  Many of the homes that fell off of their foundation or were damaged during the Northridge quake were not bolted to the foundation.

Another way a home’s structural integrity can be improved is by bracing cripple walls.  A cripple wall is the wall between the first floor of a home and the foundation. The walls create the crawl space that is often found underneath a home. Cripple walls are usually only covered by exterior wood siding or stucco, and are considered the weakest part of a building.  Bracing the walls with plywood will increase their strength and help prevent the house from swaying during a quake.

If you are concerned about your home’s ability to withstand an earthquake, contact a foundation repair expert and request an inspection of your property.  An experienced foundation professional will know the best way to retrofit your house, and can look for other foundation issues that may need to be addressed in order to minimize earthquake damage.

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Julian Construction Provides Online Sources Of Safety Information

Construction Company In Southern California Seeks To Raise Earthquake Awareness

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/)a foundation repair and construction company located in Southern California, is publishing a list of locations on the web that homeowners can go to for information on seismic activity in California, in an effort to raise awareness and preparedness in the event of an earthquake.

The list reads:

http://www.seismic.ca.gov/
Established in 1975, the Seismic Safety Commission advises the governor, state legislature, and state and local governments on ways to reduce earthquake risk.

http://www.scec.org/
SCEC is a joint endeavor of universities in Southern California and several state and federal science-oriented agencies.

http://www.fema.gov/
FEMA was established in 1979, and is an independent agency of the federal government, reporting to the President.

http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/contents.html
Los Angeles and Southern California earthquake preparedness information. A compilation of Internet information sources related to earthquake hazard.

http://www.eeri.org/site/
A national, nonprofit, technical society of engineers, geoscientists, architects, planners, public officials, and social scientists to advance the science and practice of earthquake engineering and the solution of national earthquake engineering problems to protect people and property from the effects of earthquakes.

http://www.data.scec.org/recenteqs/
The USGS and Caltech cooperatively put together this real-time peek into the world of earthquakes in Southern California.

Julian De LA Torre, the company’s founder, stated “We hope this will help people have more knowledge about this subject of earthquakes and earthquake safety. Especially in a place like Southern California, it’s very important to be ready and to have all of the facts. That way you can be sure your home is safe.”

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 foundationson their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.

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Construction Company Compares “Replacement” With “Repair”

Company Issues Public Information To Clarify Difference In Foundation Safety Issues

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a foundation construction and foundation repair company located in Southern California, has issued a public statement to clarify any possible confusion or uncertainty on the subject of foundation repair vs. foundation replacement, and when each is needed. The company also stressed the importance of routine foundation inspection to ensure home safety.

The founder of the company, Julian De La Torre, stated “There are many good reasons for foundation replacement. Some homes were built without a concrete and steel foundation, while others were made of un-reinforced masonry, that of brick or stone. In some cases, the original concrete was made of poor quality materials or has been badly deteriorated over the years.”

“Sometimes you do not need a new foundation, but you have breaks in your foundation due to prior earth movement, age or even poor drainage. Left unchecked and uncorrected, these breaks in the foundation and stem wall can lead to additional cost and, in many cases, pose a risk to your structure.”

“A foundation repair expert can conduct an in-depth inspection of your property to make sure there are no existing situations that need addressing. Someone that is skilled in fixing foundations will be able to analyze the location, size and pattern of wall cracks to determine if there are any underlying problems, and look for other indicators of foundation damage. Staying alert to potential foundation issues can be vital, and help prevent future structural trouble,” concluded Julian.

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.typepad.com.

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Julian Construction Gives Basics On Finding A Contractor For Home

Company Details Basics Of Hiring Process For Homeowners Seeking Home Improvement

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc. (http://www.julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and foundation repair company based in southern California has published a list of guidelines on the subject of searching for and working with a professional contractor for homeowners seeking home improvement or repair. It was written by an industry professional, Shawn Kyles, who has inspected over 15,000 structures during his career.

He first stresses the importance of locating a contractor: “While some homeowners prefer to do the work themselves, many construction and remodeling jobs will require hiring either a general building contractor or specialized contractor. A contractor manages the entire project from start to finish, including architectural planning, securing any required building permits, as well as providing all of the materials, equipment and labor that will be needed. “

He then detailed a number of the liabilities and important points to check for in hiring a contractor, as well as the general hiring process. He concluded: “Depending on the type and extent of your construction project or home remodel, hiring a contractor to perform the work can save you time and money. A general building contractor will know who to hire when the project involves specialized skills, such as plumbing, electrical, foundation repair, or masonry, and will manage all aspects of the job. Both general and specialized contractors will also know the building codes that need to be followed, and what permits to pull. If you are uncertain about the type of work that may be needed, such as the best way to repair a foundation, professional help can be critical and will ensure the job is done properly.”

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.typepad.com.

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Julian Construction Informs Public Of Different Foundation Types

Effort To Increase Awareness Of Potential Foundation Problems In Homes

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation construction and repair company in southern California, has issued a public statement detailing the differences between the three most common foundations, as well as some of the possible issues that arise in older homes requiring foundation repair. The statement was written by Shawn Kyles, a construction specialist who has inspected over 15,000 structures in his career, and is a senior partner of the foundation contractor company.

Mr. Kyles explains “The three most common types of foundations that are used today include: Crawl space, Basement, and Slab. Crawl space foundations, also called a raised foundation, are more common in the central parts of the country. It is a foundation that is built above the ground with approximately two feet of space for a person to crawl underneath. This allows room for someone to crawl under the foundation to install mechanical equipment such as electrical wiring and air-conditioning ducts, and give easy access to the equipment for repairs. A pile foundation uses concrete or wood piles to support a home and is similar to a crawl foundation.”

“When a foundation isn’t built properly or the soil that the foundation is constructed on expands and contracts, it can cause damage such as slopping floors, bowed walls, windows and doors that don’t open or close properly, cracks and other problems that can weaken the structure of your home.”

He further stated: “Inspections should be conducted on a regular basis by a home foundation specialist to determine if there are any issues that need resolving. Some degree of foundation settlement will occur even under ideal weather and property conditions, especially if it is an older home. Detecting and repairing even minor cracks and damage from foundation settlement is extremely important, and can prevent more serious problems that will require extensive and costly repairs.”

The full text can be viewed here: http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2012/01/types-of-home-foundations.html

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.typepad.com.

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JulianConstruction.com: Earthquake Preparedness -- Is Your Home Ready For The Big One?

By Shawn Kyles

The ground is constantly moving in Southern California. Almost every day there are small shifts of the rock beneath the surface that would go unnoticed except for the dutiful recordings of seismic equipment throughout the region. When the rocks bump against each other, they can crack, break and slip, which causes a release of energy. The motion (slipping) continues until the rock gets stuck.

The term earthquake is used to describe these seismic events, both large and small. The earthquake’s “focus” is the location underground where the slip occurs, and the epicenter is the aboveground position of the quake. A slip can release enough force to cause damage to buildings, roads, bridges and other structures surrounding the earthquake’s epicenter. Sometimes the energy released by a quake can be felt hundreds of miles away from the epicenter. As an example, a recent 3.3 magnitude earthquake that occurred near Clinton, Montana, was felt in Great Falls, Montana, which is 200 miles northeast of Clinton.

An earthquake can occur at many different depths below the surface. The closer it is to the surface, the more damage it will cause to man-made structures. Earthquakes typically take place on fault lines, which is where two large plates of rock rub against each other. For years seismologists have been predicting that residents in the Los Angeles area will be hit by a large quake with a magnitude of 6.7 or greater. A major earthquake can uproot trees, collapse buildings, bridges and parking structures, and buckle roads.

Earthquake preparation is important, and can help prevent injuries and property damage. Securing appliances with bolts can minimize movement and stop gas lines from breaking. Hanging objects such as light fixtures, mirrors and pictures should also be secured, as well as large pieces of furniture that can fall over if the ground shakes. Put latches on cabinets to prevent the contents from falling out and make sure to properly store any hazardous material.

Also, developing an earthquake plan will help ensure the safety of your family and provide greater protection for your property. A vital part of an emergency plan is the purchasing and storing of emergency supplies, including food, water, pet food, flashlights, battery operated or hand crank radio, extra batteries, fire extinguishers, tools, first aid items, clothing, blankets, and a camp stove. You should also keep in this kit valuable documents, important phone numbers, and extra money.

You will also want to inspect your house for foundation problems. Look for cracks, bowed walls, slopping floors and other indicators of foundation issues. Call in a professional foundation repair expert if necessary, and make any needed repairs. You can also increase your home’s stability with bolts and braces. During an earthquake, a home can shift off of its foundation. Bolting will strengthen the connection between a structure and the foundation that it is built on. Braces can be installed to prevent the collapse of cripple walls. A cripple wall is the short wall between a foundation and a home’s first floor, and is often the weakest part of the structure.

A foundation specialist can provide you with all of the information you will need regarding earthquake retrofitting and how to improve the structural integrity of your home. Take action now to safeguard your property and family. It will give you peace of mind knowing that when the ground shakes again, you’re prepared.

Author Bio:

Shawn Kyles, expert in foundation repair & house bolting at Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) in Los Angeles, has inspected over 15,000 structures for building & safety. Visit http://www.julianconstruction.com/about.html See their blog at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/

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Home Foundation Repair

By Shawn Kyles

Most homes will have one of three types of foundation - a slab, basement or crawl space. A slab is constructed using poured concrete. There is no space between the slab and the home’s floor. When a foundation is built above the ground, it is called a raised foundation or crawl space foundation because of the room under the foundation, which can be used to install mechanical equipment and make repairs. A basement will have the most amount of room between the ground and floor of the house.

Home foundations will usually need to be repaired at some point in time as the house gets older and begins to settle, or it was built on soil that expands and contracts. Moisture from rain, drains, sprinkler systems and other water sources can hasten settlement, and is often the cause of other types of foundation damage.

Indicators of foundation problems include uneven floors; windows and doors that don’t close properly; rotating, leaning or bulging walls; electrical or plumbing lines that have been broken or dislocated; the separation of the wall from doors, the ceiling and windows; a leaning chimney, or cracks in walls, floor vinyl or tile. When a foundation has been damaged, it will compromise the home’s structural integrity. Not only will this reduce the value of a home, it can also make it extremely unsafe and eventually result in the building’s collapse.

Not all serious foundation problems are easily detected, which is why having your foundation inspected by a specialist is the best way to determine if it needs repairs. An experienced foundation expert will know exactly where to look for damage and can spot situations that could create future difficulties.

Repairing a foundation will be easier and less expensive if any problems are addressed quickly and not put off. Foundation cracks can increase in size over time and allow more water to enter the building. Settlement will also get worse, and cause more noticeable damage and building instability.

A foundation specialist will know what method to use when repairing your home based on both the issue that is being addressed and why the problem exists in the first place. Cracks can be filled with epoxy or foam depending on the type and location of the crack, and support beams can be installed to lift and level a floor. Various kinds of piers can also be used to strengthen the foundation and prevent it from moving, including poured piers, steel piers and pressed pilings. Before any piers are installed, your soil will usually be tested to determine the optimum way to fix your foundation.

A foundation expert is a good source of information on repairs and how to remedy any structural issues you are facing. You can also get reliable advice on how to resolve any water problems that are causing foundation damage.

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