Julian Construction Blog

Replacing a Foundation

by Shawn Kyles

Replacing a foundation can be a complicated and involved process depending on the size of the structure, its location and the extent of the damage.

Fully understanding the cause of your foundation problem is the first step in the replacement process. There are many reasons why foundations fail. Bad design, poor soil conditions and moisture issues are some of the more common causes of foundation instability and collapse.

Examples of an improperly designed foundation include inadequate support and reinforcement, cement that hasn’t been cured correctly and a foundation that is too thin. Poor soil conditions typically involve soil that expands when wet and contracts when dry. Plumbing leaks and inadequate drainage can also create havoc with a foundation.

Whether the problem is design, soil or moisture, the result will be foundation settlement. Indicators of settlement include wall cracks and sloping floors, as well as doors and windows that won’t open or close properly

Resolving these underlying issues before replacing your current foundation is critical in order to prevent future foundation deterioration.

Replacing a foundation typically involves replacing both the foundation walls and cement slab. In some cases, the first floor of the structure may need to be removed as well.

When replacing foundation walls, the house will need to be lifted several feet above the foundation. Your utilities will need to be turned off, and your water and sewer lines shut down. A trench will need to be dug around your home and shored in order for the cripple walls to be removed. After the cripple walls have been taken out, your basement slab can be removed.

If the dirt under the slab wasn’t properly compacted, it may need to be excavated and replaced.

New cement walls will need to be poured and given time to cure. Sometimes steel beams or similar types of reinforcement may be necessary to provide additional support for your home. In some situations, more extensive temporary support may be needed during the project, especially with structures that have more than one floor.

Once the new slab has been laid, underground utilities will need to be brought up and reconnected. The excavation around the walls will require filling and proper grading as well.

At this point, the house can be put back on the foundation. Any remaining utilities will need to be reconnected, and the last interior and exterior repairs completed.

Depending on the extent of the work that needs to get done, you may be able to live in your home while the foundation is being replaced. An experienced foundation repair expert can tell you how long the job will take and what to expect at each stage of the project.

Replacing a foundation is a worst-case scenario when it comes to foundation damage. Regular home inspections will often uncover foundation problems before they become serious. Correcting these issues early-on can save you the time and expense of a full foundation replacement. If you have any concerns about your current foundation, contact a knowledgeable foundation contractor and request a free inspection. The sooner you start any necessary repairs, the better.

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Installation Of A Retaining Wall May Prevent Foundation Damage

Julian Construction Inc Advises Homeowners to Get Educated on the Use of Retaining Walls

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a construction company servicing the Greater LA Area, has advised the public on the needs of retaining wall construction to stop soil erosion and prevent foundation damage.

A retaining wall is a stabilizing structure built to stop erosion and the downward movement of soil on a slope. To raise awareness on this process, in the interest of preventing foundation damage in homes, Julian Construction presented an article to homeowners giving the reasons why a retaining wall may be needed, and listing some of the different kinds that would be used for different home situations. The full text of the article can be found here: http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2013/02/buildi...

Shawn Kyles of Julian Construction stated that a retaining wall is commonly built to stop soil movement on a hillside, to create more utilizable space in a yard, and to prevent soil movement from weakening a foundation. There are four kinds of retaining walls: gravity retaining walls, which depend on their own significant weight to keep soil from moving; anchored walls, which are restraining walls constructed using cables (usually extremely strong steel) that are anchored into the soil or rock behind the wall; cantilever walls, which are used to hold back a large amount of soil; sheet piling walls, which can be made from wood, vinyl or steel planks, and are used in places where the space is tight and the soil is soft. The company stressed that a homeowner should consult a specialist to determine which type of retaining wall is needed for a specific situation.

The company urged homeowners to get an inspection from a knowledgeable contractor to find out if a retaining wall is needed and what kind would best suit the situation. “Building a retaining wall”, stated Julian Construction founder Julian De La Torre, “will ensure peace of mind for you and your family, because you know that the soil around your home will be stable, and this will prevent it from causing any problem with your foundation. Foundation repair costs can sometimes be avoided with 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.typepad.com.

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Julian Construction Speaks Out On Danger Of Foundation Settlement

Construction Company Highlights Indicators For And Remedies Of Foundation Settlement

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and repair company in the Greater LA Area, recently sent out a warning to homeowners advising on the settling of a house foundation, and the effects it can have on a home. Foundation settlement is caused by weather conditions, soil issues, or moisture problems that then cause a foundation to settle.

The company urged homeowners contact a foundation contractor to receive a safety inspection of their home if foundation settlement is suspected, before foundation repairs are needed. The company also recommended a method that could be used to remedy foundation settlement. The company’s full report can be found here: http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2013/01/preventing-foundation-settlement-with-piers-piles-and-caissons.html

In order to prevent foundation settlement, the company recommends the use of piers, piles or caissons to strengthen a foundation. Piers are steel pipes driven into the soil and connected to the foundation. Piles are used to either absorb the weight of the structure or to block soil and water, and can be built using wood, concrete and composite materials. Caissons are a type of deep foundation used when soil conditions are extremely poor or the structure involved is large and heavy, and are built by drilling a large, subterranean shaft. According to the company, it takes a trained foundation inspection specialist to determine which of these three methods of foundation reinforcement must be used, and in what manner they must be installed.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, stated: “There are a number of things to watch for with house settling. Wall cracks, difficulties in opening and closing windows, and sloping floors are a number of common ones. If you notice these then you can suspect you are having foundation settlement problems, and you can find out what type of shoring or strengthening is needed by consulting a foundation repair expert. Once your home and foundation has been properly inspected by a seasoned professional, all of your options will be explained so that you can make the best decision possible regarding 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.typepad.com.

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Julian Construction Urges Underpinning For Shaky Foundations

Foundation Construction Company Seeks Increased Awareness of Important Home Support

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, is urging homeowners to learn more about the use of underpinning with a home foundation and, second, to learn the signs of foundation problems which indicate a need for underpinning.

Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundation of an existing building or other structure. Underpinning is accomplished by extending the existing foundation in depth or in breadth so that it either rests on a more supportive soil stratum or distributes its load across a greater area.

Julian Construction noted several reasons a home’s foundation could need underpinning.

* Additions to a home, such as adding an additional story, could cause the need for additional support to the foundation.
* Over time a building’s foundation may settle or rotate at certain points, causing strain on the structure.
* If interior changes to the building resulted in the removal of load-bearing walls, the foundation would be affected.

A competent foundation specialist would be able to see if these or any other foundation problems exist during a foundation inspection.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, stated: “Underpinning is a very useful tool for strengthening a building's foundation. It should be noted that each foundation underpinning is unique and should be designed by a professional engineer or an architect. At Julian Construction we can review plans or obtain the engineering necessary for your project and complete the repair. And an underpinning is not a do it yourself type job. You need to bring in a competent foundation contractor to do this type of job."

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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Roof Flashing Issues Noted As Problem In Some Homes

Julian Construction Seeks To Raise Adherence To Industry Standards For Roofing

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a construction and roofing contractor company working in the Southern California area, has brought to attention an important need for homeowners to get their roof flashing inspected. Roof flashing seals and protects the joints and places where the roof of a house intersects with other things, such as pipes, chimneys, vents, etc. The company indicates that it is an important point of home maintenance and safety, as improper flashing allows moisture to get into a home, potentially causing many problems.

Proper flashing deflects moisture from entering into a structure. But Shawn Kyles, Chief Safety Inspector of Julian Construction noted that improper installation or design can lead to actively directing water inside the structure, as opposed to outside. This could result in water entering walls and other parts of the structure, or even seeping into the structure’s foundation causing even further problems. In addition to the health risk of prolonged moisture entering a home, these structural concerns are such that homeowners should definitely take care of roof flashing. Inspection by a competent professional will determine if roof flashing is in need of repair in a home.

Mr. Kyles stated: "Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional contractor is an important part of the home 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. Flashing repair can be done very easily at any time of the year when overseen by a competent construction company."

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 or on top of 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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Building a Retaining Wall

by Shawn Kyles

Retaining walls are stabilizing structures built to stop erosion and the downward movement of soil on a slope. The walls are built in a way that redistributes the pressure that comes from the sloping ground. A variety of materials are used to build the walls, such as concrete, steel, stone, brick, composites, wood and even glass.

Retaining walls on residential properties are often constructed to hold back the soil from a hillside, many times to create more usable space. Other uses for a retaining wall include stopping soil from sliding away from a foundation or from damaging the landscape.

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

Gravity restraining walls depend on their own significant weight to keep soil from moving. They are constructed leaning backwards toward the soil. Early gravity walls were built from concrete or stone. Today, they are made from many different types of materials, including steel wire baskets filled with rocks and geosynthetics.

Anchored walls are restraining walls constructed using cables (usually extremely strong steel) that are anchored into the soil or rock behind the wall. They are used when the wall cannot be built strong enough to restrain the load. Constructing an anchored wall is an extremely complex process.

Cantilever walls are used to hold back a large amount of soil. They are made with steel-reinforced concrete that rest on slab foundation. Cantilever walls convert horizontal pressures from the soil to vertical pressures on the ground.

Sheet piling walls, which can be made from wood, vinyl or steel planks, are used in places where the space is tight and the soil is soft. The planks are driven into the ground.

Determining what type of retaining wall construction to use will depend on the type of soil that needs to be retained, the kind of soil the wall will be built on, how much space is available for the wall and the degree of slope above and below the structure. The location of pipes and service lines can also be a factor in construction.

Deciding what material to use will also be based on the environment, as well as budget and preferences regarding color and texture. Large retaining walls will require strong and durable materials.

Another important issue for retaining walls is drainage. Choosing the best method of drainage will increase the strength of the wall. The wrong type of drainage can result in the walls eventual collapse. Sometimes proper drainage can be easily accomplished by simply creating holes in the wall. However, the structure can easily become damaged if the holes get clogged.

The best way to ensure your wall is built right, is to hire a professional foundation contractor who has experience constructing retaining walls on many different types of properties. A knowledgeable builder will evaluate every aspect of the project. You will get reliable advice regarding your options, which can save you considerable time and money. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your wall is sturdy and long-lasting.

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Preventing Foundation Settlement with Piers, Piles and Caissons

By Shawn Kyles

 

After a home has been built, weather conditions, soil issues and moisture problems can cause the foundation to settle. Foundation settlement can result in wall cracks, difficulties opening and closing windows and sloping floors. Over time, foundation settlement can compromise the structural integrity of the home. If you live in an area with extensive seismic activity, foundation settlement can be extremely dangerous and may even result in the home’s collapse during or after an earthquake.

To prevent settlement, some home foundations need to be shored up with piers, piles and caissons. Piers are steel pipes driven into the soil and connected to the foundation. They can be installed after a home is built with portable equipment and no significant disruption to the dwelling’s inhabitants. The piers are often connected with concrete beams.

Foundation piles include bearing piles and sheet piles. Bearing piles are used to absorb the weight of structure. Sheet piles block soil and water. Piles can be built using wood, concrete and composite materials. They are drilled into the ground using a pile driver. Helical piles are also commonly used in foundation repair. A helical pile is a straight piece of pipe welded with flights (steel plates). The helical flights enable the pipe to be literally screwed into the ground. Piles are connected with cement blocks, also known as pile caps, as well as grade beams.

Caissons are a third type of deep foundation used when soil conditions are extremely poor or the structure involved is large and heavy. Many hillside homes, apartment buildings and high-rise complexes require caissons to provide additional support. Caissons are also used when constructing bridges and freeways, as well as retaining walls designed to stabilize falling hillsides. When a hillside retaining wall is built, the soil behind it will exert pressure on the wall. This can cause the wall to fall, either by overturning, sliding or collapse.

Caissons are built by drilling a large, subterranean shaft. The shaft is then filled with reinforced concrete, along with steel or rebar. The shafts are drilled from 2’ to 12’ in diameter through the soil and into the bedrock. Some shafts are as deep as 150 feet.

If you are having foundation settlement problems, you can find out what type of shoring or strengthening is needed by consulting a foundation repair expert. Once your home and foundation has been properly inspected by a seasoned professional, all of your options will be explained so that you can make the best decision possible regarding your home.

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Julian Construction Provides List Of Causes Of Roof Problems

Indications Of Roof Disrepair Important To Watch For Says Construction Company

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc. (http://www.julianconstruction.com/) has recently compiled a list of the common roof problems to be encountered as well as some of the indications of the problems. The company urges homeowners to take fast action on recognizing any indication of roof weakness, before more serious problems occur which could endanger the occupants of a home and ultimately cost a lot more to fix.

There are a number of indications of roof damage in a home. The presence of missing, loose, warped or buckled shingles and tiles are a concern. In addition to themselves weakening the state of the roof, they indicate a more basic underlying issue that could be at fault. Any instance of sagging or splitting is indicative of roof problems that need to be immediately addressed. Another commonly observed factor is roof leaks, which Julian Construction note should be repaired immediately to prevent dry rot or mold. A few of the causes of roof weakness have been linked to:

1) Design Issues,

2) Improper Installation,

3) Poor Maintenance,

All of the above should be looked into as soon as possible and corrected.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, stated: “We definitely run into roof difficulties that have gone on too long. If it’s caught too late or someone delays before they call a company to repair it then you’ve got a real problem on your hands. Most of the really difficult roof problems were caused because they weren’t fixed soon enough when the first signs were there. Definitely a homeowner should quickly repair roof damage in their 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.typepad.com.

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Julian Construction Warns Of Need Of Regular Maintenance On Roofs

Construction Company Cites Damaging Effects Of Weather On A Home’s Roof

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc. (http://www.julianconstruction.com/) recently issued a public statement calling for vigilant care of roofs to counteract the deteriorating factors of weather on a roof’s structural integrity. The company listed warning signs of roof deterioration due to weather and stressed the importance of regular maintenance of a roof to prevent such from occurring.

Roofs are designed to protect a structure from the elements, but the condition of a roof will still deteriorate over time under contact of the elements it protects against. This occurs under any circumstances, but can be accelerated by certain weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow and hail. The type of roofing material used was also found to influence the rate of deterioration of the roof, according to the company. Pollutants and toxins may contribute to this roof deterioration as well. The company stressed the importance of regular roof inspection by a competent building contractor, as well as repair of any roof damage found by inspection.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, stated: “You have to get an inspection done of your roof so you know what the state of it is. Sometimes people wait until roof leakage starts to happen to tell them if a roof needs repair, but that’s waiting too long. If you have a regular inspection of that then you know if it needs repair. The worst we’ve seen is in areas with very heavy weather. These roofs should be inspected even more often because the roof is going to run down faster. A roof can be replaced at any time, even in wet weather. So once the problem is found it can be fixed at once.”

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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How to Repair Foundation Cracks

By Shawn Kyles

When a house settles, it can result in foundation cracks, including vertical cracks, diagonal cracks, and horizontal cracks. Cracking can also occur due to overload and drying shrinkage. Repairing foundation cracks will prevent them from spreading and help restore the structural integrity of your home. It will also minimize the potential for more serious foundation problems.

There are three basic methods of repairing foundation cracks: epoxy injections, strapping and underpinning.

Epoxy Injections

The most common way to repair foundation cracks in concrete slabs and walls is to fill the crack with epoxy, a synthetic resin. Epoxy is known for its toughness, superior adhesion, low shrinkage and resistance to chemicals and water.

Before the epoxy is injected, the surface surrounding the crack needs to be prepared. This involves cleaning the area and removing any loose material with a chisel. After the crack has been filled, staples are placed across the crack for additional support and stabilization. Repairing the crack with epoxy will prevent it from increasing in size and prevent moisture from penetrating the concrete.

Strapping

Foundation cracks can also be closed and prevented from moving by installing carbon-fiber Kevlar straps. These lightweight straps have considerable strength and are easy to work with. They are used along with epoxy injections to repair walls that have horizontal cracks. Horizontal cracking is usually an indicator of too much weight against the wall. This type of cracking is extremely serious because it can eventually lead to the wall’s collapse.

Underpinning

In addition to epoxy and strapping, underpinning may also be necessary to resolve foundation settlement and cracking problems. The purpose of underpinning is to increase the depth or width of the foundation so it can better support the structure’s weight. When a building is too heavy for its foundation, not only will the foundation crack, the walls of the structure can begin to bow. Underpinning distributes the weight of the structure more evenly and provides better support for the building.

Underpinning is also used for homes constructed on expansive soil, like clay. When clay gets wet it swells, and when it dries, it contracts. These moisture fluctuations lead to foundation settlement, cracks and other types of foundation issues.

If your foundation has cracks, the best way to determine what type of repair is needed is to consult a foundation expert. A professional will inspect your home to determine what is causing the cracking, and recommend the best method of correcting the situation.

About 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 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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