So. California’s Rainfall Good News for Reservoirs – but How About Your Home’s Foundation?

Julian Construction Warns that Undetected Drainage Problems Can Damage Home Foundations

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, knows we need the rain after several years of drought. “We have exceeded the annual rainfall average in Los Angeles two and half months early. That is good news for the Southland overall, but we are seeing more and more instances on home foundations damaged by water.” Julian said. “Exposure to water accumulation and soil erosion can weaken foundations and cause problems.”

Annual rainfall, measured from July 1 in one year to June 30^th of the next, is about 15 inches for Los Angeles. So far this year we have had more than 16 inches and we may get still more before the end of the 2009 – 2010 season on July 30^th. Water accumulation can damage the concrete in foundations and can erode the soil on which footings rest. Homes built on slabs can be adversely affected in the same way.

“Don’t wait until your doors and windows won’t close or your house begins to tilt.” Julian continued. “Just get your home foundation inspected. Foundations are not a part of the home where damage makes itself immediately obvious to the average person so it makes sense to bring in experts. Especially when the inspection is free.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. 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.

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Rampant Earthquakes: Will California Be Next?

by Brittany Kyles

In the last year regions all over the world have become affected by increasing natural disasters. The catastrophic earthquake in Haiti ranging in a magnitude of 7.0 left the impoverished country in ruins due to unstable structures and foundations. Over three million people were affected by the quake and an estimated 230,000 people have died.

In Chile the recent earthquake reached a magnitude of 8.8, which created a tsunami that devastated many neighboring coastal cities. Yet, because Chile homes bear much stronger foundations, many deaths were prevented. And recently the earthquake in Baja California with a magnitude of 7.2 left over 100 people injured and was felt from Mexico all the way to Malibu. Furthermore, the current shattering 7.8 earthquake in Indonesia has created additional detrimental effects on the nation.

In recent months it seems earthquakes have become ever more present and severe; magnitudes of these quakes continue to be extremely high, resulting in many deaths, injuries and destruction to the areas affected.

Thus, it has become evident that earthquakes, now more than ever, pose a serious threat to the state of California, because California shares the same fault line as many of the regions that have been recently affected by these gigantic quakes. With the latest series of earthquakes that have continued to persist and affect regions all over the world, it seems that as a resident in California, it is extremely important to prepare one’s home foundation and structures in case one of these epidemic quakes strikes here.

There are many benefits to living in California, yet California also is one of the most prevalent sites for earthquakes in the United States. Therefore, in order to secure your future, the future of your loved ones and belongings, now is the time to reinforce your home, before one of these rising seismic quakes shatters your home, business, or leaves loved ones in danger. California is ‘earthquake country’ and we who live here should be aware that the up-and-down and side-to-side motion of an earthquake can shake an unbolted house off its foundation.

Therefore, in order to secure your future and safety, you need to see a foundation specialist in your area, who will create a safe environment by securing and bolting the foundation, in order to withstand an earthquake or diminish the damage inflicted. Now is the time to take action in preventing the future destruction of the next earthquake which is likely to strike California sooner, rather than later.

 

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Earthquakes in the News – Has Earth Become More Unstable in 2010?

Julian Construction Checks the Records to See Whether Earthquake Frequency and Magnitude Are on the Rise

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, could not help but notice that major earthquakes seemed to be in the news almost weekly. “Haiti, Chile, Baja California, China – all 7.0 or greater and all within the first 3 months of 2010.” Julian said. “Given the nature of our business, I wanted to know what this might be telling us and whether the planet was experiencing an unusually high number of earthquakes.” So he looked it up.

The U.S. Geological Survey tracks earthquake activity around the world. It turns out there is a great deal more activity than generally thought - about 50 earthquakes are recorded every day. The yearly average is 17 major earthquakes (7.0 to 7.9) and one that will be measured at 8.0 or higher. So, at least so far, this year’s activity is not out of line with the past and the data is not showing any increase in seismic events. This year’s earthquakes are striking populated areas, causing tremendous damage and generating headlines, but neither the frequency nor the magnitude are unusual.

“What this year’s earthquake news is telling us is not that the world is ending, but simply ‘Be prepared’.” Julian continued. “The location and timing of earthquakes is not subject to prediction with current technology, so good preparation is the best defense.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. 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.

Posted via web from julianconstruction's posterous