Saturday, May 25, 2013

Re-Roofing Your Home

by Shawn Kyles of Julian Construction
The main purpose of a roof is protection – preventing rain, wind and other environmental elements from damaging the building’s structure. A roof will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Other reasons for re-roofing include improving the appearance of a home and increasing its value.
There are many different types of materials that can be used for roofing, including wood shake, asphalt, tile and metal.
Wood shake roofs are usually manufactured from pine, redwood, cypress or cedar. They are thicker on one end than the other, and frequently come with a surface split that creates a textured appearance.
Asphalt roof shingles come in many different styles and colors, and can be used on both commercial and residential buildings. There are several different styles of asphalt shingles, including tiles that look like slate or old-fashioned roofing shingles.
Tile roofs are known for their appearance and durability. They require very little maintenance and will generally last longer that other types of roofing material. The two main types of tile roofs are clay and concrete. Both come in colors and special finishes.
Metal roofs will also last for many years. They are typically used for commercial projects, but can be installed on residential properties as well. Metal roofs are one of the best choices for protecting a home against the wind.
Reroofing a house may be necessary if there are missing, loose, warped, cracked or buckled shingles and tiles. Large gaps between shingles and tiles can also require reroofing, as well as a sagging roof or shingles that have been worn down by the weather. When shingles or tiles are damaged in any way, the underlying roofing materials are exposed to the elements.
In addition to weather, there are other factors that can cause a roof to deteriorate and require replacing, including poor design, incorrect installation, poor maintenance and pollution.
A badly designed roof can lead to sagging, loose tiles and splitting. A poor design can also cause water and sediment to accumulate on the roof, which can damage the structure. A roof that hasn’t been installed correctly can result in similar issues.
Roofs need to be properly maintained, such as keeping drains free of debris. Clogged drains will eventually lead to water buildup, which can damage both the roof and underlying structure.
Another potential source of roofing problems is flashing, a thin layer of waterproof material used to prevent water from seeping into a home. It is placed where the roof intersects with pipes, vents, chimneys and skylights. When flashing isn’t properly installed, fastened or adhered, water can leak through the roof and into the building, damaging drywall.
Spring is a good time to inspect a roof. However, a damaged roof can be replaced at any time, even when it is raining. A specialist in roof shingle installation should inspect your home and roof at least once a year. Identifying and fixing roof problems quickly can minimize the cost of repairs and prevent more serious structural issues from occurring.

Julian Construction Explains Methods of Repairing Foundation Cracks

Construction Company Sets Out Steps To Repair A Cracked Foundation

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a general construction and foundation repair company in Southern California, recently issued a full explanation of how home foundation repair is accomplished for foundation cracks. The company is issuing this broadly to homeowners to raise awareness of the importance of handling foundation crack issues.
The three main methods of foundation repair for foundation cracks are epoxy injections, strapping and underpinning. Epoxy injections are known for their toughness, excellent adhesion, low shrinkage and resistance. Strapping is the process of installing carbon-fiber Kevlar straps which have considerable strength and are easy to work with. Underpinning can be done in addition to the above, with the purpose increasing the depth or width of the foundation. The company recommended consulting a professional foundation expert to determine what kind of foundation crack you are facing and what the appropriate method is to handle the problem.
The full text of the article by Julian Construction partner Shawn Kyles can be seen here: http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2012/12/how-to-repair-foundation-cracks.html
Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of the company, stated: “You need to know what you are looking at when you see the indications of foundation cracks. Something can be done to fix them, but if you don't have the information then you don't know what to do. So get professional help to find out exactly what the problem is, and you'll have peace of mind because you'll know your home is safe. And fixing foundation cracks is not a DIY 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.

Different Types Of Foundations Outlined For Homeowners

Understanding Types Of Foundations Important According To Construction Company

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation construction and foundation repair company operating in the Los Angeles area, recently issued a general announcement to homeowners about the importance of knowing the type of foundation a home is built on. Knowledge of this increases the homeowner's understanding and recognition of potential foundation problems affecting the safety of a home.
According to Shawn Kyles, partner and safety specialist at Julian Construction: “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. 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 types of foundations described in the article include:
* Crawl Space: 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.
* Basement: A basement has more room between the foundation and floor than a crawl space, usually enough for a person to stand up in. Basements are prevalent in cold areas, because the foundation needs to be constructed below the frost line, which is the depth that frost is able to penetrate the ground.
* Slab: Slab foundations are built using concrete, which is poured directly onto the ground. It is a single, solid piece of concrete and one of the most cost-effective and efficient types of foundations.
Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “The more you know about the conditions of your foundation, the more you can recognize a problem with it before it becomes serious. This depends on your knowledge to recognize it and on a competent foundation contractor who is an inspection expert; they can correctly determine the condition of the foundation and determine any needed repairs.”
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.