Recognizing the Signs of Foundation Problems

By Shawn Kyles

 

When a concrete foundation is poured, small cracks can appear as the cement dries and shrinks. Shrinkage cracks are vertical and extremely small. They typically appear on foundation walls, but do not affect the structural integrity of the home. Settlement cracks are a more serious problem. Unlike shrinkage cracks, they will often extend into the structure, weakening the building.
Most houses experience some degree of settlement (downward movement) after they have been built. Additional and more severe sinking can occur if the home was constructed on poorly compacted soil, or when the building’s weight compresses the soil beneath it.

Foundation settlement can also be caused by frequent or dramatic changes in the soil’s moisture content. When soil becomes wet, it expands. As it dries, it contracts and loses its volume, creating more space for the foundation to drop further into the ground. These moisture issues often come about from plumbing leaks, excessive rain and poor drainage.

Settlement can also take place when the roots from trees and foliage planted near the home absorb too much water from the soil. A poorly designed house or foundation can result in too much settlement as well.

If the settlement is uneven or extensive, the foundation will become stressed and start to crack. Large cracks generally appear due to continuing motion that occurs over a long period of time. Foundation cracks will not only weaken the structure, they make it easier for water to enter the building. Water seepage can further damage the home, in addition to causing potentially serious health issues due to mold and mildew buildup.

There are several methods that can be used to repair foundation cracks, including filling the cracks with bonding agents that create a waterproof seal. When addressing the problem, it is also important to discover what is causing the cracking. Correcting the underlying issue will prevent the situation from reccurring.

An experienced foundation repair expert can inspect your home for cracks and determine if there are any foundation problems that need to be addressed. In earthquake zones, regular foundation inspections and maintenance are essential. During a quake, a structure that has been weakened by cracks and water seepage can cause building walls to crumble or even the entire home to collapse. Keeping your foundation in good condition will prevent further damage and the need for more costly repairs. It will also help maintain the value of your home.

Posted via email from Julian Construction's Posterous

Julian Construction Urges Public Not To Allow Foundation Problems

Construction Company Concerned On Letting Foundation Issues Remain Unhandled

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/) has issued a public statement expressing their concerns on homeowners allowing structural foundation problems to continue unhandled in a home without attention from a company capable of foundation repair. If foundation repair is delayed or if the problem in the foundation goes on undetected then more serious problems could develop, the company maintains.

Julian De La Torre, owner of the company, stated “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.”

This is part of Julian Construction’s campaign to increase public awareness and action on issues affecting home safety. The full statement issued by the company can be seen here: http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2012/01/home-foundation-repair.html. Other articles on structural safety and earthquake preparedness can also be found on their blog.

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.

Posted via email from Julian Construction's Posterous

Julian Construction Urges Foundation Retrofitting

Foundation Construction and Repair Experts Comment on the Best Ways of Preparing for an Earthquake

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and repair company in southern California, has issued a statement urging homeowners to have earthquake retrofitting done for their homes, so that minimal damage will occur in the event of an earthquake.

Julian Construction founder Julian De La Torre stated: “An earthquake retrofitting is the process of firmly attaching a house to its concrete foundation using foundation plates and anchor bolts. Here are some indicators that an earthquake retrofit is probably necessary for your home:

“Homes built before the mid 1980's often lack features that could help to make them earthquake damage resistant.

“Homes built before World War II may not even be bolted to the foundation at all, or the bolts may be too small and few. A major earthquake could slide such a house right off its foundation, as happened with some homes in the Northridge earthquake in 1994.

“An unreinforced garage with living space above is another possibly dangerous problem. That big garage door opening needs to be reinforced either by a steel frame or by strengthening the walls on either side or it can collapse in an earthquake like a house of cards, along with the living space on top.

“An unreinforced stone or masonry building definitely needs to be looked at, and is highly susceptible to earthquake damage.”

This stated is part of a campaign Julian Construction has begun to raise public awareness of the importance of earthquake preparedness. More on this subject can be found on the company’s blog: http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/

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.

Posted via email from Julian Construction's Posterous