Foundation Construction Company Lists Signs Of Foundation Damage

Company Says Foundation Damage Signs Important To Know To Prevent Safety Problems

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a Los Angeles foundation repair specialist company, is making some of the signs of foundation damage in a home known to homeowners in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. The company is making the information known to increase public awareness of structural safety and the role that the condition of a home foundation’s stability plays in this. The company also urges that signs of foundation problems should be handled as quickly as possible with foundation repair for the safety of all of the home’s occupants.

According to Shawn Kyles, Julian Construction’s co-owner, some of the main reasons why a foundation fails are bad design, poor soil conditions or moisture issues. Bad design may include inadequate support or reinforcement, incorrectly cured cement or too thin a foundation. Poor soil conditions can be seen in soil that expands when wet and contracts when dry. Plumbing leaks or inadequate drainage can create moisture issues. After these factors or similar factors are present then foundation settlement can be seen, showing up with wall cracks, sloping floors or doors or windows that will not open properly. If any of the above are seen in a home, Mr. Kyles recommend the homeowner address it at once before foundation damage creates a safety problem.

Julian De La Torre, owner and founder of Julian Construction, Inc., stated: “We do a lot of foundation repair in our business. The problem is in a lot of places, foundation damage is much more common than people suspect. We find that people are just not aware of the signs of danger until it becomes a very serious problem. If a homeowner can recognize the signs early then much more foundation damage can be prevented.”

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.

Company Says Foundation Replacement Not A DIY Project

Construction Company Advises Homeowners On Foundation Replacement

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a Los Angeles foundation repair and foundation construction company, recently released a public notice urging homeowners to not attempt a DIY foundation replacement project. The company gave some of the steps of replacing a foundation and its reasons why a homeowner should seek a professional construction contractor to fix such foundation problems.

Julian Construction’s co-owner, Mr. Shawn Kyles, stated: “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.” He went on to explain a bit about the process of replacing a foundation. Most often the two things needing replacement are the foundation walls and the cement slab. The house is lifted several feet above the foundation, and all utilities must be off. A trench is dug around the house as well. Then the foundation’s walls can be taken out, followed by the basement slab. The dirt under the slab is inspected and if it is properly compacted then new cement can be poured. Sometimes additional supports, such as steel beams, are needed. At this point the utilities can be put back on and the home restored to its original condition.

Mr. Kyles further stated: “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. If foundation replacement is called for, then a qualified specialist should inspect the structure and give his recommendation for how the foundation should be repaired. Every foundation’s conditions are different, a professional foundation contractor can execute the needed repairs for that structure to make sure it 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.

Repairing Stucco

Stucco, also known as Portland cement plaster, is a popular finish for many commercial and residential structures. It was originally made from lime, sand and water. Today it is made from Portland cement, aggregate (sand) and water. Cement, a word that dates back to the Romans, is the binder that holds the materials together.

Portland cement is one of the key ingredients of concrete, and can be found in structures such as high-rise buildings and freeways.

Stucco is applied wet to a surface, where it hardens. Typically two to three thin layers are applied. A trowel is used for the first layer (scratch coat) to create the scratches needed for the second layer (brown coat). The final, third layer is the “finish coat.”

Stucco can also be applied to brick, stone, concrete and adobe, as well as a wood frame or other types of material.

Builders often use stucco for exterior work because of its strength and toughness in a variety of weather conditions. It also has a high resistance to rust and fire. Because stucco is breathable, moisture can pass through the material, which help prevents rot. Additionally, Portland cement plaster is extremely economical.

Another advantage to using stucco on a building is its adaptability to many different types of architectural styles. Pigment can be added to stucco to change its color, and textures can be created to make the plaster look like brick, stone or wood. In ancient times, it was used to create architectural designs (reliefs). Sometimes additional materials are added to the stucco to increase its durability and flexibility.

Many homes in Southern California have stucco siding, especially buildings with a Mediterranean or Spanish style. Stucco is also used as an interior finish.

Like most building materials, stucco can become damaged over time. Cracks can appear, as well as holes. There can also be chipping, especially around or near corners. Cracking is usually the result of settlement. Although stucco cracking can be a normal part of a building’s aging process, It can also be a sign of more serious foundation problems. Any stucco damage should be inspected by a foundation repair expert to make sure the cause of the cracking is properly identified and fully corrected.

Whenever a hole or crack appears, it needs to be repaired quickly to prevent further damage and deterioration. Water can enter the building through stucco wall cracks, causing rot and other structural issues, which will eventually require more extensive and costly repairs. The rate at which water will enter a building through a stucco crack will depend on its size and depth of the crack, and where it is located. The amount of wind in the area can also influence the degree of water penetration.

Home repair of stucco can be difficult, particularly if you need to match textures and colors. The repair also needs to be waterproof. You will also want to make sure that any underlying structural issues or conditions causing the cracking are addressed as well. A foundation repair expert can thoroughly inspect your property and give you valuable feedback regarding stucco repairs and any other building issues that may need to be corrected.