Types of Home Foundations

By Shawn Kyles

The purpose of a foundation is to support a building and prevent it from sliding or slipping. Most foundations are made of concrete, but they can also be built from stone, wood and brick. Some of the more common types of foundations include a concrete slab foundation, a crawlspace foundation and a basement foundation.

Concrete slab foundations are built by pouring concrete into a wood frame that is flush with the ground. The concrete usually rests on a bed of gravel, and is thicker where the outside and interior walls are located. Thick wire is put into the concrete to help prevent it from cracking. Slab foundations are common in mild and warm climates where the ground doesn’t freeze.

A crawlspace foundation is typically found in places where the soil has a heavy clay content. It is constructed with a hollow block or poured concrete frame that supports the home’s perimeter walls. It leaves room for a person to crawl between the floor of a house and the ground. One of the advantages of a crawlspace foundation is that there is space for the installation of plumbing, electrical components and air ducts.

Basement foundations have significant room between the home’s floor and ground. They are normally built with a concrete slab floor, and poured concrete or concrete block walls.

Foundations came become damaged over time due to:

• Inadequate construction
• Poor soil compaction
• Poor drainage
• Leaking roofs
• Concrete shrinkage
• Expansive soil

Evidence of a foundation that is in need of repair includes floor cracks, wall cracks, foundation cracks, bowed walls, uneven or slopping floors, leaning chimneys, wall separation, wall rotation, nail popping, and doors and windows that don’t open or close properly. Moisture can enter homes through wall cracks, as well as doors and windows that don’t fit correctly, causing further damage to the house. Air can also penetrate through cracks and openings, increasing utility bills. Severe foundation damage can eventually result in a partial or total building collapse.

If you suspect your foundation has structural issues, a qualified foundation repair company should be contacted at once to conduct a thorough inspection of your home foundation. You will get valuable advice regarding the source of any problems, and what should be done to correct the situation. If foundation repairs are needed, they should be made as soon as possible to avoid more costly trouble that will develop later on.

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Julian Construction Says Caissons Can Help Support Homes Built on Expansive Soil

LOS ANGELES – Many homes are built on terrain that expands when the soil’s water content increases. This can lead to severe structural problems such as cracks in the building’s floors, walls and foundation. It can also cause upheaval and movement that the structure was not designed to tolerate. According to construction and foundation repair expert Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com) caissons can help stabilize homes built on active and expansive soil.

“Caissons can provide added support to buildings that are getting damaged by wet soil,” says De La Torre. “They are economical, extremely reliable and can be used in many different ways.”

A caisson is created by putting concrete and reinforced steel into a cylindrical shaft under the structure. The drilled shaft penetrates both soil and rock, and is typically 2’ to 4’ in diameter. Void material is used to prevent the concrete from contacting the soil when it is poured. Once the cement sets, it will transfer the weight of the house to the bedrock. The size and location of the caisson is determined by calculating the weight that is carried by the structure.

Homes built on hills are especially susceptible to sinking and often require additional structural reinforcement. One of the advantages of caissons compared to other types of support is that they use less steel, and are not as costly to build. They are also more adaptable.

“Homeowners should consult a foundation expert to determine the severity of their soil problem and how a caisson system can help their particular situation,” says Julian. “A qualified foundation company can properly evaluate structural damage, identify the source of the problem and develop a repair plan tailored to the homeowner’s specific needs.”

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting buildings since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. He formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout the region. Julian’s 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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Julian Construction Gives Top Five Reasons Why Foundations Fail

LOS ANGELES – A foundation is critical to the structural integrity of a home. It distributes and transfers the weight of the building to the ground, and holds the structure in place. Foundation problems can result in cracks, uneven floors, crumbling and wall separation, bulging and rotation. Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), a Los Angeles-based construction company that specializes in foundation repair, says there are five main reasons why foundations fail:

Improper Soil Preparation – Before building a foundation, the ground should be graded to direct water away from the structure. Soil should also be compacted to prevent movement later on. Soil that isn’t sufficiently compacted can result in uneven settlement.

Poor Foundation Construction – Cement foundations should be flat and square, and contain sufficient steel reinforcement. An improperly constructed foundation will cause extensive settling, cracks and other structural issues that will need to be repaired.

Adverse Soil Conditions – A foundations will start to weaken if the soil it is built on expands or contracts. Expansion can occur from too much water, and will lift the building. Contraction occurs from dry conditions, and can result in the soiling pulling away from the foundation

Plumbing Problems – Water from leaky pipes, toilets, tubs and sinks can cause significant foundation issue, including heaving. Leaks in plumbing under the foundation can be especially damaging to a foundation and can destabilize the building.

Drainage Issues – When rainwater and water from sprinkler systems doesn’t drain properly, it can accumulate in puddles near the house and eventually seep into the building. Moisture build-up under a foundation can cause lifting and cracks.

“Foundations should be regularly inspected to detect potential problems that could lead to structural failure,” says Julian. “Immediately correcting any issues can increase the life of a foundation and prevent the need for costly repairs down the road.”

Julian De La Torre has been providing earthquake retrofitting services in Southern California since the early 1990s, and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes. In 2001, Julian used his unmatched experience to form Julian Construction, with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout the region. His partner Shawn Kyles, is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Over the years, Shawn has inspected more than 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety. Julian Construction is a privately owned company built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. You always work directly with the principals of the company. As a result, you receive the highest quality work at affordable prices. Julian Construction 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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Julian Construction Offers Wells Fargo Home Projects Visa Card Financing

LOS ANGELES – Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), one of Southern California’s leading construction and foundation repair companies, today announced the availability of Wells Fargo Financial National Bank Home Projects Visa Card financing for customers. The Home Projects card provides a line of credit for services offered through Julian Construction, including foundation replacement, foundation repair, earthquake retrofitting, house leveling and re-roofing.

“When foundation cracks and other potentially serious structural issues aren’t quickly addressed, they become worse and can cost significantly more to repair,” says Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction. “The Wells Fargo Home Projects Card is an easy way for homeowners to pay for the services they need as soon as a problem is detected.”

Qualified customers can expect to receive approval for the card the same day they apply. There are several different payment options to choose from, including deferred and low monthly payment plans, and no annual fee. Card holders will also receive special promotional offers and notification of Home Projects events.

“Homeowners aren’t always in a financial position to pay for important repairs,” says Julian. “With this card, the necessary work can get done before the problem escalates into a more severe situation.”

Julian Construction also offers customers 0% in house financing for up to 48 months; long-term, secured, low-interest financing, and will accept escrow payment for service rendered.

Julian De La Torre has been providing earthquake retrofitting services in Southern California since the early 1990s, and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes. In 2001, Julian used his unmatched experience to form Julian Construction, with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout the region. His partner Shawn Kyles, is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Over the years, Shawn has inspected more than 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety. Julian Construction is a privately owned company built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. You always work directly with the principals of the company. As a result, you receive the highest quality work at affordable prices. Julian Construction 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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Julian Construction Offers Mold Testing and Removal Services

LOS ANGELES – Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), one of Southern California’s leading construction and foundation repair companies, now offers property owners mold testing and remediation services. Mold spores that accumulate in large numbers inside a dwelling are a health hazard that can result in nasal congestion, skin rashes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and other respiratory problems.

“Many people are allergic to mold,” says Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction. “It can be an irritant as well as cause asthma attacks and pneumonia. Mold remediation will restore a building’s air quality and help prevent illnesses.”

Mold grows indoors wherever there is moisture and a food source such as drywall, plywood and carpeting. Mold spores travel through the air and will begin to propagate once they land on a moist surface. Leaky roofs, plumbing problems and flooding can all cause indoor mold growth. Mold can sometimes lay dormant after flooding or other water damage, and start to grow during a period of high humidity. Even though humidity contributes to mold growth, there are also many types of mold that will regenerate under normal temperatures.

According to Julian, the first step in determining whether or not a mold problem exists is to check areas in a home or building where there is moisture and/or the smell of mold. Additional tests to determine the presence of mold can also be conducted, such as taking samples of the air and indoor surfaces like walls, floors and ceilings. Once the mold has been located, the area is thoroughly cleaned up and any damaged materials are gotten rid of. After removing the mold, Julian Construction will also locate the source of the water problem and fix it to prevent further mold growth. For large structures with mold problems, the company will develop a comprehensive remediation plan to fully eradicate the situation.

“Water can often find its way into a building through foundation cracks,” says Julian, who adds that “Foundations should be checked regularly for damage by a qualified professional to help prevent mold growth and other structural problems.”

Julian De La Torre has been providing earthquake retrofitting services in Southern California since the early 1990s, and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes. In 2001, Julian used his unmatched experience to form Julian Construction, with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout the region. His partner Shawn Kyles, is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Over the years, Shawn has inspected more than 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety. Julian Construction is a privately owned company built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. You always work directly with the principals of the company. As a result, you receive the highest quality work at affordable prices. Julian Construction 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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Julian Construction Offers 6 Tips to Prevent Earthquake Damage

LOS ANGELES – Since 1975, Southern Californians have experienced 11 strong to severe earthquakes resulting in billions of dollars in damage and numerous fatalities. Seismic scientists now predict that “The Big One”, a magnitude 6.7 or greater quake, could hit the region at any time over the next 30 years. Construction and foundation repair expert Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com) in Los Angeles, offers these 6 tips to help homeowners prevent damage during an earthquake:

1. House bolting – houses can shift off of their foundation during a quake. Foundation plates or anchor bolts should be used to increase and strengthen the connection between the wooden frame of a house and its concrete foundation.

2. Brace cripple walls – cripple walls (walls on some houses between the foundation and bottom floor of the house) can collapse during a quake, causing the home’s main floor to fall down on the foundation. Braces can be installed to prevent the walls from moving during an earthquake. Use hold down brackets as needed for additional support.

3. Bolt appliances – to prevent movement during a quake and any gas lines from breaking, bolt appliances to the wall and/or ground.

4. Bolt china cabinets – bolt large furniture like china cabinets and bookcases to wall studs to prevent them from falling over. Also move any heavy objects in cabinets and cases to lower shelves.

5. Bolt cabinets – install bolts or latches on cabinets to prevent items from falling out during a quake

6. Strap heaters – water heaters should always be strapped to wall studs to prevent tipping and gas line breakage. They are also a good source of water following a severe quake and should be secured to prevent holes or leakage.

Julian recommends homeowners contact an experienced retrofitter who can conduct a thorough inspection of the property and provide valuable advice on house bolting and other types of earthquake retrofitting. “A trained professional will know exactly what is needed to properly retrofit a home to prevent damage and physical injury during seismic activity,” says Julian.

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake 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, Julian 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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Julian Construction Helps Homeowners Reduce Energy Costs with Solar Roofing

LOS ANGELES – Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), a Los Angeles-based construction company that specializes in foundation repair and construction, today announced the launch of a new solar roofing service to help homeowners reduce energy costs. The company now offers complete installation services for any type of solar roofing project, from single-sized solid panels to integrated lightweight solar systems.

“Installing a solar system can increase property value as well as save energy,” says Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction. “Any homeowner that needs to re-roof should consider installing solar panels as one of their roofing options.”

Solar panels are used to convert sunlight into electricity, as well as protect a home from the elements. There are dozens of manufacturers nationwide that produce photovoltaic solar panels for both homes and businesses. Depending on the system, panels can last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance.

The California Energy Commission offers solar panel installation rebates as part of a joint solar initiative with the Department of Public Utilities. California currently leads the nation with over 75,000 completed solar projects. The state’s Go Solar California website (http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/) offers valuable information and resources for property owners that want to save on their utility bills, have predictable utility costs and be protected against future utility cost increases. The site includes a list of online solar calculators (http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/tools/calculators.php) that provide estimates of costs, paybacks, and electricity production for various systems. The goal of the state’s solar initiative is to make renewable energy an every day reality.

Homeowners can also save money on solar panel installation with Federal tax credits that provide up to 30% of the costs of a solar energy system with no upper limit. The tax credit, which expires December 31, 2016, is available for existing homes and new construction.

“Going solar is a smart decision for any homeowner that wants to save money, help reduce pollution in the environment and have a never-ending source of energy,” says Julian.

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake 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, Julian 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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