The Napa Earthquake – Another Warning

By Shawn Kyles

The recent earthquake in Napa, California is a reminder that seismic activity can occur at any time and cause considerable damage. The magnitude-6 quake hit at 3:20 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Damage is currently estimated at $1 billion – a harsh economic hit for an area with a population estimated at less than 150,000. Some predict that figure will increase to as much as $4 billion.

Approximately 50 buildings were red-tagged, and 100 building were yellow-tagged due to quake damage. It was the biggest quake to strike the Bay Area since the 6.9 Loma Prieta quake in 1989. The Loma Prieta earthquake was responsible for the deaths of 63 people and over 3,700 injuries.

Many of the structures damaged in Napa were masonry buildings. Thirty years ago California adopted a law to encourage earthquake retrofitting of old buildings. However, thousands of buildings have still not been upgraded.

Has your home been retrofitted for an earthquake?

Seismic activity occurs only a daily basis in California. Within the past 8 months, there have been four moderate to large quakes ranging in magnitude from 4.4 to 6.8., two of which occurred in Southern California.

Earthquake retrofitting increases a structure’s ability to withstand seismic activity, including ground motion and ground failure.

During a quake, ground motion is caused by the release of energy that occurs when the rocks on a fault move or “slip.” The motion is measured based on the duration of the quake, frequency of the shaking, ground motion velocity and acceleration. Ground motion from an earthquake will usually have little impact on you when you are outdoors in an open area. Homes and other structures however, can be severely damaged by ground motion.

Ground motion is considered strong when it occurs 30 miles from the fault.

Ground failure (also called soil failure) occurs when the soil a structure is built on is weak. Sandy and silt soil are weak soils that can start to sink during a quake. Liquification is a type of sinking that typically occurs when ground water is less than 30 feet from the surface. The seismic waves simply force the sand grains apart, causing the ground to become semi-solid.

There are several factors that determine whether or not liquification will occur during a quake, including the strength and location of the quake, where the water table is located and the grain size of the soil.

Not only can soil cause foundation sinking, it can also escalate the severity of the seismic wave.

Some of the ways homes are retrofitted include foundation bolting, bracing and adding brackets. The purpose of the retrofitting is to minimize damage from a quake and make the building safer for occupants. A cripple wall is the wall between the floor and foundation. It can be only a few inches in height or several feet tall. When a cripple wall collapses during a quake, the floor drops to the ground.

Bolting involves reinforcing the connection between wooden frames and concrete foundations. The bolts go through the wood and are attached to the foundation’s surface.

Homes that haven’t been retrofitted can slide off their foundation and overturn. Cripple walls can also buckle and collapse, at the least creating the need for expensive foundation repair.

To find out if your home is ready for the next big quake, contact a foundation specialist. Experienced foundation contractors can inspect your home and create a retrofitting plan to make your house safer. Earthquake preparedness can save you your home.

Slab Repair Projects Range from DIY to Major Repairs

Construction Company Says Slab Repair Can be DIY or Need Professional Attention

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation repair and foundation construction company, are warning homeowners to get a foundation inspection before beginning on slab repairs. According to the company, an inspection of the foundation can determine the extent of the foundation problem and whether it is a DIY project or if the foundation is in need of professional attention.

An executive at the company stated: “Some cracks in the slab can be repaired in a very simple manner and do not require a foundation expert. But in the situation where experience is needed, Julian Construction can check the condition and help put your slab footing back in order. The following are some symptoms to look for in determining if you have a broken slab: Stretched or buckled linoleum flooring, Unlevel floors, Broken floor tiles, Bumps in carpet, Cracks around windows and door frames, Sloping floors, Domed floors in center of room, Sticky doors or windows that are difficult to open and close.”

Julian De La Torre, owner and founder of Julian Construction, stated: “We cannot stress enough the importance of getting an inspection before starting a project to repair a broken or cracked slab. It could be as simple as getting the supplies and repairing it. But if the damage is bad enough, the project will not help and the work will have to be redone. A professional inspection will tell you exactly what you’re looking at and how to fix it. That way your home’s foundation remains structurally sound.”

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.com/blog/

Inspection an Important Part of the Foundation Repair Process

Construction Company on how Foundation Inspection Can Save on Costly Repairs

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a general construction and foundation construction company in Southern California, recently released an article on how regular foundation inspection is an important part of keeping up the maintenance on a home. Regular inspections of a home foundation will detect foundation problems before they become more extensive, says the company. Julian Construction has over 10 years of experience in the field of foundation construction and foundation repair.

Shawn Kyles, chief safety inspector at Julian Construction, stressed that while foundation repairs are often needed, the extent of foundation damage can be drastically reduced by foundation inspections of a home. He stated: “A home foundation inspection by a qualified expert is not only an important part of foundation maintenance, it can prevent the need for expensive repairs or foundation replacement. You’ll also get peace of mind knowing that your foundation is in good shape. When you request an inspection, both the outside and inside of your home will be checked for evidence of foundation problems.”

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “We find that with a regular inspection, the homeowner knows the status of their foundation. They know if there is damage that needs to be addressed. Problems are picked up early. Because foundation problems can cause other problems throughout the house, fixing the foundation early ensures the structural integrity of the rest of the house. We are comforted by knowing we help homeowners rest at ease about the state of their home.”

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.com/blog/

Repairing Retaining Walls a Complicated and Professional Project

Construction Company Says Retaining Walls Not a DIY Project

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and general contractor company in Los Angeles, has had many years of experience in the construction field, largely with their specialty of home foundation repair and replacement but also home construction projects such as the construction of retaining walls. Due to the complexity of the process and the number of different types of retaining walls that may be used, the company strongly recommends that only a licensed professional construct a retaining wall for a home.

A retaining wall is a stabilizing structure used when soil on a slope threatens to spill and cause soil erosion, ruining the landscape or causing other problems with the home’s foundation. A retaining wall holds back the falling soil and redistributes the pressure of the sloping ground. Many different materials are used for a wall, such as concrete, steel, stone, brick, composites, wood and even glass.

There are also several different types of walls, from those that use the wall’s own weight to hold back the soil to those which are supported by heavy steel cables. The type of wall needed is determined by the type and quantity of soil in the landscape, as well as the amount of space for the wall and other factors.

Due to the variety of different types of retaining walls, each one required by a different set of circumstances for that yard, Julian Construction strongly recommends that homeowners only use a licensed professional foundation contractor with many years experience constructing retaining walls on different properties.

Retaining wall projects done by inexperienced individuals could lead to a wall not strong enough to hold up the soil, drainage problems (which would damage the wall) or other problems which would lead to having to reconstruct the retaining wall entirely.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “We have often installed a retaining wall where the soil erosion was the factor causing foundation damage. Definitely, if soil erosion is not handled in a home it will cause problems for a landscape but also can cause problems for the structure itself: if the soil is going away from the foundation it can weaken it. Homeowners also use a retaining wall to create more usable space in their yard. Whatever the reason it is needed, always hire a professional to construct a retaining wall.”

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.com/blog/

Solar Systems a Good Investment for Saving Energy

Julian Construction Recommends Installing Solar Systems in a Home

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a home foundation repair and general contractor company in Los Angeles, recommends that homeowners look at the long term benefits of installing solar systems on their home. The company has found that energy savings as well as property savings can be realized as a result of installing a solar energy system. The company has installed many such systems for homeowners.

In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that "the development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource, enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, lower the costs of mitigating climate change, and keep fossil fuel prices lower than otherwise. These advantages are global. Hence the additional costs of the incentives for early deployment should be considered learning investments; they must be wisely spent and need to be widely shared".

Julian Construction has many years experience in the installation of personalized home solar energy systems, most often during the process of re-roofing a home. State and federal agencies offer tax benefits and rebates to homeowners who install clean energy solutions such as solar systems, in addition to the direct energy savings.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “There are multiple benefits to installing a solar energy system in your home. State and Federal agencies often will offer tax benefits on this, the system will increase the property value, and there is the savings made on the energy itself. We’ve been very happy to supply this service to homeowners in the past and can highly recommend it as a very beneficial way for homeowners to save money.”

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.com/blog/

Get Ready For The Next Big Quake

By Shawn Kyles

Did you know that California has a 99% chance of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 quake or greater within the next 30 years?

The Northridge Earthquake, which hit at 4:31 a.m. on January 17, 1994 was a magnitude 6.7. The quake occurred at a depth of 11.4 miles on an unknown fault, and was followed by thousands of aftershocks. Fifty-seven people died and over 5,000 people were injured during the event. An estimated 1,600 people were hospitalized.

The Northridge quake actually took place in Reseda, CA, with property damage occurring more up to 85 miles away. Total property damage has been estimated at more than $20 Billion. It is considered one of the costliest U.S. natural disasters.

Structural collapses included the Northridge Meadows apartment complex which killed sixteen people, several commercial buildings and sections of the Santa Monica Freeway, the Antelope Valley Freeway and Interstate 5.

Multi-story wood frame buildings suffered the most damage, along with structures made of masonry, constructed on slopes or built over parking areas. The quake also caused hundreds of fires and left tens of thousands of people without utilities for several days.

If you are a Southern California home owner, there are many things you can do for earthquake preparedness before the next big quake. Start by making sure furniture and other moveable items are properly secured. Stock up on supplies that may be needed following a quake and organize a disaster plan. You’ll also want to gather and keep important documents in a safe space.

You will also want to make sure your home is in good repair and structurally sound. Start by contacting a foundation repair expert and requesting an inspection. A foundation professional will know where to look for damage and potential weaknesses that could put you and your family in danger during an earthquake.

Homes that have been built on concrete, especially unreinforced concrete, stone masonry or bricks, are at greater risk for structural failure during a quake. A home can also break away from its foundation if it hasn’t been secured properly. When a house shifts off of its foundation, it can disrupt gas lines, which can lead to fires.

Is your home built on a hill? When a house that has been built on a hill isn’t properly supported, it can collapse during a quake. If your home has a crawl space that hasn’t been braced correctly, it could fall during periods of increased seismic activity.

A foundation expert or foundation contractor will look at the interior and exterior of your home, including walls, windows, doors, floors, concrete slabs, crawl spaces and basements to determine if there are existing or potential foundation problems, if you need foundation bolting, or foundation repair, etc. You’ll get a post-inspection report and a summary of the issues that need to be addressed.

If any repairs are needed, get them done quickly! Foundation damage will only get worse over time.

Earthquake retrofitting and foundation bolting will not only give you peace of mind, it can help protect your property during an earthquake and may even save lives.

Signs of Roof Damage

by Shawn Kyles
Julian Construction

Keeping your roof in good repair is an important home maintenance task. A damaged roof can result in leaks that cause interior damage to your walls and cause the need for foundation repair. Signs of roof damage can include a sagging roof, cracking paint, wet spots, wet insulation and light shining through the roof. A damaged roof needs to be repaired quickly to prevent further damage and increased repair costs.

Causes of Roof Damage

The weather can damage your roof in many different ways. Wind, for example, can tear shingles off your roof and warp gutters. The wind can also lift and displace tiles. Snow, ice, storms, lightening, rainfall and extreme temperatures can also damage roofs.

Even heat can damage a roof. Too much sun can cause certain types of roof tiles to crack and blister. If an attic isn’t ventilated properly, rising hot air from inside the home will push its way to and through the roof.
Has there been a fire in your neighborhood? Heat from a fire near your home can melt tiles and other roofing materials.

Roofs can also be damaged by falling objects such as tree branches. If you see broken tree limbs on the ground near your home, check the roof closest to where the limb was found. Look for any signs of damage, including scrapes and gouges. Minor damage may be a sign of more serious issues. When a tree limb breaks and falls on a roof, it can also cause structural damage to the house.

Earthquakes, even small ones, can damage roofs as well. Many times, the damage is caused by the collapse of masonry chimneys. Improperly built roofs or roofs with too much weight can also lead to buckling during a quake.

Most homes are built with asphalt shingles. The asphalt tiles are coated with tiny granules that provide UV protection. Damage to an asphalt roof can include missing granules (bald tiles), holes in the tile, as well as cracked, torn or missing tiles. Asphalt tiles can also become “bruised” or dented. Large amounts of tile granules in rain gutters means your roof is deteriorating.

Tile roofs can be damaged very easily, particularly from falling objects. Indicators of tile roof damage include chipped, broken or missing tiles. If you find pieces of tile on the ground, it’s time for a roof inspection.

Cedar roof tiles can split, particularly in dry climates. In areas where there is consistent or excessive rainfall, moss can start growing on the tiles. In general, natural roofing tiles and materials will deteriorate faster than synthetic roofing.

Your roof should be inspected on a regular basis – at least twice a year. Make sure it is inspected closely both inside as well as outside. On the inside, look for water stains, which can be an indicator of a leak, or insulation that has been stripped away. This can be done at the same time as a foundation inspection

If your roof is severely damaged it may need to be re-roofed. Contact a licensed and qualified roofing contractor or trusted general contractor who can help you with roof shingle installation.