So. California’s Rainfall Good News for Reservoirs – but How About Your Home’s Foundation?

Julian Construction Warns that Undetected Drainage Problems Can Damage Home Foundations

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, knows we need the rain after several years of drought. “We have exceeded the annual rainfall average in Los Angeles two and half months early. That is good news for the Southland overall, but we are seeing more and more instances on home foundations damaged by water.” Julian said. “Exposure to water accumulation and soil erosion can weaken foundations and cause problems.”

Annual rainfall, measured from July 1 in one year to June 30^th of the next, is about 15 inches for Los Angeles. So far this year we have had more than 16 inches and we may get still more before the end of the 2009 – 2010 season on July 30^th. Water accumulation can damage the concrete in foundations and can erode the soil on which footings rest. Homes built on slabs can be adversely affected in the same way.

“Don’t wait until your doors and windows won’t close or your house begins to tilt.” Julian continued. “Just get your home foundation inspected. Foundations are not a part of the home where damage makes itself immediately obvious to the average person so it makes sense to bring in experts. Especially when the inspection is free.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been 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, Mr. De La Torre 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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Rampant Earthquakes: Will California Be Next?

by Brittany Kyles

In the last year regions all over the world have become affected by increasing natural disasters. The catastrophic earthquake in Haiti ranging in a magnitude of 7.0 left the impoverished country in ruins due to unstable structures and foundations. Over three million people were affected by the quake and an estimated 230,000 people have died.

In Chile the recent earthquake reached a magnitude of 8.8, which created a tsunami that devastated many neighboring coastal cities. Yet, because Chile homes bear much stronger foundations, many deaths were prevented. And recently the earthquake in Baja California with a magnitude of 7.2 left over 100 people injured and was felt from Mexico all the way to Malibu. Furthermore, the current shattering 7.8 earthquake in Indonesia has created additional detrimental effects on the nation.

In recent months it seems earthquakes have become ever more present and severe; magnitudes of these quakes continue to be extremely high, resulting in many deaths, injuries and destruction to the areas affected.

Thus, it has become evident that earthquakes, now more than ever, pose a serious threat to the state of California, because California shares the same fault line as many of the regions that have been recently affected by these gigantic quakes. With the latest series of earthquakes that have continued to persist and affect regions all over the world, it seems that as a resident in California, it is extremely important to prepare one’s home foundation and structures in case one of these epidemic quakes strikes here.

There are many benefits to living in California, yet California also is one of the most prevalent sites for earthquakes in the United States. Therefore, in order to secure your future, the future of your loved ones and belongings, now is the time to reinforce your home, before one of these rising seismic quakes shatters your home, business, or leaves loved ones in danger. California is ‘earthquake country’ and we who live here should be aware that the up-and-down and side-to-side motion of an earthquake can shake an unbolted house off its foundation.

Therefore, in order to secure your future and safety, you need to see a foundation specialist in your area, who will create a safe environment by securing and bolting the foundation, in order to withstand an earthquake or diminish the damage inflicted. Now is the time to take action in preventing the future destruction of the next earthquake which is likely to strike California sooner, rather than later.

 

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Earthquakes in the News – Has Earth Become More Unstable in 2010?

Julian Construction Checks the Records to See Whether Earthquake Frequency and Magnitude Are on the Rise

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, could not help but notice that major earthquakes seemed to be in the news almost weekly. “Haiti, Chile, Baja California, China – all 7.0 or greater and all within the first 3 months of 2010.” Julian said. “Given the nature of our business, I wanted to know what this might be telling us and whether the planet was experiencing an unusually high number of earthquakes.” So he looked it up.

The U.S. Geological Survey tracks earthquake activity around the world. It turns out there is a great deal more activity than generally thought - about 50 earthquakes are recorded every day. The yearly average is 17 major earthquakes (7.0 to 7.9) and one that will be measured at 8.0 or higher. So, at least so far, this year’s activity is not out of line with the past and the data is not showing any increase in seismic events. This year’s earthquakes are striking populated areas, causing tremendous damage and generating headlines, but neither the frequency nor the magnitude are unusual.

“What this year’s earthquake news is telling us is not that the world is ending, but simply ‘Be prepared’.” Julian continued. “The location and timing of earthquakes is not subject to prediction with current technology, so good preparation is the best defense.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been 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, Mr. De La Torre 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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Comparison of Earthquakes in Chile and Haiti Shows Value of Preparation

Julian Construction Points to Building Codes as a Key Factor that Minimized Tragedy in Chile and Devastated Haiti.

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, was stunned by the vastly different outcomes of the two natural disasters. “Chile’s earthquake was 500 times more powerful than Haiti’s, yet less than 1000 people died compared to more than 220,000 in Haiti.” De La Torre said. “Chile is used to earthquakes and has experienced huge events within the last 50 years, resulting in rigorous building codes that kept most buildings from collapse. Haiti’s last big earthquake was 250 years ago and it is reported there are no building codes there at all. Experience and preparation made an enormous difference.”

Chile’s quake was also centered deeper and further away from population areas, both favorable factors for survival of both people and architecture. Chile’s emergency services have been in place and were in evidence at once – this kind of natural disaster was not new to them. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, had no planning in place.

“California also has good building codes designed to prevent building collapse and minimize damage from earthquakes.” Julian continued. “But much of our housing stock and a considerable number of commercial buildings predate these codes and so are at risk. The anchoring of the structure to the foundations of the building is a common area of vulnerability. It is also our area of expertise.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been 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, Mr. De La Torre 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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Pico Rivera 4.4. Magnitude Earthquake Prompts Offer of Free Foundation Inspection

Julian Construction Wants Southern California’s Homeowners to be Prepared for the Next One

 

LOS ANGELES: Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, breathed a sigh of relief when this week’s earthquake, centered near Pico Rivera eleven miles east of Los Angeles civic center, turned out to be minor, resulting in little damage. “It is a wake-up call for home owners and property managers who are not certain of the strength of their foundations.” Julian said. “We live on top of an active seismic area and the time to prepare is before the earth starts shaking the next time.”

 

Areas of concern include the security of the attachment of a building to its foundations and how well the floors are tied down. Julian Construction will inspect at no charge. “Chile was so much better prepared than Haiti for earthquakes, resulting in far less damage and loss of life. The next earthquake may not be only a 4.4 so I urge you to get an inspection so that you can be prepared,” Julian stated.

 

Julian Construction also offers 0% financing for those who need to finance their any needed repair or retrofit. 

 

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting and foundation repair 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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Pico Rivera 4.4. Magnitude Earthquake Prompts Offer of Free Foundation Inspection

Julian Construction Wants Southern California’s Homeowners to be Prepared for the Next One

 

LOS ANGELES: Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, breathed a sigh of relief when this week’s earthquake, centered near Pico Rivera eleven miles east of Los Angeles civic center, turned out to be minor, resulting in little damage. “It is a wake-up call for home owners and property managers who are not certain of the strength of their foundations.” Julian said. “We live on top of an active seismic area and the time to prepare is before the earth starts shaking the next time.”

 

Areas of concern include the security of the attachment of a building to its foundations and how well the floors are tied down. Julian Construction will inspect at no charge. “Chile was so much better prepared than Haiti for earthquakes, resulting in far less damage and loss of life. The next earthquake may not be only a 4.4 so I urge you to get an inspection so that you can be prepared,” Julian stated.

 

Julian Construction also offers 0% financing for those who need to finance their any needed repair or retrofit. 

 

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting and foundation repair 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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Surviving an Earthquake: Fallacy, Legends and the Actual Truth

By: Brittany Kyles

Securing the foundations of homes and buildings through retrofitting gives those who reside there have a much greater chance of survival during a large earthquake.

As children we were taught protective measures in school of what to do if an earthquake were to erupt. However, many of these so-called safety precautions prove detrimental and even life threatening during large earthquakes.

Doug Copp, the rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International provided necessary tips and measures to take during an earthquake. Copp has crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings and homes, and has worked on rescue teams in over 60 countries. He witnessed one of the worst earthquakes in Mexico City during 1985, where every child in a school was killed in a sudden earthquake.

In the U.S. and many other countries, students have been informed since childhood that during an earthquake one must crawl under a desk and cover their head. According to Copp, this is one of the least protective measures one can take and many times will result in death.

Copp states that in Mexico, “Every child was under their desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles.” Copp reveals that this devastation could have been avoided if the children were placed in what he calls is the “triangle of life,” yet, he later found out that the children were instructed to crawl under their desks.

The “triangle of life” reveals that during large disasters the space between large objects are the safest places to position oneself because the weight of the objects surrounding such as desks, chairs, beds etc. will hold the falling ceiling and bricks and create a small spot that will be protected from falling ruins.

Furthermore, Copp issued ten tips for earthquake safety, which if followed, can be life saving techniques during an earthquake.

1. “Most everyone who simply ‘ducks and covers’ when buildings collapse are crushed to death” and “people who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.”

2. Animals and babies, when in danger crawl into the fetal position. It is a natural instinct and by doing so during a disaster, you are more likely to survive in a smaller “void.” In the fetal position one should, “Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it” (Copp).

3. Wooden buildings have proved to be the safest during an earthquake because the wooden structures are flexible and can move with the force of the earthquake.

4. “If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed” (Copp).

5. If during an earthquake you cannot escape out of the structure lie in fetal position near a large object.

6. Standing under a doorway is not a safe place and “Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed” (Copp).

7. Never seek safety in a stairwell because, “people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads and horribly mutilated” (Copp).

8. During an earthquake one should stand near the outer walls of a building or outside the building itself. “The further inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater probability that your escape route will be blocked” (Copp).

9. During an earthquake get out of your vehicle and lie near its side, most people whom remain in their cars are crushed.

10. “Larger voids are found surrounding stacks of paper”(Copp).

By following these ten safety measures during a large earthquake one should be able to seek refuge and survive the disaster with minimal injuries.

Doug Copp, Rescue Chief wants to help spread the word of how to survive these unpredictable natural disasters that for many result in death, devastation or serious injury. By taking the right precautions such as securing one’s home and building foundations, and practicing the right safety measures during an earthquake, such as lying next to a large object, the chances of survival are optimal. It's also important to have your home foundation inspected, and to have any needed earthquake retrofitting or foundation repair done. With the recent devastation in Haiti, we as a society should use all the resources and knowledge we can in order to prevent loss, injury and even death.

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