Helfrich-Associates, Author at Helfrich-Associates

Warning: Falling Rocks

A photograph of the damage from falling rock.

Remember when, at the beginning of the Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, the scene where Indy takes a golden statue off of a pedestal and a giant boulder begins to tumble down a ramp, almost crushing our hero? Well, imagine that boulder at the top of a hill near your property. Now imagine it rolling down the hill, except your home or commercial structure isn’t Indiana Jones, and it can’t escape!

Helfrich-Associates recently was invited to help resolve just such a situation in Alpine, California. Continue reading

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Real Estate Transactions: Making the Right Choices

By Property Inspections

Image of a property at sunset courtesy of Pixabay.com

If you’ve ever been involved with real estate transactions such as purchasing a property, then you’ve had to engage the services of a realtor or a financial institution. It’s a necessary part of the American dream, as well as the dream of many people across the globe.

Before any property can be purchased it must be put through a complicated series of real estate, legal, and financial reviews. This includes property inspections and disclosure statements. During these procedures, there are many things to look at. Unfortunately, sometimes issues are either missed or concealed in the rush to clear a property for purchase.

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Get The Facts On Liquefaction Mitigation

By Liquefaction Mitigation

Liquefaction mitigation can help reduce property damage in Long Beach, California.

Liquefaction mitigation can help reduce property damage. Image of Long Beach, California courtesy of Pixabay.com

Since the beginning of civilization people have always wanted to live near bodies of water. As building construction has advanced so has the need for stable structures that can resist the forces of nature. Earthquake-prone regions are particularly difficult to build in. Soil near rivers, as well as areas that are close to the ocean, can lose strength during an earthquake and turn into a soup-like consistency. Among other problems, structures built on top of the unstable soil can settle and tilt. Continue reading

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A Day In The Life Of Traffic Litigation

By Litigation Services

Traffic litigation can be a complex process, especially when involving California roads. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

There’s no question about it: driving a vehicle takes a lot of concentration. Especially when driving any kind of oversized vehicle, such as a commercial truck. Avoiding other vehicles and pedestrians is just the start. Road conditions, and adjacent areas, can play a large part in safe vehicle operations. Continue reading

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Landslide Mitigation: Overcoming the Risk

By Construction, Foundation Stabilization, Landslide Mitigation, Water Intrusion

Landslide mitigation can help in areas prone to landslides, such as in Malibu, California. Image Courtesy Pixabay.com

The city of Malibu is one of California’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Located along the famed Pacific Coast Highway, the area is framed by the Pacific Ocean as well as the Santa Monica Mountains.

While coastal zones and properties are highly desirable, they can be difficult to build on. In part, this is due to erosion, rainfall, soil composition, and poor grading. Malibu has steep, clay slopes that are prone to landslides. Continue reading

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World of Concrete 2015: Our Impressions

By Construction

As seen at World of Concrete 2015. A unique sample of a concrete wall.

Did you make it to this year’s World of Concrete? The World of Concrete event is the third largest convention in Las Vegas, after NASCAR and the Bull Riders Association, with more than 50,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibitors. At this year’s World of Concrete there were two outdoor exhibit areas with heavy construction equipment (including test drives for novices), concrete demolition demonstrations, concrete slab finishing, and concrete sculptures and artwork. Continue reading

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California’s Economy, the Construction Industry & 2015

By Construction

California’s economy is still recovering from the recession. Image Courtesy Pixabay.com

Leta and I recently attended the 2015 U.S. and Inland Empire Economic Forecast. Dr. Esmael Adibi, a renowned economist and advisor to California leaders, presented his annual forecast for the state’s economy. The event was sponsored by many groups and companies active in the construction industry, including homebuilders, engineering firms, and construction products manufacturers.

This was a great event that provided some clear insight on what’s in store for 2015 when it comes to California’s economy and its growth as it pertains to our industry. Continue reading

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Rainfall – The Good and the Bad

By Foundation Stabilization, Water Intrusion

Rainfall image courtesy pixabay.com

In the last several weeks Southern California has received much needed rain, helping to alleviate the state’s drought conditions. It’s critically important to our ecosystem that we get enough rainfall each year. However, it can be devastating to property owners and to public areas, especially if a property is not properly prepared to handle large amounts of it. Areas of concern can range from water intrusion into buildings to unstable slopes becoming mud slides. Continue reading

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When to Call a Plumber or a Leak Detection Service

By Water Intrusion

Water pipe image courtesy of pixabay.com.

Without water most foundation problems would not exist. If you experience rapid foundation movement and the sudden appearance of cracks and separations, it may be time to call a plumber. This is especially true if the evidence of movement is near bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Leaks can occur in pressurized plumbing lines, most often in hot water lines. Have you noticed warmth coming from your slab floor, or sudden spikes in your gas or water bills? These can be symptoms of a hot water leak. Sewer lines can also leak. Tree root intrusions are one of the most common problems associated with a leaking sewer line. Continue reading

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Push Piers v. Helical Piers in Expansive Soils

By Foundation Stabilization

Building foundation image courtesy pixabay.com.

Push piers and helical piers are commonly used to level and stabilize foundations that have experienced movement. Although both types of piers can be used to lift foundations that have experienced settlement, only helical piers can withstand uplift forces which can occur in expansive soils. A detailed investigation of soil moisture conditions and expected changes in the future is required to determine the possibility of future uplift. If uplift is expected then helical piers are a better solution than push piers. Continue reading