Texas Home Inspector Indentifies Foundation Problems and Solutions

Soil Expansion and Contraction Can Do Extensive Damage To Your Foundation and Structure.
by Chris Goggans
Professional Home Inspector
Homes built in the Dallas, Fort Worth Metroplex are built on varying types of soil including clay.
Home foundations built on clay can move with the moisture levels in the soil. This movement will cause damage to the foundation that can be minor or in some cases major. The type of foundation and foundation maintenance can determine when and if damage occurs. As part of its service, Realty Inspection Services determines the type of foundation that is in place and if it has sustained any major movement that could lead to damage. They also recommend maintenance procedures to prevent future problems.
There are actually two choices to maintain a stable soil condition, continually “wet” or “dry”. Obviously keeping a continuous “dry” condition is impossible. It really does rain in Texas! So the obvious choice is to keep the soil continually “wet”.
Moisture levels are affected by hot temperatures, amount of rain received during summer months, amount of moisture added to the soil around the foundation via sprinkler systems or soaker hoses, and plant life added around the foundation. Many homeowners plant foliage next to the home and need to be aware of the possible damage that can result. Plants placed next to the foundation remove moisture from the soil thus causing retraction of soil from the foundation (This moisture wicking process is called transpiration). Realty Inspection Services recommends that homeowners place soaker hoses around their foundations to keep the moisture content of the soil as close to stable as possible year round.
Builders in this Dallas/Fort Worth area prefer to build homes on a post tension slab foundation because they are the most economical. However, in areas with excessively high clay content, good builders will build homes on pier and beam foundations or they will drill to bedrock and fill these drill holes with concrete to form concrete pillars. These concrete pillars support the post tension slab and prevent excessive movement.
Homes built on sand tend to stay stabilized throughout the seasonal changes. Builders in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area also build homes on post tension slab foundations on sandy soils. Soil that is considered “sandy” still has some clay content so Realty Inspection Services recommends that homeowners keep the soil around the perimeter of their foundation moist year round to reduce movement.
Homeowners must remember that there is a constant need for maintenance. Foundations are just one of the areas that need regular attention in order for homes to keep their value.
Realty Inspection Services provides all its clients with a complete “Maintenance Check List” that includes the proper procedures to keep foundations in good repair.
Realty Inspection Services inspects all foundations to the extent of the Texas Real Estate Commission standards. If any home has movement that causes concern Realty Inspection Services will recommend Homeowners seek a Structural Engineer to examine the elevation of the foundation throughout the home to determine if excessive movement has occurred.
The first line of defense in buying or maintaining a home is a competent, professional home inspector.
Realty Inspection Service fills the bill.
www.RealtyInspectionsDFW.com

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Dangerous Days - Making Of Blade Runner - In Need of Magic: Post-Production Problems - Part 2

Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner is an approximately three and a half hour long documentary directed and produced by Charles de Lauzirika for the 2007 Final Cut version of the film. It was culled from over 80 interviews, including Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Jerry Perenchio, Bud Yorkin and Ridley Scott, and also contains several alternate and deleted shots within the context of the documentary itself.

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How Abdominal Massage Provides Relief From Ailments Such As Digestive Problems and Endometriosis

Most of your body's organs are situated in your stomach controlling the various systems of the body. Abdominal massage provides relief from ailments such as digestive problems, endometriosis and menstrual problems.

When you become tense or anxious tension is stored in your stomach and when this happens you may become constipated or have diarrhoea. A stomach massage is beneficial for constipation as it stimulates the peristalsis of the small intestines, tones up the muscles of the abdomen walls and eliminates the contents of both large and small intestines.

Endometriosis is a fairly common condition found in women where small pieces of tissue (endometrium) that grows every month on the inside of the womb is found growing outside the womb, in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel, bladder, vagina or rectum which can cause severe pain in the lower abdomen.

When you have an attack of endometriosis, painful spasms occur in the muscles of the lower back, pelvis or lower abdomen. These spasms can cause muscular tension in the abdomen and pelvic region. You may also experience pain during sex, painful bowel movements, bladder problems and menstrual cycle problems. Usually, when a woman reaches the menopause the symptoms disappear.

Abdominal massage manipulates these muscles, thus reducing muscle spasms and also relaxes the ligaments and tendons. The correct therapeutic abdominal massage helps to alleviate pelvic congestion by encouraging relaxation which relieves and decreases the discomfort and pain felt by this condition and your state of wellbeing is improved.

During their menstrual cycle, women experience cramp like spasms in their lower abdomen. These can be eased by keeping the abdomen warm, taking exercise and gently massaging the region with light smooth strokes as you feel bloated and tender at this time of the month. Post Menstrual Tension and period pain are not ailments but part of nature and are incurable, so being pampered with an abdominal massage when you are experiencing this pain makes you feel better.

The benefits of an abdominal massage are:

1. Helps indigestion and constipation

2. Improves blood circulation in this area

3. Tones and strengthens stomach muscles

4. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

Abdominal massage is best done about two hours after a meal to improve digestion but should not be done directly after a heavy meal. Always empty your bladder first.

Your abdomen is the least protected area of your body as well as being one of the softest. For this reason alone, the benefits of a really relaxing abdominal massage are immense and it is very easy to do as well!

Caution: Always ensure the receiver does not have any serious stomach conditions such as cancer, ulcers, gall stones, kidney problems, a heart condition, high blood pressure, or pregnant before you massage their abdomen.

Note that not everyone likes or feels comfortable with having their stomach massaged, so this is definitely something that you need to discuss with them before attempting to give an abdominal massage.

After having an Abdominal massage you will feel relaxed and your stomach pain and muscle cramps will not be so severe. Massage in this region is not a cure for your problem but will ease the symptoms you feel from your ailment. If your problem persists you should consult a doctor as you may need medication.

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