Earthquake Retrofitting

Why Earthquake Retrofitting is so important

In areas that are prone to seismic activity, even the most solid house or building can over time, depending on the strength of the seismic event, suffer serious damage during and after earthquakes. Building structures are often not prepared to resist the type of sideloading forces that are common during earthquakes. Even the most structurally-sound building can slide off its foundation, basement and crawl space walls can crumble, and roof trusses can tilt like falling domino tiles.

According to structural engineers, virtually every existing home located in areas that are prone to seismic activity need retrofitting. That is because between the time they were built and now, builders' understanding of how structures behave during earthquakes improved considerably. A house is often a homeowner’s main asset, so it makes sense to protect its structural integrity before disaster strikes.

What exactly is Earthquake or Seismic Retrofitting?

Earthquake retrofitting involves the bolting and bracing of the weaker structures in your foundation to make them more resistant to sideloading forces that occur during seismic events. That includes reinforcement of cripple walls, floor support beams, and more.

A house that is not retrofitted can have its foundation seriously damaged. If that happens, the only recourse is to repair the foundation, and that can be more disruptive than retrofitting.

Our earthquake retrofitting professionals have many years of experience with reinforcing homes and commercial buildings in earthquake-prone areas. Contact your local earthquake retrofitting expert today to ensure your home is prepared when disaster strikes.