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Earthquake
Retrofitting
Many homes in the Washington and Oregon regions aren’t constructed to accommodate seismic activity. That’s because the Seattle Fault wasn’t identified until 1992. Therefore, people living in this seismically active region who own an older home are at risk. There’s a high chance that your home isn’t built to current seismic codes.
Retrofitting homes involves upgrading existing structures with modern technology and materials. That’s where earthquake retrofitting comes into play. Even a minor seismic event could cause your home to shift off the foundation. It’s vital to take action, so schedule seismic retrofitting services with TerraFirma and safeguard your home in case of an earthquake.
Reasons to
retrofit your home
- You reside in a high-risk, active seismic zone.
- You want earthquake retrofitting to improve your home’s strength.
- You want your home to act as a shelter after an earthquake.
- You want to potentially reduce earthquake repair costs, insurance premiums, and deductibles.
- You want to reduce earthquake insurance premiums and deductibles.
- You want to potentially qualify for earthquake insurance if your home isn’t currently eligible.
How do you Protect my home froM earthquake vulnerabilities?
TerraFirma has been protecting homes in Oregon and Washington preparation for seismic events for over 20 years. Here’s what we do:
Assessment & Planning
The retrofitting process begins with a detailed assessment of the building’s current condition. An expert, such as a structural engineer or trained technician, inspects the home to identify weaknesses and recommend appropriate solutions.
This evaluation includes examining the foundation, walls, roof, and overall framework. Then, the engineer develops a comprehensive retrofitting plan based on the findings.
Foundation Bolting
Securing the foundation is the next step in this process. Technicians install anchor bolts to connect the house to its foundation, preventing lateral movement during an earthquake.
This process involves drilling holes into the foundation and inserting steel bolts. The workers then tighten the bolts to secure the structure, enhancing its stability and resistance to seismic forces.
Adding Shear Walls
Shear walls are another critical component of earthquake retrofitting as they distribute seismic forces and prevent the structure from collapsing.
Shear walls typically consist of plywood or other strong materials, and workers install them in strategic locations throughout the home particularly in cripple walls. They provide the walls with additional support and stability, reducing the risk of failure during an earthquake.
Bracing & Reinforcing
Next comes bracing and reinforcing critical areas of the home with steel braces and straps. Workers install these to key structural elements such as the roof, walls, and floors. This step increases the home’s overall stability, so it has a tough framework that can withstand seismic forces.
Securing Applicances
Securing appliances will create a safer living environment for occupants. Anchoring items such as water heaters and refrigerators are essential. Technicians will also install protection for gas meters to limit the risk of gas leaks.
Reparing Foundations
During retrofitting, technicians may notice substantial foundation damage that needs immediate repair. Adding crawl space support posts and foundation piers, and stabilizing the walls are some of the ways TerraFirma can reinforce your foundation.
HOMES RETROFITTED & HOMEOWNERS PROTECTED
Don’t take our word for it – see what our clients have to say.
From Roseburg to Eugene, Portland to Seattle, our earthquake retrofitting work speaks for itself
EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS
How can I assure my home IS ready for an earthquake?
Scheduling a free evaluation with your local TerraFirma System Design Specialist is the first step toward a permanent fix for your home’s earthquake readiness. Your System Design Specialist will conduct an on-site evaluation of your home and depending on several factors a prescriptive seismic retrofit or a custom-engineered system will be designed to bring your home up to standard. TerraFirma takes care of all necessary engineering, permits, labor, and materials.
My home is older, will a seismic retrofit really protect older homes?
An earthquake retrofit strengthens your home by anchoring it securely to its foundation, reducing the risk of severe damage during seismic activity. In order homes this may include additional bracing and anchoring, and extra support for cripple walls. We’ll also secure your appliances.
Our earthquake retrofit contractors have years of experience retrofitting homes in the Pacific Northwest. Older homes are especially vunerable to ground movement, and stand to benefit from increased protection with earthquake retrofitting services performed by a licensed, experienced contractor.
WILL EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING REDUCE THE COST OF EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE?
Retrofitting your home can potentially reduce your earthquake insurance premiums and deductibles. TerraFirma has seismically retrofitted thousands of houses across the Pacific Northwest and helped homeowners throughout the region qualify their homes for earthquake insurance.
Don’t forget – seismic activity can start a chain of unexpected events that leave unprepared homes severely damaged.
