Does Your Home Need Seismic Retrofitting Before or After an Earthquake
The best defense is a good offense! In other words, we at Sure Safe recommend always being proactive when it comes to the foundation of your home. Many minor home repairs can often wait without causing damage to other parts of the home. Foundation repair is a whole other story.
So, does your home need seismic retrofitting before or after an earthquake? The answer is… YES! If your home’s foundation is not up to appropriate earthquake preparedness standards, then you definitely need seismic retrofitting. If your home has recently gone through an earthquake, it’s possible you may need seismic retrofitting to both repair and prepare your home for future earthquakes.
What is seismic retrofitting?
Seismic retrofitting is a term used to describe the process of taking a foundation that is not ready for the effects of an earthquake and bringing it up to appropriate standards. This can include using bolt and brace techniques to appropriately connect the home to the foundation, as well as the addition of supports to areas of the home that need them.
Do I need seismic retrofitting?
The most common homes that need seismic retrofitting are homes with crawl spaces and older homes. Many vintage homes were built at a time before the requirements for earthquake readiness and are vulnerable to damage to the foundation during earthquakes. If you have a vintage home or a home with a crawl space we highly recommend a professional foundation inspection.
Even some newer homes may have a need for seismic retrofitting. Sometimes after earthquakes the supports and connecting braces of the home can be damaged, and the foundation may need repair. It’s best to perform a quick self-inspection after every seismic event, and if you suspect any damage, to have a professional inspection performed. Much like preventative healthcare, catching foundation issues early can make the repair process much less expensive.
Sure Safe is an expert at seismic retrofitting and foundation repairs. Contact us today to get a professional inspection, and if necessary an engineer-certified repair plan!
