Keeping Your Home Safe From Earthquakes

After the that shook Albany this week, many of you are probably wondering, would my house be safe should another more powerful quake occur?

I am often asked when showing a home whether it’s earthquake retrofitted or not, here’s what I look for:

Foundation Bolting – Bolts are used to strengthen the connection between the wooden framing of a home and its concrete foundation. Also look for large square shaped washers under bolts, these are most likely clamping washers which hold the mudsill more securely to the foundation.

Cripple Wall Bracing – In the crawl space of many houses there is a short wood framed wall which can vary in height called the cripple wall. These walls are used to support the house. In a house that has been retrofitted you will often see a large plywood sheet bracing these cripple walls to prevent failure in an earthquake. Often holding the plywood bracing to the cripple wall are hurricane ties, generally made of galvanized or stainless steel.

Soft Story – Many homes in this area have a soft story where a living area such as a bedroom is built above an attached garage. As a garage door is not as sturdy as a solid wall many opt to install plywood bracing or reinforce the soft story with I-beams.

Although earthquake retrofitting cannot guarantee safety during an earthquake it is a worthwhile step in protecting your family and your home.

This information is deemed reliable but should be relied upon always consult a qualified contractor for guidance on earthquake retrofitting.

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