Seismic Retrofitting: Is it Worth the Upgrades?
Earthquakes are a very real threat if you live in California. As a result, seismic retrofitting is a necessary home upgrade to protect older properties – especially those that were built before 1980 – from damage and destruction during a large quake.
Why is seismic retrofitting is necessary?
Seismic retrofitting is necessary to keep your home from being displaced from its foundation during a large quake. Retrofitting for earthquakes has been proven to make buildings stronger and less likely to suffer severe structural damage and destruction during seismic events.
For example, during the 2014 Napa earthquake, the 6.0 magnitude temblor shook houses violently. However, homes that had been retrofitted remained undamaged after the quake, while properties that were not seismically retrofitted had slid off their foundations.
Are earthquakes that common in California?
The short answer: Yes. According to seismologists, California has a 99% chance of having a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake within the next 30 years.
And if you live in Southern California, there is a 60% chance an earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude or higher will strike. That’s because Los Angeles sits right next to the San Andreas fault which has the capabilities of releasing an 8.2 magnitude quake throughout all of So. Cal.
What are the benefits of seismic improvements?
1: Cost: Seismic retrofitting of single-family homes is considered one of the most cost-effective measures to protect your property and your loved ones from earthquake damage and destruction. A standard earthquake retrofit typically runs from $3,000 to $7,000.
2. Protection: Earthquake retrofitting is the only way to protect your property from destruction during an earthquake. Without earthquake retrofits, your home is more likely to suffer devastating damage after an earthquake, and costs that surpass those of proactive retrofits.
3. Safety: In addition to protecting your valuable investment – your home – seismic retrofitting will protect those who live there from suffering injury or even death during a sizeable quake. Earthquake retrofitting will ensure that you, and your loved ones, have a place to live after an earthquake and that you stay safe during the intense shaking in the midst of one.
Ultimately, seismic retrofitting is the only measure that will protect your loved ones and your home in the face of a large earthquake. It will greatly reduce the cost of repair after an earthquake and it also cuts down on your earthquake insurance premiums.
At Julian Construction, we’ll help you find the best solution for your seismic retrofitting needs and foundation problems.
No matter what your foundation situation is, we’ll conduct a (free) inclusive home inspection, followed by a detailed consultation, and at the end of our discussion we’ll provide you with a quote for repair.
Julian De La Torre is an expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation contractors, earthquake retrofitting, foundation repair and foundation replacement. Julian’s company, Julian Construction, has inspected over 30,000 structures, working with engineering firms and local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair and earthquake retrofitting in Los Angeles than any other company in the area over the last five years.
