HARDY FRAME IN RETROFIT APPLICATIONS
T he possibility of an earthquake is a reality for many Southern California residents. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home is properly reinforced to resist seismic forces. Homes built before 1985 are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage. But buildings of all ages and styles can benefit from reinforcement with approved structural connectors and other structural reinforcement.
What is Seismic Retrofitting?
The seismic retrofitting process involves the installation of engineered metal connectors and other reinforcement materials at key stress points throughout your home’s structure. The specially designed hardware includes hold downs, anchors & anchor bolts, strap ties and framing angles. Wood blocking and structural sheathing may also be incorporated into many retrofitting packages.
The USGS predicts a 63% chance another large earthquake will strike in the next 30 years.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS)
The goal of the retrofitting process is to counteract three main earthquake-induced forces that can cause major damage to a building: racking, sliding and overturning. In engineer-speak, the retrofitting process transforms a building with loosely connected parts into a unified structure with a “continuous load path” that extends from the building foundation up through the walls and all the way to the roof framing. Our experienced crew will utilize an impressive arsenal of seismic connectors to keep your house structure together in spite of seismic forces that can easily tear an un-reinforced house apart.
A “soft story building” is defined as a wood-framed building, constructed prior to 1978, standing three or more stories, containing five or more residential units, and featuring large windows or garage doors
Structural Engineers Association of Northern California
Why is Seismic retrofitting smart?
Your home and your family will have a better chance of surviving an earthquake.
Proper installation of seismic hardware will help minimize earthquake damage, reducing home repair costs following a seismic event. Professional retrofitting has the potential to reduce home insurance premiums.
A comprehensive home seismic retrofit “package” can typically be installed in just 1-2 days.