The Benefits of Earthquake Retrofitting in Seattle

An earthquake Retrofitting in Seattle is supposedly a sign that God has struck the Earth. And if you are in Seattle, you have likely felt this when the trembles rock the hillsides and buildings collapse and move. If you have not, then you might not realize how strong these quakes can be. It is estimated that they can cause as much as $7 billion in damages to buildings and the surrounding area.

But there are some who claim that building codes were never well-made in areas prone to earthquakes. A qualified earthquake retrofit expert will examine your home or building to check for safety deficiencies that could have led to the earthquake. After analyzing your home, he or she will draw up a claim to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

The process of receiving a claim for an Earthquake Retrofitting injury may seem overwhelming. There are many steps to take and many things to declare. For instance, how will you prove your claim?  There are claims forms to be filled out, not to mention insurance forms to be filled out, among other documents. These forms are filled out by the property owner after the earthquake, while the claim is being processed.

An expert may come from an engineering firm, a construction company, or even an architect. He or she will evaluate the structure and composition of your house or building. The objective is to try to fix the structural faults without altering the building envelope.

The retrofit begins after the initial assessment. If you’re dealing with a slip-and-fall case, the inspector will require photographs proving that structural damage occurred. If there is suspicious movement in the basement area of your home, the inspectors will want to see the basement walls and basement ceiling slab.

The Washington State Seismic Retrofit Standards include the installation of structural reinforcement within unreachable areas. It also requires that buildings have the capacity to resist failure caused by a seismic event. If you live in an area that does not have these codes in effect, it’s wise to contact a Seattle earthquake retrofit consultant to discuss your options.

In order to fit the retrofit into your budget, it is best to speak with a professional who can draw up a custom contract. This includes reinforcing any weak points in the building’s structure. In addition to this, the costs associated with upgrading the electrical systems and the plumbing are additional expenses that you cannot assume.

The benefits from an Earthquake Retrofitting retrofit in Seattle are substantial. Your building will remain structurally sound while at the same time being able to withstand extreme temperatures. A properly retrofitted building can increase its resale value and last for many years. The benefits do not stop there. It can also provide the added peace of mind that comes from knowing your home or business is safe.

Earthquake Retrofitting in Seattle takes many forms. These include retrofitting structures to stop the movement of the ground beneath them. This can be done using steel reinforcement bars and by placing piers into the ground. Seismic retrofitting services may also include putting beams into place, making them stronger than they were before. These can hold the soil of the building in place in case of an earthquake. The pipes and wiring can also be placed in a more secure position than before if there was an earthquake.