Join us on this blog, where we chronicle all things construction. We'll write about plumbing, HVAC, framing, and even road construction. These may sound like very different topics, but they do all fall under the construction umbrella. And actually, they are more related than you might think. Many contractors do several different types of construction and building work throughout their careers, after all. You may wonder if this blog will be relevant or helpful if you're not a construction worker, and to that question, our answer is "yes." In fact, we aim to write for a various audiences so that everyone can benefit from the material.
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A Chronicle of Construction
How a Residential Foundation Repair Contractor Might Repair and Prevent Damage From Earthquakes
Annie Herrera
If you live in an area where earthquakes happen, even if they're small ones, keep an eye on your foundation so you can have repairs done when they're needed. If you have an older home that was built before newer earthquake building codes were established, your home could be at risk of damage from small and large earthquakes.
Here's how to spot damage from an earthquake, how a residential foundation repair contractor might repair the damage, and how to reduce the risk of foundation damage in the future.
Signs of Foundation Damage
When the earth moves during an earthquake, your home moves along with it. That might cause cracks to appear in your foundation. Concrete blocks might also crumble. Severe damage is more noticeable since your house may lean or the cracks may be large. Your house may even come off the foundation. Small earthquakes may leave tiny hairline fractures in your concrete.
Repairs That Might Be Needed
The type of repairs you need depends on the type of foundation you have and the type of damage it received. The contractor might need to fill in cracks to stabilize them. They might need to raise a sunken foundation or put in piers for added support. They might brace walls if the walls are bowing.
The first step is to have your foundation checked by a professional when you see any damage. A foundation repair contractor can let you know if the damage is bad enough that your home needs to be repaired and they'll recommend the best way to repair the foundation.
Seismic Retrofitting Reduces The Risk Of Damage
While a residential foundation repair contractor can repair many types of foundation damage, some earthquake damage may be so severe that your foundation can't be repaired. You can reduce the risk of losing your home or having to pay a lot of money for extensive foundation damage by having your home retrofitted. Your foundation repair contractor can let you know if seismic retrofitting is right for your home. Retrofitting is done on older homes with houses nailed to the foundation. To add more strength and stability and reduce the risk of foundation damage, the contractor may use metal plates and bolts to attach the wood frame to the concrete foundation.
If you have any concerns about the foundation of your home and the cracks you see, or if you think your home might need seismic retrofitting, talk to a residential foundation repair contractor for advice so you can protect your home from further earthquake damage.
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