Does Your Retrofit Need A Retrofit?
January 23, 2024

Buyer beware, Pt. 1

A handyman’s work cleared the low bar for an earthquake insurance policy. See how we addressed the issues found here and how the homeowners can rely on tour retrofit to work, instead of relying only on earthquake insurance.

Buyer Beware, Pt. 2

Michael covers incorrect hardware usage, improper installations of the correct hardware, and techniques to address special circumstances. This work was performed by another seismic specific retrofit contractor, not just a handyman.

Buyer Beware, Pt. 3

While attempting to perform a seismic retrofit, this foundation repair contractor (not a seismic retrofit contractor) came across insulation that seemed to prevent a necessary connection from being made. Instead of maneuvering around this minor complication with simple engineering, the company left the project partially finished. This retrofit was ineffective without all connections made.

Buyer Beware, Pt. 4

This retrofit was installed by a waterproofing company hired to waterproof a crawlspace. Michael discusses how these homeowners paid too much money for a retrofit which after an earthquake, may disqualify homeowners from compensation from their insurance company.

Buyer Beware, Pt. 5

Another example of hardware installed by a general contractor that doesn’t quite qualify as an effective retrofit. Michael describes the math that goes into designing a retrofit and how NW Seismic will supplement the existing hardware.

"Retrofits" Gone Wrong



Don’t pay for your retrofit twice. Click on the images below to learn why these photos are concerning for both homeowners and seismic contractors.

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    Brick and Crumbling Foundation Repair

    January 23, 2024
    While Portland does occasionally have houses with brick, unreinforced concrete block or terra cotta block foundation, it is most common to have a poured-concrete foundation. Unfortunately, older poured foundations mixed with sand scooped unwashed out of the river create a crumbly foundation that not only won’t be able to resist the lateral loads unleashed in an earthquake, but are also prone to collapsing into the basement from external soil pressure. Years of overfilling gutters and downspouts only accelerate the speed of degradation, especially below soil levels. We often see concrete walls that have been skim-coated on both sides in an effort to hide the poor quality of the concrete. We once repaired the concrete walls in a house where a previous owner had constructed a block wall against the concrete so that it appeared the house had a block foundation (at least it looked better). On the outside, the previous homeowners had installed sheet metal from the bottom of the siding to a foot below soil level, making it impossible to see the actual foundation holding the house up without destroying the finishes that had been put in place. The owner had lived there for 13 years without realizing how flimsy the construction was. Whether you have brick, block, or crumbling concrete, all are candidates for full or partial replacement.

    Automatic Gas Shutoff Valves

    January 23, 2024
    Historically, post-earthquake fires have been responsible for more damage than from the earthquake itself. The Northridge 2000 device is designed to automatically shut off your gas after a seismic event. Installed on the gas meter, it shuts off the gas before it enters your house. It’s designed to know the different between passing trucks and busses, or being bumped, and an actual earthquake. The valve is set to trigger for an earthquake that is stronger than a 5.2.  Earthquake-activated gas shutoff valves are now mandatory in most of California, and will likely be here in Portland too.