Earthquake
Retrofitting

Many homes in the Washington and Oregon regions aren’t constructed to accommodate seismic activity. That’s because the Seattle Fault wasn’t identified until 1992. Therefore, people living in this seismically active region who own an older home are at risk. There’s a high chance that your home isn’t built to current seismic codes.

Retrofitting homes involves upgrading existing structures with modern technology and materials. That’s where earthquake retrofitting comes into play. Even a minor seismic event could cause your home to shift off the foundation. It’s vital to take action, so schedule seismic retrofitting services with TerraFirma and safeguard your home in case of an earthquake.

Reasons to
retrofit your home

  • You reside in a high-risk, active seismic zone.
  • You want earthquake retrofitting to improve your home’s strength.
  • You want your home to act as a shelter after an earthquake.
  • You want to potentially reduce earthquake repair costs, insurance premiums, and deductibles.
  • You want to reduce earthquake insurance premiums and deductibles.
  • You want to potentially qualify for earthquake insurance if your home isn’t currently eligible.
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How do you Protect my home froM earthquake vulnerabilities?

TerraFirma has been protecting homes in Oregon and Washington preparation for seismic events for over 25 years. Here’s what we do:

Assessment & Planning

The retrofitting process begins with a detailed assessment of the building’s current condition. An expert, such as a structural engineer or trained technician, inspects the home to identify weaknesses and recommend appropriate solutions.

This evaluation includes examining the foundation, walls, roof, and overall framework. Then, the engineer develops a comprehensive retrofitting plan based on the findings.

Foundation Bolting

Securing the foundation is the next step in this process. Technicians install anchor bolts to connect the house to its foundation, preventing lateral movement during an earthquake.

This process involves drilling holes into the foundation and inserting steel bolts. The workers then tighten the bolts to secure the structure, enhancing its stability and resistance to seismic forces.

Adding Shear Walls

Shear walls are another critical component of earthquake retrofitting as they distribute seismic forces and prevent the structure from collapsing.

Shear walls typically consist of plywood or other strong materials, and workers install them in strategic locations throughout the home particularly in cripple walls. They provide the walls with additional support and stability, reducing the risk of failure during an earthquake.

Bracing & Reinforcing

Next comes bracing and reinforcing critical areas of the home with steel braces and straps. Workers install these to key structural elements such as the roof, walls, and floors. This step increases the home’s overall stability, so it has a tough framework that can withstand seismic forces.

Securing Applicances

Securing appliances will create a safer living environment for occupants. Anchoring items such as water heaters and refrigerators are essential. Technicians will also install protection for gas meters to limit the risk of gas leaks.

Reparing Foundations

During retrofitting, technicians may notice substantial foundation damage that needs immediate repair. Adding crawl space support posts and foundation piers, and stabilizing the walls are some of the ways TerraFirma can reinforce your foundation.

Schedule your free
Earthquake Evaluation

Schedule your free
Earthquake Evaluation

TERRAFIRMA IN ACTION

Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest know we live in an active seismic zone.
A little preparedness will go a long way to protecting your home and your family in the event of an earthquake.


HOMES RETROFITTED & HOMEOWNERS PROTECTED

Don’t take our word for it – see what our clients have to say.
From Roseburg to Eugene, Portland to Seattle, our earthquake retrofitting work speaks for itself

While I did not choose TerraFirma for my project, it was still a very positive experience. I would definitely call them again if something came up in the future. From scheduling through the bidding process, they were responsive and organized - seemed to have all their ducks in a row. Bailey came out to inspect and put together a bid - he was on time, incredibly organized, thorough, knowledgeable, friendly, and communicative.
Sam Bryant came and inspected our home with care and diligence. When he gave us our report he was thorough and ensured we understood all his findings we were super impressed and grateful for the information. Top notch professional work, would highly recommend Sam for inspections and cannot wait to get out project started!
We had Riley Andal at our house to consult on a settling foundation. Riley was courteous, professional and knowledgeable. With no pressure, Riley followed up over the next few days while we explored our options. When I would reach out for clarification of industry terms and procedures, he responded quickly with good answers. He never down talked the competition, only positive promotion of his company. If you request a quote from TerraFirma in the greater Tacoma/Auburn area, I hope you get Riley as your consultant.
This company is the gold standard for those interested in maintaining the health of their home. I tell you, ‘My home will never be the same’: The garage is level; We are earthquake proof; And, the will no longer be mold or mildew in my crawl space.
The best part was, not just the satisfying outcome of the work done, but meeting & working with Walter. He talked to me so that I understood why parts of my home were on a downhill slope to disrepair. He drew illustrations so I could visualize each point he made: He was upfront & honest in his assessment of my 1972 home built in clay. If Terra Firma is the gold standard- Walter sure is the diamond. Get your free evaluation today & don’t forget to ask for Walt.
Hired to correct sinking floor throughout the home, to the point doors couldn't close or would stick and could feel significant change in the floor height...
excellent customer services, excellent communication and services, the Best in the northwest
Terrafirma just completed a crawl space drainage project with installation of sump pump. They did a fabulous job. Jorge was the excellent foreman. He is professional and a great communicator. His team included Juan and Manuel. They all worked incredibly hard to get the job done on time under difficult conditions. They also did a great job of cleanup. I cannot recommend them enough!
We lost power for 7 days & our battery backup for the sump pump didn't miss a beat!
These guys were all wonderful. Extremely hard workers. No mess left behind and there was a mess, but not in my house. It was all over the guys. But they also cleaned up good! Great work and cleaned everything up beautifully. Don't know where they were out of. Think it was Tigard.
With a water floored basement, we contacted Terra Firma to locate the water source which they did in no time. They explained, in detail, what would be done to fix the problem and went to work. They were respectful of our furnishings covering to protect them from limited dust. They were professional and the project was completed on time. We are very satisfied with the end result, quality of workmanship, and price. We would recommend them for foundation work of any type.
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EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS

How can I assure my home IS ready for an earthquake?

My home is older, will a seismic retrofit really protect older homes?

WILL EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING REDUCE THE COST OF EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE?