What is Foundation Retrofitting?

Foundation retrofit, also known as earthquake retrofit or brace+bolt retrofit, refers to the process of securing and improving the connection between the wooden frame and the concrete foundation of a building.

Buildings constructed before the 1960s were merely nailed down to the foundation. However, new seismic codes came into effect in the 1960s making it mandatory for structures to have a better foundation for wooden frame connection. Newer structures, thus, are not simply nailed down but also incorporate large bolts, known as anchor bolts, throughout the foundation that firmly secures them in place. Foundation retrofitting, in this manner, prevents the structure from sliding off or shifting away from the foundation during seismic activity, making it more resilient to ground motion or soil failure. Southern California is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, experiencing frequent tremors as well as high magnitude earthquakes more frequently than other places. As a result, Los Angeles homeowners must pay special attention to include a foundation retrofit in their property planning.

What is Foundation Retrofitting?

However, new seismic codes came into effect in the 1960s making it mandatory for structures to have a better foundation for wooden frame connection. Newer structures, thus, are not simply nailed down but also incorporate large bolts, known as anchor bolts, throughout the foundation that firmly secures them in place. Foundation retrofitting, in this manner, prevents the structure from sliding off or shifting away from the foundation during seismic activity, making it more resilient to ground motion or soil failure.

Engineering-Authorized Foundation Repair in LA

Method of Foundation Retrofitting

The method employed to retrofit a foundation depends on several factors such as when the house was built, where it is situated, how well the foundation is performing, and whether or not it has previously been damaged by seismic activity. Retrofitting should ideally be done on a stable foundation.

If the foundation is poorly constructed or was subject to prior ground-shifting events or bad retrofitting jobs, making the necessary repairs is vital before starting the retrofitting process. Once the repairs are made and the best procedure for the foundation in question has been ascertained, the actual process of retrofitting begins. Common techniques include the addition of new reinforced concrete shear walls and installing steel braces. Jacketing is another popular technique that increases the lateral load capacity of the structure in a uniformly distributed way. Choosing the right method is crucial to successful seismic retrofitting. To this end, it is important to ensure that your property is in the right hands. At Alpha Structural, we make sure that the property is evaluated accurately to ascertain which technique would give the optimum solution. Our expert team values the needs of your property over everything else and has years of experience in foundation retrofitting.

Benefits of Foundation Retrofitting

When an earthquake is in action, the ground shifts from beneath the house while the structure itself is held in place by gravity and inertia. These contradictory motions cause large-scale damages to the property when the foundation-to-frame connection is not sturdy enough. This is where foundation retrofitting can come to the rescue.

A foundation retrofit drastically improves the strength of the foundation-to-frame connection, ensuring that the building’s wall and floor frames remain attached to the foundation in the event of an earthquake. This goes a long way in preventing extensive damage to the building. Alpha Structural specializes in home earthquake retrofitting, house bolting, foundation bolting, and residential seismic retrofit, all of which can prepare your home to better deal with earthquakes.

Your Foundation Retrofit Consultation

Alpha Structural, in addition to having been in business for over 25 years, has upwards of 850 years of combined technical experience. Our in-house engineers and technicians are among the most experienced in Los Angeles and all of Southern California. If you would like to know more about foundation retrofitting Los Angeles residents can call or email today to schedule a consultation.

Slab Foundation Retrofit FAQs

Does my house really need a foundation retrofit?

The unpredictability of earthquakes may leave you with no time to take the necessary actions to protect your property. To prevent extensive damages to your home and ensure the safety of your family or tenants in the event of an earthquake, a foundation retrofit becomes crucial. In many places, it is also legally mandated to comply with current earthquake codes.

How much does a typical foundation retrofit cost?

The approximate cost of foundation retrofitting varies from property to property. It is important to note that a foundation retrofit costs significantly less than major construction or repair charges needed after a structural failure resulting from an earthquake. If you are interested in learning more, email or call Alpha Structural to set up an inspection and get an estimate.

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A foundation is more than just the bottom floor of your property. It is the base that supports everything you work so hard to protect. At Alpha Structural, Inc., we treat each project with that level of responsibility and respect. That’s why families and businesses across Los Angeles choose us to protect the structures that protect them. If you want your foundation built to the Alpha Standard, contact us today to schedule an inspection.

Foundation Retrofitin Los Angeles

What is Foundation Retrofitting?

What is Foundation Retrofitting?

Method of Foundation Retrofitting

Benefits of Foundation Retrofitting

Your Foundation Retrofit Consultation

Slab Foundation Retrofit FAQs

Does my house really need a foundation retrofit?

How much does a typical foundation retrofit cost?

Request Inspection Or Estimate