Earthquake Retrofit Services in Eugene
Earthquake Retrofit Services in Eugene
Living in Eugene means embracing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, but it also means respecting the potential for seismic activity. At Western Construction Systems, we believe that protecting your home and family is the most important investment you can make. An earthquake retrofit is a proactive measure that secures your house, providing structural integrity and invaluable peace of mind when the ground starts to shake. We're here to help you understand the process and safeguard your home for years to come.
Securing Your Foundation: The First Line of Defense
The single most important part of an earthquake retrofit for your Eugene home is ensuring your home is firmly anchored to its foundation. Many older homes were built before modern seismic codes and can slide off their foundations during an earthquake. Our process involves installing high-strength anchor bolts and steel plates at key points, creating a solid connection between the concrete foundation and the wooden frame of your house. This is the critical first step in preventing catastrophic damage.
Reinforcing Cripple Walls
Many homes in our area have a short, wood-framed wall between the top of the foundation and the floor of the house. These are called "cripple walls," and they create a crawl space. While common, these unbraced walls are a major weak point during an earthquake, prone to collapsing under the lateral force. We strengthen these areas by sheathing the cripple walls with structural-grade plywood, providing the rigidity needed to withstand seismic forces and transfer them safely to the foundation.
Addressing Soft-Story Vulnerabilities
A "soft story" refers to a level of a building that is significantly less rigid than the stories above it. This is often seen in homes with large, open spaces on the ground floor, such as a garage with a living area above it. These areas lack sufficient shear walls and can collapse during an earthquake. Our team addresses this vulnerability by strategically engineering and installing solutions like steel moment frames, effectively bracing the open areas without sacrificing space or function.
The Lasting Benefits of a Retrofit
The primary benefit of an earthquake retrofit for your Eugene home is, of course, the enhanced safety of your family and the protection of your home. But the advantages don't stop there. A properly retrofitted home has a higher property value and is more attractive to potential buyers. Furthermore, some insurance carriers may offer reduced premiums for seismically retrofitted properties. It's an investment in your home's structural and financial future.
What our customers are saying
Amazing experience with this company!
"I contacted several foundation repair companies and I'm so happy that I found Tyler and WCS. The company replied to my questions quickly, the team that came over was professional and courteous, the repair on my foundation fixing the level was top notch work. I highly recommend this company!"
- Zeth O
Western Construction Systems came out and did exceptional work at my house!
"They went above and beyond my expectations! They were friendly, professional, and hard-working! They took care of all the issues that I had concerns with and then some! Their prices were fair, especially for the high quality of work that they did! I know I pestered them with questions, but they were patient every single time. Before I contacted them to have the work done, I had high anxiety about the drainage issues. When they were finished, I felt confident that there were no more issues. Peace of mind is priceless!"
- Robyn S
Tyler, Juan and their crew did an amazing job at our home.
"They installed their gutter system and were finished in just a few days knowing that we didn't have our hot water heater connected. They are great with communicating and assessing a situation to figure out what needs to be done. Highly recommended!"
- Devon C
Ready to get started?
Your home is your sanctuary. Ensuring it's built to withstand the unique challenges of our region is a vital step in protecting your family and your investment. If you have questions about your home's seismic resilience, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Western Construction Systems for a professional assessment and consultation.