Recent studies have found that California is experiencing increased seismic activity, designating it as an earthquake zone. In the past 30 years, California has experienced 4 earthquakes measuring at least 7.0 in magnitude, and more are expected to occur. As a result, retrofitting existing homes has become a priority in the state. Many homes in Los Angeles were built before 1940 using construction techniques inadequate for modern earthquakes and are at risk of moving off their foundations during a major seismic event. However, retrofitting homes with specialized hardware and engineering can strengthen the connection between the house and its foundation, preventing structural damage and keeping the home secured during an earthquake in a cost-effective way. Proper retrofitting provides greater safety for homeowners and their

1. THE NEED OF EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING IN LA
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2. Recent studies say that California has entered a
period of seismic activity and it has become an
‘earthquake zone’. About four earthquakes of
magnitude 7 have hit California since 1989, and it
is believed that there are more to follow. Thus,
retrofitting homes have become the need of the
hour in the state.
Why Should You Retrofit?
According to the LA Department of Building and Safety, “Many of the homes in Los
Angeles were built using older construction techniques which are inadequate for the
forces we now know earthquakes can cause; but, these older homes can be
reinforced easily and inexpensively.”
Seismic retrofitting uses specialized hardware and engineering methods to
strengthen the connection between a house and its foundation. This way, it prevents
structural damage of the house at the time of an earthquake, and supports the
construction of the house.

3. Retrofitting reduces damages caused by earthquakes; it is worth much than its costs.
Also, if you plan to sell or even buy a home in CA, proper disclosure about
foundations of the house is required before transferring the proprietorship.
Insurance carries a 20% deductible on earthquakes, but the safety of the family
comes to the homeowners first. Besides that, earthquake retrofitting might be
mandatory for some home and building insurance providers.
The Houses That Need Retrofitting
California Government Code Section 8897 says, “…there are approximately
1,200,000 homes in the State of California which may not be bolted or anchored to
their foundations or do not have adequate cripple wall bracing.”

4. LA Department of Building and Safety add that the houses “built prior to 1940 in Los
Angeles were built without being bolted to their foundations. Without this anchorage, a
large earthquake can move the ground and the foundation right out from under the
house. Older homes were damaged or destroyed in this manner by every major
earthquake in California’s history.”
This is a serious note of caution; necessary steps should be taken to retrofit old homes,
and stay protected from any natural calamities. Because “if not, the next earthquake
may damage the cripple wall and move your home off its foundation, even if you’ve
bolted it down” (LA Dept. of Building and Safety)