5 Building Design Features That Increase Earthquake Risk

As we move into the second half of the year, it’s a smart time for commercial and industrial property owners to take stock of their building’s health—beyond routine maintenance. One often-overlooked area? Seismic design risks—structural vulnerabilities built into a property’s layout that can increase earthquake damage, even in newer or well-maintained buildings. Some buildings carry […]

7 Seismic Retrofit Myths–and the Truth Behind Them

Considering a seismic retrofit but unsure what to expect? You’re not alone. Many building owners, REITs, and property managers worry about the cost, complexity, or potential disruption, sometimes delaying upgrades longer than they should. In this article, we clear up the most common misconceptions about seismic retrofitting and share what we’ve learned from decades of […]

Is Your Roof Structure Ready for Summer Heat—and the Next Quake?

Did you know summer heat can quietly weaken the roof structure of your commercial or industrial building? Prolonged high temperatures, combined with hidden moisture damage, can stress roof components in ways that often go unnoticed—until an earthquake causes something to fail. Summer is the ideal time to inspect, identify, and address these issues before they […]

Earthquake Safety for Tenants: A Guide for Property Managers

Earthquake safety is a serious topic, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. For apartment building owners and property managers, communicating with tenants about seismic risk is not just a legal or ethical responsibility—it’s also an opportunity to build trust. In a world where tenants appreciate transparency and expect proactive management, how you […]

Apartment Soft-Story Retrofits: What Owners Should Know

Many older apartment buildings were constructed before modern seismic codes accounted for major earthquake forces. If your property has tuck-under parking or an open ground floor, it’s probably a soft-story building — and that puts it at serious risk during an earthquake. In cities across California and the West Coast, seismic retrofitting is no longer […]

Earthquake Preparedness for Commercial & Multi-Family Buildings

Earthquakes happen without warning. For commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties, the damage can be immediate—and long-lasting. Yet many property owners remain unprepared, leaving buildings, businesses, and occupants vulnerable. This guide walks you through the most effective ways to strengthen your structure, protect the people inside, and reduce your long-term exposure to costly repairs, liability, and […]

How Seismic Retrofitting Strengthens Your Commercial Building

Is your building ready for the next earthquake? Many commercial buildings in high-risk seismic zones like California, Oregon, and Washington weren’t built to withstand strong shaking. Even a moderate quake can cause severe damage—or worse, total collapse– without modern structural reinforcements. Seismic retrofitting strengthens a building’s weak points, reinforcing critical connections to reduce the risk […]

How to Hire a Seismic Retrofit Contractor: 5 Pro Tips

Hiring the right seismic retrofit contractor is crucial in protecting your commercial, industrial, or multi-family property from earthquake damage. A well-executed retrofit strengthens your building’s structure, reduces the risk of collapse, and ensures compliance with safety regulations without disturbing tenants. But how do you find a contractor with the right experience, skills, and transparency to […]

Beyond Fault Lines: 8 Hidden Earthquake Dangers

When it comes to seismic safety, it’s common to focus on fault lines as a primary cause of earthquake damage. While fault line proximity is significant, relying solely on it can leave your commercial and industrial buildings vulnerable to other unforeseen dangers. Evaluating a range of risk factors beyond fault lines is essential to safeguarding […]

Maximize Your Business Tax Savings with a Seismic Retrofit

Seismic retrofitting is not only an investment in your building’s safety but also a smart way to save money. By leveraging tax deductions, depreciation benefits, and local incentives, your business can reduce upfront costs while improving long-term financial stability. In this article, we’ll explore how seismic retrofits can help your business make the most of […]