Did you know that heat damage to commercial roofs can quietly weaken structural components? 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 lead to costly […]
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 are now critical for older buildings that 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. That puts it at serious risk during an earthquake. In cities across California and the West Coast, seismic […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Non-ductile buildings, often called “non-ductile concrete” or “non-ductile reinforced concrete” buildings, are a critical concern in earthquake-prone regions. These structures lack the flexibility to withstand seismic activity. This rigidity makes them highly susceptible to damage or collapse during an earthquake, posing significant risks to occupants, property, and communities. This guide will explain what non-ductile buildings […]
Earthquakes don’t just shake the ground—they test the strength of every structure built upon it. For many types of commercial buildings, especially those constructed before modern safety codes, seismic events reveal dangerous vulnerabilities that could put lives and investments at risk. From concrete tilt-ups to soft-story apartments with open ground floors, each type of commercial […]