California is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, experiencing frequent tremors ranging from minor shakes to potentially catastrophic events. While most earthquakes in California go unnoticed, larger ones can cause widespread damage, endangering lives and property. This article explores the frequency, causes, and impacts of California earthquakes while debunking myths and […]
Damage to a commercial building after the Northridge earthquake. Source: USGS Earthquakes are among the most common natural disasters, yet standard property insurance rarely covers them. Property owners in high-risk areas often need separate earthquake insurance, which provides financial protection for rebuilding, repairs, and other expenses. While the risks of earthquakes are well-known in high-seismic […]
Earthquakes strike without warning, and not all buildings are designed to withstand their force. If you own or manage a commercial or industrial property, it’s crucial to understand whether your building is at risk. Soft-story buildings—characterized by open ground levels and limited structural support—are among the most vulnerable to collapse during seismic events. Recognizing these […]
Many property owners know seismic retrofitting offers essential benefits, but fewer understand why timing matters so much. Waiting to retrofit increases risks and can mean missed opportunities to improve property value and safety. While earthquakes aren’t common everywhere, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. could experience damaging earthquake shaking, according to a recent U.S. Geological […]
Common structural repairs play a key role in maintaining the safety and stability of commercial and industrial buildings. These repairs focus on critical building elements like roofs, foundations, floors, exterior walls, and support columns. All types of buildings—including concrete tilt-up, masonry, steel, or wood-framed—can require repairs over time. Issues might arise from earthquakes, design flaws, […]
Factors like construction cost value, experience, qualifications, and tenant operations are critical when selecting a contractor and engineer for your projects. Concrete tilt-up construction is one of the most popular methods in the commercial and industrial sectors due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, while tilt-up buildings offer many advantages, they also have some challenges—especially […]
Earthquake retrofitting is a crucial step for property owners in earthquake-prone areas. Earthquakes pose significant risks to both buildings and their occupants, making it essential to ensure that your property can withstand seismic forces. While the initial investment in retrofitting might seem substantial, the long-term benefits far outweigh the upfront costs. Not only does retrofitting […]
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake is remembered for the widespread destruction it caused across Southern California, but its long-term impact on disaster recovery planning is equally significant. It became a turning point for modern recovery methods, later applied to disasters like 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, and major wildfires. As part of the Earthquake Country Alliance’s […]
In California, ensuring the safety and structural integrity of balconies, decks, and similar elevated structures is more critical than ever, with the California balcony inspection law mandating compliance by January 1, 2025. This ordinance was introduced after a tragic 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley, CA, that caused several deaths. The state now requires apartment buildings […]
Structural repairs are critical for maintaining the safety and integrity of your commercial or industrial property. Structural problems like roof condensation don’t fix themselves; they only worsen over time, leading to more extensive and costly repairs. Whether you’re dealing with damage from natural wear and tear, seismic activity, excessive equipment loads, or other structural issues, […]