California Seismic Risk – Real Estate Assets & Earthquakes!
When people think of earthquakes, the first place that comes to mind is “California!” Therefore, the threats and risks associated with earthquakes have been a longtime hazard to Californians. In fact, California alone holds two-thirds of the nation’s entire earthquake risk. Yet the risk is growing in neighboring states such as Washington and Oregon.
Earthquakes are such a common occurrence in California that they happen daily, and more go unnoticed. However, the next big one is always on California’s radar.
California Earthquake Risk Statistics
- 15,700 known faults
- 500+ active faults
- >99% chance of 1 or more M6.7 or greater earthquake to strike CA
- Most Californians live within 30 miles of an active fault
Again, California experiences earthquakes daily, yet most are small in magnitude and do not cause much damage.
Real Estate Assets & Earthquake Risks
Buildings vary in type and structural standards, which are constantly updated to adhere to life and building safety guidelines. Seismic retrofitting a building remains one of the best ways to strengthen a property’s structural integrity. The benefits are infinite, with life safety and mitigating liability providing major peace of mind. When considering a seismic retrofit for your real estate assets, below is a list of risk factors.
Building Seismic Risk Factors
- Age of building
- Quality of construction
- Noticeable damage, excessive cracks, or even unnoticeable damage
- Extreme wall openings
- Non-structural or unusual building elements
- Distance between structures
- Inadequate lateral support (crawl space/ pony walls/ tuck-under parking)
- Large openings in floor or roof diaphragms (skylights/ light wells/ clerestory)
Safeguard Your Real Estate with Seismic Retrofits
When protecting your commercial real estate in California and other high-risk seismic areas, seismic retrofitting is one of the most effective strategies. Not only does it help strengthen your building’s structural integrity, but it also significantly reduces liability and ensures the safety of your tenants and employees. Retrofitting can mitigate earthquake damage and give you peace of mind, knowing that your property is better equipped to handle seismic activity.
If you have real estate assets in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, or Utah and want to learn more about commercial seismic retrofits or structural strengthening, Saunders Construction can help. We offer comprehensive assessments and budget estimates to ensure your building meets current safety standards and is prepared for potential earthquakes.
Contact us today to protect your assets and secure the future of your property.