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Why You Should Consider a Retrofit For Your Property

A three-story apartment building with cars parked underneath; two labeled steel frames provide structural support above the parking areas.

If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, such as Seattle, you should consider having a seismic retrofit done. Seismic retrofitting is a process of strengthening a building or structure to better withstand the effects of an earthquake. It is important to note that seismic retrofitting should be done on any structure […]

Cascadia Subduction Zone: What You Should Know

Map showing the Cascadia Subduction Zone along the US Pacific Northwest coast, highlighting the fault area from Vancouver to Eureka with cities labeled and tectonic plate boundaries marked.

Source: Washington Emergency Management Division Earthquakes in Seattle, Washington can be a major source of concern for residents in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, like many major cities in this region, lies on the intersection of two major fault lines – the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the Seattle Fault. These fault lines are responsible for the […]

Seismic Retrofitting: What You Need to Know

A red wooden barn with a small white-trimmed door, sliding doors, and new wooden support beams under the building. The barn is elevated with visible concrete footings and dirt beneath.

When it comes to preparing for a major earthquake, seismic retrofitting is an important part of the equation. Commercial seismic retrofitting is the process of strengthening existing structures to make them more resistant to earthquake damage. And while it’s not a guarantee of absolute safety, it can greatly reduce the risk of major structural damage […]

The 4 Worst Problems We Find During An Inspection

Dirt crawl space with exposed wooden beams, pipes, and insulation. A circular hole in the wood and some orange foam sealant are visible. The area looks unfinished and dusty.

It’s disheartening to find major problems during an inspection. We never want to be the bearer of bad news but we often find things the homeowner had no idea about. The issues can pose a serious challenge and make the retrofit much more complex. Other times, its just flat out gross! Here are some things […]

What You Should Know About Fault Lines Around Seattle

Diagram of the Cascadia earthquake sources, showing tectonic plates, fault types, affected areas, and historical earthquake dates in the Pacific Northwest. Includes a legend for subduction, deep, and crustal faults.

Image Source: USGS The Seattle area is located on top of several fault lines, making it a geologically active region. The most significant of these fault lines is the Seattle Fault, which runs along the northern border of Seattle and extends up to the Olympic Peninsula. This fault line is believed to be the source […]

The Basics of a Seismic Retrofit for Buildings in Seattle

Cutaway diagram of a house foundation showing pre- and post-retrofit cripple wall with added sheathing, anchor bolts, and framing angles for earthquake reinforcement; ventilation holes and blocking are labeled.

A seismic retrofit is the process where a building is upgraded structurally to better withstand the seismic forces it might experience from an earthquake. Reinforcement and additional connections are made at weak points so that the building is tied together and anchored to the foundation. Common failure modes for commercial buildings are: the builidng sliding […]

Signs Your Foundation Might Be At Risk

A close-up of a brick wall with large, jagged cracks running through several bricks, showing significant structural damage and misalignment.

It is essential to know whether or not your building’s foundation is at risk. A damaged foundation can cause serious, costly damage to your building. It is important to be aware of the signs of foundation damage, and the steps you can take to repair the issue. Signs of Foundation Damage There are several indications […]

5 Things You Should Look For When Hiring A Contractor

A man in a plaid shirt measures and marks a sheet of plywood with a measuring tape and pencil on an outdoor workbench.

If you’re planning a commercial project and need to hire a contractor, it’s important to make sure you’re hiring the right one. Here are five things to consider when researching and hiring a contractor for your project: 1. Licensing and Insurance: It’s essential to make sure the contractor you’re hiring is licensed and insured. A […]