Windows earthquake proof

Another option is replacing your windows with tempered glass panes, which are designed to be impact-resistant. All the shaking could cause your water and gas lines to disconnect, leading to problems like flooding and gas leaks. You should also consider investing in a natural gas shut-off valve. It will automatically disable the line when it detects seismic activity of a certain magnitude. This can help prevent the fires and explosions that often occur after earthquakes.

Another potential source of damage is your water heater. If it has a full tank, it could tip over and flood your home with dozens of gallons of water. But if your home has features that make it harder to upgrade like a garage or basement, you might have to spend a little more than that to get the job done properly.

So if you live in a state with a high risk of earthquakes like California or Utah, seismic retrofitting is a must. Depending on where you live, there may not be an active fault line near your home.

You can use this fault line map from the United States Geological Service to find out whether earthquakes are a concern in your area. If you live in an area at risk of earthquakes, consider having the home looked at by a structural engineer. You should also ask your inspector if the water heater and other home systems need upgrades to make them earthquake-proof. If the home needs work, you may be able to get the seller to drop the sale price so you have room in your budget to make repairs.

For a house to be earthquake-proof, it needs to be made of strong yet flexible materials. Wood and steel are usually preferred in areas with a high risk of earthquakes. Most importantly, they test your preparedness. Make sure your home has been constructed or retrofitted to be as earthquake-proof as possible. While earthquake proofing your home is an unending task, you can always ensure most of the above steps for your safety.

Keep in mind that an earthquake may do much more than just give you tremors, sway the pendant lights or spill some swimming pool water onto your patio. It could wreak havoc on you and your home. So, are you suitably prepared?

Well, now you know how to make a house earthquake-proof, right? Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. Please type your search. To sign up, Google and Facebook will share your name, email address, and profile picture with Kukun.

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Top blog articles. Finance your next remodeling project! Loan amount Continue. Read more: Everything you need to know about hazard insurance While there cannot be completely earthquake-proof houses, you can make yours earthquake-resistant. Choose the right building materials to combat earthquakes.

How to make a house earthquake-proof? Explore among our financing options for your next construction project without affecting your credit score Apply. Written by Ramona Sinha. April 15, Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. Your opinion matters, leave a comment Share this article. Inline Feedbacks. Top blog posts. Best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC.

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Recommended Search Articles. You reduce the risk of property damage, the chance of family members getting injured, and the need to rely on government support services which may be inundated.

Jensen, whose own home is as earthquake-proof as could be. We can thrive afterward. Seller Resources. Table of Contents. A brief history of seismic codes In the U. There are three primary ways to reinforce an older home: Anchor the mudsill to the foundation: Before the s, mudsills — the wood on top of the foundation — were not bolted to the foundation.

Bolting the house to the foundation prevents the house from sliding off in the event of an earthquake. In a retrofit, cripple walls are insulated and braced with perpendicular structural plywood shear panels that brace the house in the side-to-side direction. Install shear transfer ties or framing clips: For greater structural integrity, shear transfer ties or framing clips are installed between the cripple walls and the first floor to reinforce the connection.

Roof When the time comes to tackle a roof repair , consider replacing your roof with a light, earthquake-friendly material such as aluminum , wood, or asphalt, in contrast to heavy brick or terra-cotta.

Brick chimneys During earthquakes, brick chimneys cause significant damage as toppled bricks become projectiles, harming structures and people in their path. Retrofit your brick chimney with one of the following options: Cap the chimney to roof height: By removing the extended portion of the chimney, you eliminate the risk of the chimney toppling.

While this is the most affordable option, capping the chimney eliminates fireplace use. Reconstruct the top of the firebox: Maintaining the brick base, replace the upper portion of the chimney with siding, stucco, or adhered brick veneer. Reconstruct the entire chimney: Replacing the entire chimney with a lighter material is the most expensive route, but is also the safest. As with the previous option, you can design the exterior with siding, stucco, or adhered brick veneer.

Tankless water heater The typical residential water heater weighs between to pounds when full , making it a potentially lethal object in the event of an earthquake. Earthquake natural gas shut-off valve An earthquake natural gas shut-off valve, also known as a seismic natural gas shut off valve , automatically blocks your natural gas line when an earthquake of a sufficient magnitude occurs.

Source: P. Replace picture hooks with earthquake-safe hooks to prevent them from bouncing off the walls in an earthquake. Stick the bottom corners of decorative items, vases, and lamps to shelf and table surfaces with a reusable adhesive product such as Quakehold! Safely store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated area away from possible ignition sources such as electrical appliances, furnaces, and lamps.

Store fire extinguishers and fire blankets in readily accessible areas. Weigh the pros and cons of disaster insurance While most standard home insurance policies do not cover damage due to natural disasters , homeowners may purchase complementary disaster insurance to cover repairs, personal property, and loss of use hotel expenses resulting from an earthquake.

Keep emergency supplies in your car including a first-aid kit and enough food and water for a few days.