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Tag: Orange County

  • Why Earthquake Retrofitting is Important in Southern California

    Why Earthquake Retrofitting is Important in Southern California

    A 2014 U.S. Geological Survey report advises that the risk of earthquakes in counties including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino appears to be less these days for smaller earthquakes but higher for the big temblors over 7 magnitudes.

    [su_note note_color=”#f1f1f1″]The USGS also reports risk estimates for loss from earthquakes in each county in the country, and over 60 percent of losses from earthquakes happen in California. Within California, Los Angeles County is at the top of the list for reported loss, coming in with 30.6 percent of total earthquake losses in the State with Santa Clara County coming in second at 8.9 percent of the total.[/su_note]

    Another USGS report from May of last year finds an average of one 7-plus magnitude quake every 100 years in the Southern California region of the San Andreas Fault line. The infamous Long Beach earthquake of 1933 was only a 6.8 magnitude, so, when it comes to earthquakes in the LA area, the worst is yet to come.

    This is why many older buildings in Southern California are still in need of earthquake retrofitting.

    Southern California Earthquake Retrofitting

    There are several important methods used for strengthening a building against damage from earthquakes. The most important considerations are in foundation design and construction, strong attachment of the building onto the foundation, and building construction which resists the powerful lateral forces generated by an earthquake.

    Foundations of older buildings lack steel reinforcement, making them vulnerable to damage during earthquakes. In other situations, the foundation is not of adequate thickness or depth. It is often possible to retrofit reinforced concrete foundation beams under or around older building foundations like these or to replace the foundation entirely with the building in place.

    In new constructions, the building is attached to the foundation with steel bolts set in place when the concrete foundation is poured. In older buildings, foundation bolt was not used at all, but it is often fairly straightforward to retrofit bolts into place, securing the building to the foundation.

    [su_note note_color=”#f1f1f1″]Lateral movement happens when an earthquake jolt violently shakes the building side to side. Walls directly above the foundation are most vulnerable and can be reinforced with the addition of plywood panels nailed every four or five inches to provide lateral resistance during an earthquake.[/su_note]

    If you would like more information about earthquake retrofitting your Southern California building, contact Tri Span Inc. for a consultation.

  • Finding a Building Contractor for Emergency Clean-Up and Repair

    Finding a Building Contractor for Emergency Clean-Up and Repair

    Emergencies happen, and when they happen at your home or business, they are especially stressful and potentially costly. Home and business disasters come in all shapes and sizes from minor flooding in a home bathroom to large environmental cleanup projects at an industrial site. However, not all contractors are equipped and experienced in finding the most cost-effective and efficient solution when emergency repairs are needed. Here are two of the most important qualities to look for in a building contractor when you need emergency repairs or environmental clean-up.

    Fast Response to Home and Business Emergency Calls

    Contractors specializing in emergency services have round-the-clock, live operators who answer an emergency call and send help as soon as possible. Emergency service building contractors like Tri Span Inc. also work with a wide range of building trade subcontractors such as plumbers, roofers, and electricians who can also respond quickly, providing the exact type of repair work needed for each emergency situation.

    [su_note note_color=”#f1f1f1″]When help arrives, experts assess the situation and immediately fix any immediate hazards. Next, they quickly develop a comprehensive plan for clean-up and repairs, minimizing costs and safety hazards for residents and workers. Only a contractor with extensive experience in home and business disaster response can provide this kind of service.[/su_note]

    Extensive Knowledge of Construction Disaster Response and Repair

    Responding to a construction disaster at a home, business, or industrial site requires extensive knowledge well beyond the scope of experience most general contractors have. Building disasters large and small can become needlessly expensive or delayed, unless the contractor is already familiar with the procedures and regulations involved in this type of cleanup work.

    Cleaning up and repairing damage from fires, floods, mold, storm damage, and hazardous spills also require special equipment and training of personnel which most general contractors do not have. This specialized equipment and training give disaster response contractors a big advantage in getting repairs done as efficiently and safely as possible.

    [su_note note_color=”#f1f1f1″]If you are in need of big or small emergency clean-up or repair services at your home or business in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Orange Counties, Tri Span Inc. has the experience, equipment, and people to help you 24/7.[/su_note]