Get Your Estimate

Email us

office@rdlbuilt.com

Call Us

(971) 701-7225

}

Opening hours

Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm

Professional Seismic Retrofitting in Oregon & Washington

RDL Construction provides comprehensive seismic retrofitting services throughout Oregon and Washington. Our experienced team improves your building's earthquake resilience through strategic structural improvements designed to protect both property and occupants in the seismically active Pacific Northwest.
Home
Seismic Retrofitting
Commercial Services
Concrete Specialties
General Contracting
Residential Services
Site Development
Specialty Services

Request Estimate

Best Time to Contact

Home foundation construction in the Pacific Northwest

Service Overview

Our seismic retrofitting services enhance your building’s ability to withstand earthquake forces through targeted structural improvements.

At RDL Construction, we understand that earthquake preparedness is essential in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascadia Subduction Zone. Our team implements proven seismic strengthening techniques that improve your building’s performance during seismic events, potentially reducing damage and increasing safety.

Our seismic retrofitting services include:

  • Foundation bolting and anchoring
  • Cripple wall reinforcement
  • Shear wall installation
  • Hold-down systems
  • Moment frame installations
  • Floor-to-wall connections
  • Roof-to-wall ties
  • Chimney bracing or reconstruction
  • Soft-story retrofitting
  • Diaphragm strengthening
  • Structural framing upgrades
  • Concrete reinforcement
  • Seismic separation joints
  • Post-earthquake damage repair

Why Choose RDL Construction

Our approach to seismic retrofitting combines structural expertise with practical construction knowledge to create effective, efficient earthquake protection systems.

  • Structural Knowledge: Our understanding of building systems allows us to identify critical vulnerabilities and reinforcement opportunities
  • Concrete Expertise: Our background in concrete work provides specialized insight for foundation retrofitting, often the most critical component
  • Tailored Solutions: We customize retrofitting approaches based on your specific building type, age, condition, and risk factors
  • Code Compliance: Our retrofits meet or exceed applicable seismic codes and standards for Oregon and Washington

As a full-service contractor with specialized concrete experience, we bring comprehensive structural knowledge to seismic projects. This ensures that retrofits address the most critical vulnerabilities while integrating effectively with existing building systems.

Our Seismic Retrofitting Process

We follow a systematic approach to seismic upgrading that ensures comprehensive protection through strategic improvements.

1. Structural Assessment & Vulnerability Analysis
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your building’s existing structure, identifying seismic vulnerabilities and critical weakness points. This assessment forms the foundation for an effective retrofit strategy.

2. Customized Retrofit Planning
Our team develops a tailored seismic improvement plan addressing your specific building’s needs. We prioritize upgrades based on structural importance and cost-effectiveness to maximize safety within your budget.

3. Engineering & Design Development
We work with structural engineers to develop appropriate retrofit designs and specifications. Proper engineering ensures that improvements effectively address seismic forces while integrating with existing structural systems.

4. Permitting & Preparation
We secure all necessary permits for seismic work and prepare the site for construction. Our knowledge of local retrofit requirements in Oregon and Washington ensures compliance with applicable codes.

5. Strategic Implementation
Our experienced teams install retrofit elements with minimal disruption to your property. We focus on critical connection points and structural systems that provide the greatest seismic performance improvement.

6. Quality Verification & Documentation
We perform thorough inspections of all installed systems and provide complete documentation of the seismic improvements for your records, insurance purposes, and future reference.

Popular FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my building needs seismic retrofitting?
Buildings most at risk in the Pacific Northwest include: homes built before 1980 that aren't bolted to their foundations; houses with cripple walls (short walls between the foundation and first floor); structures with living spaces above garages (soft-story configuration); unreinforced masonry buildings; and properties with inadequate connections between structural components. Signs that retrofitting may be needed include visible gaps between the house and foundation, sloping floors, or previous earthquake damage. Our assessment identifies specific vulnerabilities based on your building's age, construction type, and existing structural systems.
What are the most important seismic improvements for residential properties?
For most homes in Oregon and Washington, the highest-priority seismic improvements include: foundation bolting (securing the wooden frame to the concrete foundation); cripple wall bracing (reinforcing short walls in crawl spaces); installation of strategic shear walls (specially designed walls that resist lateral forces); reinforcing connections between floors, walls, and roof; and securing heavy components like chimneys and water heaters. The specific priorities for your home will depend on its construction type, age, and existing structural systems. Our assessment identifies the most critical upgrades for your specific situation.
How disruptive is seismic retrofitting to daily life?
Many seismic retrofits can be completed with minimal disruption to occupants. Foundation work typically occurs in crawl spaces or basements, while many structural connections can be strengthened from the exterior or within specific work zones. For residential projects, most retrofits take 1-2 weeks, with limited impact on daily activities. Commercial retrofits vary widely in scope and duration but can often be phased to maintain operations. During our planning process, we develop strategies to minimize disruption while ensuring comprehensive protection.
Is seismic retrofitting worth the investment in Oregon and Washington?
The Pacific Northwest faces significant seismic risk due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of generating major earthquakes. Retrofitting provides multiple benefits: potential reduction in property damage during earthquakes; improved safety for occupants; possible insurance premium reductions; enhanced property value; and peace of mind. While cost-benefit analysis varies by property, even basic retrofitting can significantly reduce damage in moderate earthquakes. For older buildings in particular, the investment in seismic upgrades often represents a small percentage of the property's value while providing substantial protection.