How to Protect Your Home from an Earthquake | Earthquake Retrofitting
Channel: Daniel Villa
Date: 04/04/2024

I live in Tacoma, Washington where a big earthquake is predicted to hit this area. So when I bought my home, I wanted to do what I could to help protect it from earthquakes. I eventually found the Simpson Strong-Tie retrofitting guide and began installing foundation plates, post caps, and framing angles to tie my house to its foundation. 

I'm not an expert, this is just what I learned after a contractor suggested I just do it myself! The retrofitting guide is really good and while it takes a minute to wrap your head around all the components and layout, mostly it's just a lot of physical labor.

My house was built in 1907, has two stories, and a raised foundation. So this video is specific about what I am doing to earthquake retrofit this house and hopefully it will be useful for you.

Time stamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Basics
02:12 - Foundation Plates
07:31 - Post Caps
09:01 - Framing Angles
09:54 - Cripple Walls
10:26  - Outro

Simpson Strong-Tie Earthquake Retrofitting Guide:
https://blog.strongtie.com/three-critical-steps-seismic-retrofit-home/

Flat Retrofit Foundation Plates:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-FRFP-7-in-x-9-in-Retrofit-Foundation-Plate-FRFP/301443237

Universal Retrofit Foundation Plates:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-URFP-10-5-8-in-x-6-1-4-in-Universal-Retro-Foundation-Plate-with-Screws-URFP-SDS3/301443251

Rotary Hammer:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-1-8-in-Corded-SDS-Plus-Rotary-Hammer-5268-21/205334053

1/2" x 4" Titen HD Screw Anchors (secure foundation plates to foundation):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-Titen-HD-1-2-in-x-4-in-Zinc-Plated-Heavy-Duty-Screw-Anchor-20-Pack-THD50400HC20/315534663

1/4" x 3 1/2" SDS Screws (secure foundation plates to mudsills):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-1-4-in-x-3-1-2-in-Strong-Drive-SDS-Heavy-Duty-Type-316-Stainless-Steel-Connector-Screw-5-Pack-SDS25312SS-RP5/205427312

6" AC Post Caps:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-AC-Galvanized-Adjustable-Post-Cap-for-6x-Nominal-Lumber-AC6/203302182

#10 x 2 1/2" SD Screws (secure post caps):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-10-x-2-1-2-in-1-4-Hex-Drive-Strong-Drive-SD-Connector-Screw-100-Pack-SD10212R100-R/206101776

Galvanized A35 Framing Angles:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-1-7-16-in-x-4-1-2-in-ZMAX-Galvanized-Framing-Angle-A35Z/100375389

#9 x 1 1/2" SD Screws (secure framing angles):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-9-x-1-1-2-in-Type-316-Stainless-Steel-Hex-Drive-Hex-Head-Strong-Drive-SD-Wood-Screw-100-Pack-SD9112SS-R100/326867779