‌ read reviews on Yelp ‌ info@eastbayretrofit.com ‌ (510) 845-9076 Services About Contact Resources Blog Definitions of Retrofit Terms Anchor Bolt Anchor bolts are used to secure the mudsill to the foundation. An anchor bolt is a metal rod, usually with a threaded end, that is set in concrete and is embedded in the foundation or is installed in existing concrete. Metal Connectors Connectors are steel components that connect the frame of the house together. Connectors are used where two pieces of framing material meet. They are designed to strengthen a home increase its ability to withstand earthquakes. Crawl Space Crawl space refers to the space beneath a home, typically 18 to 48 inches high that is supported by short wood-framed walls known as cripple walls. Cripple Walls Cripple walls are short wood-framed walls between the ﬁrst ﬂoor and foundation. They run underneath and around the perimeter of a house. These walls are constructed on top of a home’s foundation and are generally 12 to 30 inches high, but as high as 12 feet when located on a hillside. Cripple walls are vulnerable to earthquake damage and should be properly braced and bolted to the foundation. Foundation A foundation is the block wall, concrete wall or concrete slab on which a house sits. Hold Down (HD) A high-strength fabricated stell screw anchor that is used to attach the mudsill to the foundation for resistance to uplift forces. Joist (Rim Joists, Floor Joists, Pressure Blocking) Joist refers to the wood members that make up part of the structural ﬂoor system of a house. Rim joists run along the perimeter of the ﬂoor system. Pressure blocks refer to blocking that is installed between ﬂoor joists to prevent collapse or lateral movement. Lateral Forces Lateral forces are horizontal forces acting to move a home from side to side. Load Load is an engineering term that refers to the weight of the material that is to be supported. Mudsill (Wood Sill or Sill Plate) A mudsill is the wood frame that attaches to the top of the foundation and to the ﬂoor system above. The mudsill should be properly bolted, with plate washers, to the foundation. Post (Column) A post is a load-bearing vertical wood member. Shearwall A shearwall is a reinforced wall in a home that has been engineered to help resist the lateral forces that are caused by an earthquake, hurricane or tornado. Stud A stud is a vertical wood member in the framework of a wall for supporting framing and ﬁnishing materials. Universal Foundation Plate (UFP) The Universal Foundation Plate (UFP) is a metal connector that connects the mudsill to the foundation. It is used when cripple walls are less than 3 feet tall or the mudsill is slightly offset from the foundation. Uplift Forces Uplift forces are vertical forces acting to lift a home. Ventilation Holes Ventilation holes are circular holes that are cut into sheathing to help prevent the wood from decay and rot. Proper ventilation is important when installing new sheathing onto the inside of cripple walls. Get a FREE Evaluation Other Resources Interesting Facts Definitions of Retrofit Terms Testimonials "J David Ford was a great choice for our retrofit work. We interviewed a few contractors, but easily David was the most informed and helpful. And he and his team are just great people, good to work with. I felt 100% satisfied with the work they did... see our reviews on yelp → Seismic News A Side-by-Side Case Study Shows the Benefits of Seismic Retrofitting 02/10/2015 Although current Building Codes have provisions for seismic strengthening, most Bay Area homes... Deciding Between Retrofitting and Purchasing California Earthquake Insurance 10/31/2014 Many property owners question whether they should buy earthquake insurance or retrofit their... Napa Earthquakes Remind Us of the Importance of Earthquake Resistance Buildings 09/18/2014 The August 24th, 2014 cluster of back-to-back earthquakes on the South Napa fault is another... All Articles Get In Touch (510) 845-9076 info@eastbayretrofit.com 2342 Shattuck Ave Suite 372, Berkeley, CA 94704 License #B378772 Need to get in touch to ask a question or make a suggestion? We would be delighted to hear from you! Please fill out the following contact form and our staff will be in touch with you. Submit Content © 2021 J DAVID FORD CONSTRUCTION Tech and Design © 2003-2021