Building Earthquake-Resistant Housing

If you live in an area near a fault line, having an earthquake resistant home can be the difference between surviving one or having to rebuild completely. If you live in an area that has a history of earthquakes, you want to consider these things when you go to build a new home.

Structure Material

Living in an area that is prone to earthquakes can be dangerous. You want to make sure you are using materials that have been proven to resist earthquakes. Concrete homes are more able to withstand forces created by earthquakes. If you choose a concrete home make sure the builders use reinforced concrete for additional protection.  A wood framed home can still be resistant, but it will be much harder to incorporate the elements necessary to reduce the damage caused from an earthquake. Walls need to be anchored well, foundations need to be solid, and the home should be more flexible to achieve a secure wood framed home. Most wood framed homes that fail during an earthquake to so because they slide, not crumble.

Number of Levels

It is possible to construct a multi level home that is resistant to earthquakes. Traditionally single level homes will withstand the shaking and movement from an earthquake much easier, but most of it has to do with whether or not the home was constructed well or not. The problem you see in multi-level homes is that the precautions aren’t taken during the construction process, and there is simply more house to be damaged in an earthquake.

Roofs

Roofs that are made of clay tiles or concrete will withstand an earthquake much better than other materials. Roofs tend to be the first thing damaged in an earthquake. You want to make sure your contractor knows you want a sturdier material if you are choosing to build in an area that is more prone to earthquakes.

Masonry

Many people will use masonry elements for decorative purposes. The problem with this is that it can pose dangers during an earthquake. Decorative elements aren’t usually anchored down as well as the elements of the structure. If you are using any kind of brick work make sure it is reinforced well and is treated as part of the homes structure, and not just a decorative element.

Finding a Contractor

When you are building a home you want to make sure you find one who has experience in building earthquake resistant homes. You can check this by finding out what other properties they have built in earthquake areas. You will want to check and see how many of their properties has already withstood the force of an earthquake.

Pre-fab homes can also be earthquake resistant if you choose the right manufacturer. Most of the resistance will come from the installation process. Walls need to be reinforced, the homes need to be flexible, and everything needs to be anchored down correctly.  Be sure you ask plenty of questions about the design, the reinforcements of the fabricated sections, the installation process, and check with the Better Business Bureau and the company’s references.