SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - While homes in California built after the mid-1970’s meet most seismic requirements, older homes can require significant upgrades to withstand a major earthquake.
Moses Govea with Turnkey Contractors says the are required to upgrade older homes when they do renovations. It includes adding galvanized bolts to the foundation, forming sheer walls and adding metal braces to certain connection points.
Geologist Pat Abbott said while viewing footage from the recent quake in Mexico he noticed the collapsed buildings likely were missing up-to-date joinery between the floors and walls.
“As long as [the floor and walls] move as a unit, the structure is intact,” he said.
The City of San Diego offers resources to check your home on their website.
They also have information on renovations for unreinforced masonry buildings, typically built before 1933.
