Simpson Strong-Tie Seismic Retrofit Solutions

Protect Pacific Northwest homes with proven earthquake strengthening products and expert support

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Why Seismic Retrofitting Matters

With over one million vulnerable older homes in high-hazard earthquake areas across the Pacific Northwest, seismic retrofitting has become essential for protecting lives and property. Simpson Strong-Tie's comprehensive seismic retrofit solutions address the specific vulnerabilities of homes built before modern building codes, particularly those with raised foundations and cripple walls.

Critical Retrofit Applications:

Foundation Anchoring: Securing mudsill plates to concrete foundations to prevent homes from sliding off during seismic events
Cripple Wall Reinforcement: Strengthening short wood-framed walls between foundation and first floor to prevent collapse
Floor System Connections: Creating continuous load paths from roof to foundation for comprehensive structural integrity
Soft-Story Retrofits: Reinforcing buildings with weak ground-floor levels, particularly those with large garage door openings
Post and Beam Connections: Securing interior support columns to prevent structural failure during ground motion

Simpson Strong-Tie Retrofit Product Portfolio

Simpson Strong-Tie's seismic retrofit solutions meet the prescriptive minimum standards of the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and are specifically designed to improve structures' ability to withstand seismic forces.

Foundation Anchoring Systems:

Titen HD® Screw Anchors: High-strength anchors for retrofitting mudsills to existing concrete foundations without the need for embedded anchor bolts
Universal Retrofit Foundation Plates (URFP): Side-mounted plates designed for applications with minimal vertical clearance in crawl spaces
Flat Retrofit Foundation Plates (FRFP): Versatile retrofit plates offering multiple fastener configurations for various load requirements
Bearing Plates (BP): Code-required 3"x3" steel plates providing proper load distribution for anchor connections

Structural Connection Hardware:

A35 Framing Angles: Critical connectors securing cripple walls to floor systems, installed at specific spacing based on building height
AC Post Caps: Two-piece solutions for connecting interior posts to floor beams, accommodating various lumber dimensions
Strong-Drive® Fasteners: Engineered screws and nails specifically designed for retrofit applications and seismic loading

Shear Wall Components:

Wood Structural Panels: Minimum 15/32" thick panels for reinforcing cripple walls against lateral forces
Blocking Materials: Engineered lumber for creating proper nailing surfaces when mudsill width exceeds stud dimensions
Specialized Fasteners: Code-compliant nails and screws for proper sheathing attachment and load transfer

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Seismic Retrofit Performance Benefits

Simpson Strong-Tie retrofit solutions provide measurable improvements in earthquake resistance while addressing current market demands for enhanced building resilience.

Safety and Performance Advantages:

Life Safety Protection: Prevents catastrophic structural failure that can cause injury or death during seismic events
Continuous Load Path: Ensures proper force transfer from roof to foundation, critical for maintaining structural integrity
Code Compliance: Products meet or exceed IEBC Chapter A3 requirements and local Pacific Northwest building standards
Reduced Repair Costs: Studies show retrofitting can save up to seven times the investment in avoided earthquake damage
Insurance Benefits: Many insurers offer premium discounts up to 25% for properly retrofitted homes
Property Value Enhancement: Retrofitted homes typically command higher market values and sell more quickly

Market-Driven Benefits:

Grant Eligibility: Retrofitted homes qualify for California Earthquake Authority and CRMP grant programs up to $3,000-$13,000
Regulatory Compliance: Meets mandatory retrofit requirements in high-risk jurisdictions
Community Resilience: Contributes to faster neighborhood recovery following seismic events
Business Continuity: Reduces disruption to home-based businesses and rental income properties

Target Retrofit Applications

Simpson Strong-Tie retrofit solutions address the specific vulnerabilities found in Pacific Northwest housing stock, particularly structures built before modern seismic codes.

Primary Retrofit Candidates:

Pre-1980 Homes: Houses built before stricter seismic building codes were implemented
Raised Foundation Homes: Structures with crawl spaces and cripple walls between foundation and first floor
Hillside Construction: Homes built on sloped terrain with varying cripple wall heights
Soft-Story Buildings: Structures with living space above garages or large ground-floor openings
Post-and-Pier Construction: Older homes supported by individual posts rather than continuous foundation walls
Unreinforced Masonry: Buildings with brick, stone, or concrete block walls lacking steel reinforcement

Project Types We Support:

Single-family home foundation retrofits
Multi-family residential building strengthening
Historic structure seismic upgrades
Voluntary and mandatory retrofit programs
Insurance-driven improvements
Pre-sale property strengthening

Valley Construction Supply: Your Seismic Retrofit Partner

As the Pacific Northwest's premier Simpson Strong-Tie distributor, Valley Construction Supply brings over 40 years of expertise to seismic retrofit projects. Our comprehensive product knowledge and regional understanding make us the trusted choice for earthquake strengthening solutions.

Our Retrofit Advantages:

Complete Product Line: Full inventory of Simpson Strong-Tie retrofit products from foundation anchors to structural fasteners
Technical Expertise: Staff trained in seismic retrofit applications and Pacific Northwest building codes
Project Support: Material takeoffs, installation guidance, and code compliance assistance
Regional Knowledge: Deep understanding of local soil conditions, seismic zones, and permit requirements
Contractor Network: Connections with qualified retrofit contractors and structural engineers
Next-Day Delivery: Rapid product availability for time-sensitive retrofit projects

Who We Serve:

Homeowners: Residential property owners seeking to protect their investment and family safety
General Contractors: Building professionals managing retrofit projects for clients
Specialty Retrofit Contractors: Companies focused exclusively on seismic strengthening work
Structural Engineers: Design professionals specifying retrofit solutions for existing buildings
Property Managers: Commercial managers responsible for multi-family and rental property safety
Insurance Professionals: Agents and adjusters working with clients on risk mitigation

From the Cascade fault system to urban Seattle soil conditions, Valley Construction Supply understands the unique seismic challenges facing Pacific Northwest structures. Contact our retrofit specialists today to discuss your earthquake strengthening needs and access the proven Simpson Strong-Tie solutions that can protect what matters most.

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