- Retrofitting is the process of remodeling and reinforcing different structures to be able to better withstand any natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Retrofitting could also be used to help save money such as in the case of retrofitting a household to be more energy efficient.
- Retrofitting structures for earthquakes is largely involved with the foundation. This is done mainly through assuring that the concrete foundation of a structure is secured in such a way that it can not be shaken free or displaced. This process includes re-bolting the house to secure the connection between the wooden framing and the concrete foundation. Rebuilding cripple walls in the foundation is also an important part of earthquake retrofitting. The cripple wall is the short amount of framing in the crawl space under a structure. A break in the cripple walls of a structure is one of the main causes of damage to a building during an earthquake.
- Unlike earthquake retrofitting, hurricane retrofitting has more to do with the external aspects of a structure. Hurricane retrofitting includes: storm resistant shutters to protect glass windows, impact resistant sliding glass doors, more secure roofing materials, impact resistant house glazing, storm resistant garage doors, and long throw deadbolts to protect doors from blowing in.
- Since tornadoes trump wind speeds of even the most intense hurricane, special retrofitting techniques are required to help a structure withstand wind speeds up to 320 miles per hour. Braced roof gables are one of the greatest retrofitting techniques for a tornadoes. Bracing the roof gables will help keep your roof from being blown off if hit by a tornado. Storm resistant garage doors, front doors, windows, and locks, will also help to prevent tornado damage.
- Retrofitting for floods is largely concerned with lifting important aspects of your home to prevent flood damage. This starts with lifting water heaters, furnaces, and electrical panels as far off the floor as possible in case of flooding. Building flood walls around susceptible areas may also be an option to prevent flood damage. If there is a basement in the structure, sealing the foundation wall with water proof compounds may also prevent water from seeping into the house. Another great retrofitting technique is installing check valves for your sewer traps. This will make sure that your drains will not back up in your home in the case of a flood.
