Earthquake damage checklist
What do I look for while inspecting a home for earthquake damage?
I have been a foundation and masonry contractor for over 20 years, so I thought I would write a quick reference list of the things you need to inspect, and what to look for while inspecting for earthquake damage on your home. I’ll just go through the things I would look for if I were giving you an inspection, some would only show up right around the epicenter of the quake, others could happen for 50 miles from the epicenter.
EXTERIOR WALLS
Fresh cracking at doors, windows or corners
Door or window openings out of square
Leaning or bulging in the wall
Pattern of cracking coming from the ground up
CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACE
Visible damage or cracking
Loose or shifted clay tiles
Visible tilting or separation from the building
Does the chimney rock at the top when pushed?
ROOF
If masonry has fallen off chimney, damage from debris
Sagging roof ridgeline
Any signs of rafter tail movement at eaves
Buckled or dislodged flashing at chimneys, roof/wall intersections, porches, or any building irregularities
FOUNDATION
IF STEMWALL
Fresh cracks(pay special attention to any crack larger than1/8”, or offset by more than 1/16”)
Spalling of concrete
IF SLAB-ON-GRADE
Movement between slab and footing
PORCHES OR CARPORTS
Displacement of posts
Separation from structure
Movement of steps or patio
AIR CONDITIONING UNIT
Pinched, crushed or displaced lines
CRAWL SPACE
Fallen or leaning support piers
Leaking gas or water lines
Fractured, buckled or loose diagonal bracing
Shifting or sliding of framing from foundation
Split or damaged sill plates
Crushed or separated air ducts
INTERIOR WALLS
Fresh cracks, buckling or spalling at doors, windows and ceiling intersection
Door or window openings out of square
Pattern cracking going from floor up
Movement or sliding between walls and floor
Cracks in ceiling
Nail pops in ceiling
Doors or windows difficult to operate
FLOORS
Recent sloping, sagging or displacement of floors
Cracks in floor or floor finishes(tile)
Significant bounciness of floors
Gaps along edge of floor
ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK AND SPECIALTY FINISHES
Shifting or damage to bathroom or kitchen cabinetry
Cracking of tile or enclosure in bathroom
These are the main things I would check if I came to your home. These things could mean nothing, or could signify significant damage. The structure of your home is far too important to take a chance on. If you notice any of these things, please contact a foundation contractor.
If you have any questions email me at doug@wrightfloorleveling.com
Or call me at (580)762-9097
Doug Wright
