Why Stronghome Uses Simpson Strong-Tie
- James Ewing
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Simpson Strong-Tie: Key Products for Earthquake Retrofitting
In earthquake-prone areas like California, Washington, and Oregon, retrofitting buildings to withstand seismic activity is crucial for the safety and longevity of structures. Earthquake retrofitting involves reinforcing and upgrading buildings to minimize the risk of collapse during an earthquake. One company that plays a vital role in this field is Simpson Strong-Tie, a leader in the design and manufacturing of structural products for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The company offers a range of products that are particularly valuable in earthquake retrofitting, helping to protect homes, businesses, and communities from the devastating effects of seismic events.
Simpson Strong-Tie’s Commitment to Seismic Safety
Simpson Strong-Tie has been at the forefront of developing and supplying innovative solutions for earthquake resilience for decades. Their products are designed to strengthen buildings by improving the connection between structural components, such as walls, floors, and foundations. By enhancing the structural integrity of a building, these products can prevent costly damage, reduce the risk of injury, and ultimately save lives during an earthquake.
Key Products for Earthquake Retrofitting
Simpson Strong-Tie offers a variety of products specifically designed for seismic retrofitting. Here are some of the most commonly used solutions:
1. Foundation Anchors
Foundation anchors are one of the most important elements of an earthquake retrofit, as they secure the building to its foundation and prevent movement or collapse during seismic shaking. Simpson Strong-Tie’s E-Z Fit® Foundation Anchor are specifically designed to reinforce the connection between a building’s structure and its foundation. These anchors are easy to install, even in existing buildings, and they help to improve lateral stability during an earthquake.
By preventing a building from shifting off its foundation, these anchors reduce the risk of major structural damage and help to maintain the integrity of the building during and after a quake.
2. Holdowns and Shearwalls
Simpson Strong-Tie’s Holdowns are designed to resist the lateral forces that act on a building during an earthquake. These forces can cause walls to shift or collapse if they are not adequately restrained. Holdowns are often used in conjunction with Shearwalls, which are walls designed to resist lateral forces and transfer them to the foundation.
The Strong-Wall® Shearwall system is an effective solution for reinforcing wood-frame buildings. It improves the building's resistance to both lateral (side-to-side) and vertical (up-and-down) seismic forces. Strong-Wall® systems can be installed quickly and effectively, making them a popular choice for retrofitting homes and commercial buildings in earthquake-prone regions.
3. Steel Brackets and Ties
Simpson Strong-Tie offers a wide variety of steel brackets and ties designed to reinforce connections between wooden components in a building. Products like the Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Drive® SDS Heavy-Duty Connector are ideal for strengthening the connections between studs, beams, and rafters, which are vulnerable during an earthquake. These steel connectors provide increased stability and help prevent structural damage by ensuring that components stay together during seismic events.
These products are especially useful for reinforcing roof-to-wall and floor-to-wall connections, which are critical points of failure in many buildings during an earthquake.
4. Simpson Strong-Tie® Seismic Retrofit Kits
For homeowners looking for a comprehensive and easy-to-install solution, Simpson Strong-Tie offers Seismic Retrofit Kits. These kits provide all the necessary materials and instructions to help homeowners reinforce their homes in a cost-effective manner. The kits typically include foundation anchors, steel brackets, and ties, along with the hardware needed to strengthen a building’s structure and make it more earthquake-resistant.
These retrofit kits are an excellent option for retrofitting older homes that were built before modern seismic building codes were implemented. They offer a simple solution to improve earthquake resilience and minimize risk.
Why Choose Simpson Strong-Tie for Earthquake Retrofitting?
Simpson Strong-Tie is known for the quality, durability, and effectiveness of its products. Their focus on safety and innovation ensures that their earthquake retrofitting solutions are designed to provide lasting protection against seismic activity. The company works closely with engineers, contractors, and homeowners to create tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each structure.
Additionally, Simpson Strong-Tie offers extensive support, including technical assistance, product documentation, and installation guides. This makes the retrofitting process smoother and more accessible, even for homeowners with no prior experience in construction or seismic upgrades.
Conclusion
When it comes to earthquake retrofitting, the integrity of a building's structural connections is essential. Simpson Strong-Tie offers a comprehensive range of products that provide proven solutions for strengthening and securing buildings in earthquake-prone regions. From foundation anchors and shearwalls to steel ties and retrofit kits, Simpson Strong-Tie’s innovative products are key to enhancing the seismic resilience of homes and commercial buildings, ensuring safety and minimizing damage when the earth shakes.
