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Soft Story Retrofit
Ensuring Safety and Compliance for Earthquake-Prone Areas
At Mulhall Construction, we understand that soft-story retrofits go beyond meeting regulations—they’re about safeguarding lives and protecting investments. Retrofitting ensures public safety, reduces liability, and offers benefits like insurance incentives, making it an essential upgrade for many buildings. As leaders in soft-story retrofitting, we bring unmatched expertise to every project, whether it’s a single-family home, multi-family dwelling, or large commercial property.
What is a Soft-Story Building
Soft-story buildings are characterized by a ground floor that’s less rigid than the upper floors, often due to open spaces like garages or large windows. This structural weakness makes them particularly vulnerable to collapse during earthquakes.
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake in Los Angeles highlighted this flaw, resulting in widespread damage and catastrophic building failures. In earthquake-prone areas like San Francisco and the Bay Area, experts warn that a significant seismic event could leave up to 80% of soft-story buildings severely damaged or destroyed.
Our Solution: Soft-Story Retrofits
Soft-story retrofitting is the most effective way to safeguard your building against earthquakes. This process strengthens the property by enhancing its lateral stiffness and reinforcing weak structural elements.
Our retrofit solutions include:
- Shear Walls: Adding rigidity to resist lateral forces.
- Material Upgrades: Replacing weaker materials like drywall and stucco with wood or steel.
- Steel Frames and Anchors: Reinforcing critical connections for improved stability.
Why Choose Mulhall Construction?
With decades of experience in foundation and structural projects, we are at the forefront of soft-story retrofitting across the Bay Area and beyond. Our approach is rooted in:
- Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of seismic regulations and building codes.
- Craftsmanship: High-quality workmanship tailored to your building’s needs.
- Efficiency: Cost-effective solutions designed to minimize disruption.
Protecting Your Investment and Community
Our work can be seen across the Bay Area, with completed projects that stand as testaments to our dedication to safety, compliance, and quality. By choosing Mulhall Construction, you’re not just ensuring your building’s longevity—you’re safeguarding its occupants and protecting your investment for years to come.
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