If you live in an area where earthquakes can happen now and then, you know all about the potential damage that can be done to your home, even if an earthquake is considered to be moderate. Unfortunately, should your home fall victim to an earthquake, you will need to make a variety of repairs. While some may be easy, others may be much more complex and cost thousands of dollars. If you are currently dealing with earthquake damage to your home or want to get a head start on knowing what repairs will need to be made after such an event, here are some common repairs you should do as quickly as possible.
Foundation
Unless
your home is relatively new, it is likely your foundation suffered damage
following a moderate earthquake. Should you notice cracks on the outside walls
or inside your basement, these need to be addressed immediately. Depending on
the extent of the damage, where your home is located, and other factors, you
could find your foundation in danger of collapsing.
Interior
Walls
When an
earthquake occurs, it can put tremendous stress on your home's walls. In many
cases, even when the earthquake is moderate, walls will crack and sometimes
even move out of their original position. When this happens, you will need
experts skilled in wall repositioning to set things right once
again. Depending on the damage that was done, it may be recommended that you
remove a wall entirely from one location and have it positioned elsewhere in
your home where it can be less load-bearing.
Gas
and Utility Lines
In even a
minor earthquake, having broken gas, water, and sewer lines is a common
occurrence for many homeowners. When any of these problems take place, getting
them repaired is of the utmost importance. Should gas lines break, this can
lead to a dangerous gas buildup inside your home that could result in a fire or
explosion. In addition, broken water or sewer lines could find your home
getting flooded with water or even sewage.
Chimneys
Finally, take a close look at your home's chimney following a moderate earthquake. Since mortar often softens over time, your chimney may need repairs. Should you see visible cracks or notice your chimney now appears to be leaning to one side, don't take any chances. Instead, call in an experienced masonry crew to examine it and make whatever repairs may be needed.
While your
repair bill may add up after these repairs, having them done will make your
home much safer and give you and your family peace of mind.
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