What this covers
An earthquake can crack a foundation, slide a house off its sill, topple a chimney and open cracks in every wall. The service begins with a structural assessment, shores anything unsafe, repairs the foundation, framing, chimney and finishes, and can retrofit the home with foundation bolts and braced cripple walls so it rides out the next one with less damage.
When to call
- New cracks in the foundation, in drywall above doors and windows, or in the chimney after a quake.
- Doors and windows that stick or no longer latch.
- A gap between the house and the foundation, or a tilted water heater.
What to expect
- Safety firstIf you smell gas or see sparks or collapse, leave and call 911 or the utility. The safety steps on this site cover these hard stops.
- AssessA structural assessment, with an engineer where needed, determines what is damaged and what must be shored.
- RepairFoundation, framing, chimney, and interior and exterior finishes are repaired.
- RetrofitFoundation bolting, cripple wall bracing and water heater strapping reduce damage in future quakes.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Hairline cracks appeared in the drywall. Is the house damaged?
Small diagonal cracks at door and window corners are common after shaking and are often cosmetic. Cracks in the foundation, large wall cracks, or doors that no longer close need a structural look.
What is foundation bolting?
Anchoring the wood sill of the house to the concrete foundation so the house cannot slide off it. Older homes were often built without it.
Should the chimney be checked?
Yes. Masonry chimneys crack and can fall in a later shake. Do not use the fireplace until it has been inspected.
Related: Reconstruction after damage · Chimney fire damage repair · Vehicle impact damage repair · All restoration and emergency services
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.