How do I prevent future damage?

• <div><p>Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.</p></div>

Can earthquake retrofitting increase home value?

• <div><p>Earthquake retrofitting can increase your home value, making it a great return on investment. This feature is especially valuable in areas prone to earthquakes. Besides the increased safety value (not only for your family but for the next family who moves in), earthquake retrofitting also helps lower homeowners insurance rates. In addition, having your home earthquake retrofitted can make it easier to get a home loan since they are considered lower risk. </p></div>

Will a seismic shut-off valve save me money on earthquake insurance?

• <div><p>Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan. </p></div>

What can I expect during the earthquake retrofitting process?

• <div><p>First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you’ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you’ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.</p></div>

Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Top 10 Best Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Wilmer, AL

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Wilmer

Helicon

4.54(

)

Helicon

4.54(

)

Customers say: Quick response

22 years of experience

By choosing Helicon, you will be provided with rock-solid solutions for all your soil stabilization and foundation issues. Helicon specializes in using the latest technology and the highest quality foundation repair process to repair your foundation, raise your concrete slab, and stabilize your soil or structure. We strive to exceed expectations every step of the way. Helicon is 5 Star Rated, A+ Rated BBB Company with ZERO BBB customer complaints. With our reliable, tried-and-true foundation repair process, you can rest assured that Helicon is the expert you can trust.

"We had cracks on the exterior and interior of our home and Helicon do an inspection. Casey (who is no longer with the company) provided his recommendations and a quote which is to install piers around the home and that would fix our issues. In July 2021, Helicon sent a team of guys to perform the work and they were every unprofessional. Our yard was a mess after they left, and nothing was done about it. Helicon advised us to not do any renovations until after 6 months of the repairs as the house may still be settling. In 2022, we did some minor repairs in the home and noticed the cracks were still opening and closing. They sent out someone who said everything looked fine and there was no movement. He stated if the doors start to jam to let them know because that means we have a problem. Since 2021, Helicon has come out at least 4 times and keep telling us there are no issues with the piers and additional works needs to be on the back porch. Helicon’s President, Jay Silver, came out for a house visit and advised there was nothing he could offer to help fix the issues. A couple weeks later in August 2022, they sent out another salesman, Douglas Mullins, who gave another quote to fix the interior foundation. There has been more movement and Douglas, nor Jay, or anyone from Helicon will not respond to us. We have had multiple companies come out and give recommendations which are very different from Helicon and seeking legal assistance. I do not recommend doing business with Helicon. Educate yourself on foundation issues and do not believe what they tell you."

Marcia A on September 2023

"We had cracks on the exterior and interior of our home and Helicon do an inspection. Casey (who is no longer with the company) provided his recommendations and a quote which is to install piers around the home and that would fix our issues. In July 2021, Helicon sent a team of guys to perform the work and they were every unprofessional. Our yard was a mess after they left, and nothing was done about it. Helicon advised us to not do any renovations until after 6 months of the repairs as the house may still be settling. In 2022, we did some minor repairs in the home and noticed the cracks were still opening and closing. They sent out someone who said everything looked fine and there was no movement. He stated if the doors start to jam to let them know because that means we have a problem. Since 2021, Helicon has come out at least 4 times and keep telling us there are no issues with the piers and additional works needs to be on the back porch. Helicon’s President, Jay Silver, came out for a house visit and advised there was nothing he could offer to help fix the issues. A couple weeks later in August 2022, they sent out another salesman, Douglas Mullins, who gave another quote to fix the interior foundation. There has been more movement and Douglas, nor Jay, or anyone from Helicon will not respond to us. We have had multiple companies come out and give recommendations which are very different from Helicon and seeking legal assistance. I do not recommend doing business with Helicon. Educate yourself on foundation issues and do not believe what they tell you."

Marcia A on September 2023