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PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION

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PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION

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Paul Davis Restoration is multi-peril insurance repair experts in both residential and commercial properties. Since our beginnings in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration was the first network of contractors to partner with the insurance industry. Our people have extensive industry, construction and mitigation knowledge. We are a community of experts, who have come from different backgrounds rich in experience. We are licensed and our staff trained using IICRC-sanctioned restoration techniques.

Paul Davis Restoration is multi-peril insurance repair experts in both residential and commercial properties. Since our beginnings in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration was the first network of contractors to partner with the insurance industry. Our people have extensive industry, construction and mitigation knowledge. We are a community of experts, who have come from different backgrounds rich in experience. We are licensed and our staff trained using IICRC-sanctioned restoration techniques.

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.

A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of up to 7.0 magnitude, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.

Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. 

Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.

Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—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.

The Callaway, VA homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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