Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Professional Seismic Retrofitting Services Portland
Since 1999, Earthquake Tech has been Portland's premier seismic retrofit contractor, prioritizing client safety through specialized foundation bolting and seismic rehabilitation. Our team, certified by Hilti for professional anchor installation, adheres to rigorous engineering standards using materials tested to industry specifications. We maintain full licensing, bonding, and insurance as dedicated seismic retrofit contractors, ensuring compliance with insurance requirements and client protection. Our commitment extends beyond technical expertise through personalized service, transparent communication, and a 30-year warranty on gas shut-off valve installations. With over two decades of experience, we combine hands-on craftsmanship with proprietary engineering solutions for residential and commercial properties.Our founder's personal experience retrofitting his 1920s home sparked our focus on seismic safety, establishing a reputation built on referrals and client satisfaction. As general contractors, we offer comprehensive improvements beyond seismic work, maintaining strict quality control through permit acquisition and documentation. Our team's technical proficiency is demonstrated through partnerships with engineers and participation in NW Natural's training programs. We provide verification services for existing retrofits and consultation for real estate transactions, maintaining detailed photographic records and written reports. Client testimonials highlight our reliability, timeliness, and ability to handle complex projects, with over 2,000 completed projects and 1,400 seismic retrofits to date.
Services
Seismic Retrofits
Gas Valve Installation
Water Heater Strapping
Structural Inspections
Foundation Bolting
Permit Acquisition
Retrofit Verification
Emergency Services
Custom Engineering
Real Estate Inspections
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Established in 1999 with 25+ years of seismic retrofit experience
- Hilti-certified installers for premium anchoring systems
- 30-year warranty on gas shut-off valve installations
- Licensed seismic retrofit contractors with insurance compliance
- Custom-engineered solutions for diverse foundation types
Associations and certifications
- Hilti Certified
What people say
Dedicated team
Exceeded expectations
Knowledgeable professionals
Fair pricing
High-quality work
Services
Seismic Retrofits
Our seismic retrofitting service strengthens building foundations through custom-engineered solutions. We install foundation bolts, shear panels, and framing connectors to meet specific structural requirements. Using Hilti-certified installation methods, we reinforce diverse foundation types including slab-on-grade and unreinforced masonry. Each project receives proprietary engineering specifications and required permits for comprehensive earthquake protection.
Gas Shut-Off Valves
Automatic gas shut-off valve installation prevents post-earthquake fires by detecting seismic movement and closing gas lines. We exclusively install California-made valves with 30-year warranties, using ridge bracing struts for reliable operation. Our NW Natural-certified technicians ensure proper installation for both residential and commercial properties, providing critical protection during seismic events.
Water Heater Strapping
Seismic strapping systems secure water heaters against earthquake damage using specialized brackets and wall anchors. Our installation prevents toppled tanks that could cause flooding, gas leaks, or fire hazards. We construct dedicated bracing walls when necessary, ensuring 50-gallon water reserves remain intact for emergency use following seismic activity.
Structural Inspections
Professional inspection services verify existing seismic retrofits for insurance compliance and real estate transactions. Our team provides detailed reports with photographic documentation, assessing foundation bolting, shear wall installation, and connector integrity. We offer consultation on necessary upgrades and provide $1,000 order credits for subsequent retrofit work completed within three months.
Permit Acquisition
We handle complete permit processing for seismic retrofit projects, ensuring code compliance and documentation accuracy. Our team coordinates with local authorities to secure necessary approvals, maintaining records of Hilti-certified installations and engineering specifications. This service guarantees proper verification for insurance requirements and property value protection.
People
Steve Gemmell
Owner
Founder of Earthquake Tech since 1999, Steve pioneered seismic retrofitting in Portland after personally retrofitting his 1920s home. With engineering partnerships and Hilti certification, he leads technical operations and client consultations.
Taylor Pease
General Manager
Managing daily operations at Earthquake Tech, Taylor coordinates project execution and team management. With extensive construction experience, he ensures quality control across the company's 2,000+ completed projects and 1,400 seismic retrofits.
Questions
What seismic retrofit services do you offer?
We provide foundation bolting, shear wall installation, gas shut-off valves, water heater strapping, and structural inspections for residential and commercial properties.
How long does a typical retrofit take?
Most residential retrofits complete within 1-3 days, depending on foundation complexity and required permits for the specific property type.
Do you offer inspection services for insurance?
Yes, we provide detailed retrofit verification reports with photographic documentation to meet earthquake insurance requirements and real estate transaction needs.
Are your technicians certified?
All crew members hold Hilti certification for professional anchor installation and participate in ongoing training programs for seismic safety standards.
What warranty do you provide?
We offer a 30-year warranty on gas valve installations and workmanship guarantees for all retrofit components we install.
Can you help with permit requirements?
Yes, we handle complete permit acquisition and documentation for all seismic retrofit projects to ensure code compliance and insurance verification.