News and Resources - EverGreen Seismic - Page 2
×

Our Blog

Seismic Retrofitting for Older, Pre-Code Des Moines Homes

Homes built before modern seismic standards often carry structural vulnerabilities that are not visible during day-to-day living. In Des Moines, Washington, many properties built before the 1990s were not designed to withstand the lateral forces we now know are common in the Pacific Northwest. As a seismic retrofitting contractor, we work with homeowners who want …

Prevent Post-Earthquake Fires With Seismic Gas Shut-Off Valves

In Washington, seismic activity is not a theoretical risk. The Cascadia Subduction Zone and regional fault lines have produced measurable ground motion across the Pacific Northwest, and studies from the United States Geological Survey show that even moderate earthquakes can cause infrastructure failure. One of the most overlooked hazards is post-earthquake fire caused by damaged …

Understand Why 75% of the U.S. Faces Earthquake Risk

Seismic retrofitting is becoming a growing priority for property owners across the Pacific Northwest. While California often receives the most attention for earthquakes, geological research shows that Washington state sits within one of the most complex seismic regions in North America. For property owners considering seismic retrofitting in Maple Valley, understanding the science behind earthquake …

How Slow Rot Turns Into Sudden Damage During an Earthquake

Rot repair is one of those issues that rarely looks urgent at first glance. Softened wood often hides behind siding, in crawlspaces, or around framing connections, making it easy to overlook. Yet those weakened spots become critical failure points during seismic activity. That is why we approach rot repair with long-term structural health in mind, …

Common Weak Points Addressed by Seismic Retrofitting

Seismic foundation retrofitting focuses on correcting specific structural weaknesses that leave many older homes vulnerable during earthquake activity. In the Pacific Northwest, we often see the same problem areas repeated across decades of construction. Our work is designed to address those weak points directly using proven methods and engineered solutions. Unbolted Foundations One of the …

Homequake Safety Plan Beyond Structural Retrofitting

Strengthening a home starts long before the ground ever moves, which is why seismic planning should be part of every property owner’s long-term safety strategy. While structural retrofitting plays a major role in securing an older home, a comprehensive safety plan assesses how different parts of the house behave during a quake and which steps …

Foundation and Rot Repair Should Come Before a Retrofit

Foundation and rot repair should be the first step when preparing any home for seismic upgrades. When a structure already shows signs of weakness, no retrofit can perform the way it should. We help homeowners understand how hidden moisture, aging wood, and shifting soil impact long-term safety and why correcting these issues early creates a …

Every Homeowner Should Understand the ABCs of Seismic Retrofitting

Seismic retrofitting plays a major role in helping homes stand up to shifting ground in quake-prone regions. Many older properties were never built with modern seismic standards in mind, which leaves them vulnerable when the soil moves or the foundation shifts. We work with homeowners every day who want to protect their structures, lower risk, …

Protecting PNW Structures with Seismic Foundation Repair

Seismic foundation repair is one of the most important steps property owners can take to protect their structures in earthquake-prone areas. When the ground shifts during seismic activity, foundations are placed under intense pressure. Without professional reinforcement, these forces can cause cracks, settlement, or even catastrophic failure. Which Buildings Benefit the Most While all properties …

Lessons From Recent Earthquake Activity in the PNW: The Role of Seismic Fastening

Seismic fastening is the backbone of how we keep homes and light commercial buildings tied to their foundations in the Pacific Northwest. The 2001 Nisqually earthquake reminded our region that deep events can still cause billions in losses when older structures are not anchored and braced correctly. More recently, offshore Oregon tremors, including a magnitude …

Our Customers Love Us!

Posted on Google Google
B Snead profile picture
B Snead
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I came to know that my house was vulnerable to seismic events so I did some research on how to lessen the risk. The things it seemed I needed were things I didn't want to do myself so I looked around for a vendor and came upon Evergreen Seismic. Matt came out and looked at my house and recommended mediation that was almost exactly what my research had indicated and explained the technology in terms of my particular situation, which was appreciated. He even explained other steps he didn't think were needed, which he probably could have talked me into. I appreciated his honesty and knowledge. We scheduled the work and he did exactly what he said he'd do. I would recommend Matt and his company to anyone.
Posted on Google Google
Warner Asch profile picture
Warner Asch
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a fantastic experience with Evergreen Seismic. From the initial estimate through the completed retrofit, everyone we worked with was professional, responsive, and easy to communicate with. Matt was especially great to work with—he took the time to answer our questions, explained the process clearly, and made us feel confident every step of the way. We never felt pressured and always felt like we were in good hands. The crew was punctual, respectful of our home, and completed the work efficiently while keeping the area clean and organized. We also chose to have an automatic seismic gas shutoff valve installed, and they made sure we understood how it worked before they finished. Our home was built in 1959, so it gives us real peace of mind knowing it has now been properly seismically retrofitted. The quality of the work and customer service exceeded our expectations. Thank you, Matt, and the entire Evergreen Seismic team! We highly recommend Evergreen Seismic to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and professional company.
Posted on Google Google
Blaine Robbins profile picture
Blaine Robbins
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Matt did a seismic retrofit for us recently. He was communicative and responsive throughout the entire process and did fantastic work, often going above and beyond what was necessary. I would highly recommend for anyone thinking about doing a retrofit.
Posted on Google Google
Jonathan Glick profile picture
Jonathan Glick
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I'm very happy with the seismic retrofit work Evergreen Seismic did at our home. They were clear about the scope of work and reasonably priced compared to other providers. Matt and Phil were a pleasure to work, worked around our schedule, and got the job done quickly. They work with a well-known engineering company so I'm confident the work meets a high standard.
Posted on Google Google
Alex profile picture
Alex
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Matt & Phil did an absolute fantastic job seismically retrofitting our home. There were several stages in the process where the team went well above and beyond what was required. Generally it is hard to find Contractors you can trust and Evergreen Seismic is absolutely among the few that you could trust to do a great job!
Posted on Google Google
Brian Moynihan profile picture
Brian Moynihan
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Matt and Phil went above and beyond on the seismic retrofit of our 1919 home. They repaired some rot that was discovered during the process, and still got the project done within the estimated number of days. They also replaced some questionable posts and strengthened a compromised beam - things that other contractors did not include in their bid. Very reasonably priced.
Posted on Google Google
Beck Royer profile picture
Beck Royer
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent professional and a knowledgeable company! Matt was prompt, and helped us with an insurance renewal and on site visit!! Great all round and honest Beck
Posted on Google Google
Cameron Skaggs profile picture
Cameron Skaggs
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Matt and his team were very professional. He helped explain the process and was very transparent with everything. They worked quickly too. I'd recommend them unhesitatingly to anyone looking to retrofit their house for earthquakes
Posted on Google Google
Jaymes Dee profile picture
Jaymes Dee
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Matt and his team were beyond helpful during our journey to seismic retrofit our 1953 home. At first I was certain I would be doing the retrofits and Matt was gracious enough to come and venture through my crawlspace with me and give me pointers. When life and all of it's entanglements got in the way, Matt and his team were able to knock out the work expeditiously for a very reasonable price. My family and I feel safer because of the work they did. 10/10 recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Erik Peterson profile picture
Erik Peterson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can't say enough great things about Evergreen Seismic. If I could, I would give them 6/5 stars! Matt was such a pleasure to work with. He was so knowledgeable, patient, responsive, generous with his time, and such a resource. He explained complicated topics into basics I could understand, and also adjusted his approach based on some constraints we had. If you are looking to do any kind of seismic retrofit for your home, you should reach out to Matt and his team at Evergreen Seismic. Just...wow. So refreshing to work with some true professionals.
Ready to retrofit?
Let’s make your home safer
View Our Services
Get a professional evaluation
Call (206) 984-2580