[Greenbuilding] Earthquakes and older houses

[Bob Waldrop]

So here in central Oklahoma, we have been experiencing a growing series 
of earthquakes over the last few years.   The USGS just released a map 
showing the risk of human-induced earthquakes, and Okie City is right 
there. The news said we were at perhaps a 10% risk of a level 6 
earthquake.  Most of the thus far have been in the 2 to 4 range.

Now we are not only tornado alley, but also earthquake central, more 
earthquakes last year even than California had.

I lived in the Bay Area of California and in SLC (on top of the actual 
wasatch fault a geologist friend told me), and never experienced a 
quake, but I've felt several here.  I've also been watching the cracks 
in the interior plaster/lathe walls and my exterior brick veneer develop 
and progress.

I do have earthquake insurance, but it is really only good for a 
complete catastrophe.  It has a 10% deductible, and it doesn't cover 
masonry.

The house has always seemed very sturdy.  It was built in 1929, the 
studs are on 12 to 14 inch centers and are a hard wood.  THe sheathing 
is 1 x 8 planks.  Then there is brick veneer over that. The foundation 
is brick.  The back and front porch construction seems separate from the 
rest of the house. The concrete front porch is certainly pulling away 
from the rest of the house over the 16 years I've lived here.

Any thoughts about retrofits that would strengthen the house in the face 
of the growing earthquake risk here?

Bob Waldrop, Okie and Shaky City