What Is A Seismic Shutoff Valve?
During a large earthquake, a seismic shutoff valve – also called an earthquake valve – shuts off the gas flow to your house.
After an earthquake has taken place, the seismic valve shows a certain color to indicate whether gas has been shut off. If it’s red, it means the gas has been cut off. While if it’s green, gas is still flowing to your property.
Why Should You Get A Seismic Shutoff Valve Installed?
In Los Angeles, earthquakes of high magnitude are unfortunately something you have to keep in mind, which means it’s important to ensure your home is as protected as possible should one occur.
Having an earthquake-activated gas shutoff valve is essential for those living in Los Angeles – and the last thing you want in a large earthquake is gas leaking into your home.
With the best earthquake valve for gas shutoff, worrying about gas leaks will be a thing of the past, which is why it’s a good idea to do your research before choosing the right one for you.
What Is A Retrofit Inspection?
Another important part of keeping your home safe from earthquakes is retrofit inspections. This is an essential real estate inspection, especially in an earthquake-prone state like Los Angeles.
Several things are tested during a retrofit inspection, including:
- Building Foundations: What are the foundations like? Are they strong enough to withstand a large earthquake?
- Structural Integrity: How is your home built? How will this affect how it moves and whether it collapses in the event of a large earthquake?
- Reinforcement: Is your building reinforced? If not, it could come away from its foundation, or the walls could collapse during an earthquake.
The inspection is highly important and thorough, making it essential for every Los Angeles resident and their home.
Why Should You Get A Retrofit Inspection Done?
In Los Angeles, the law dictates that anyone selling their home – be it an apartment or house – must have had their property undergo a retrofit inspection. Without this, the seller cannot put their home up for sale.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to get a retrofit inspection done, especially if you’re looking to sell your home soon – but even if you’re not, retrofit inspections are extremely important.
Retrofit inspections help reduce the potential for serious injury or death during or after a large earthquake, whether it’s due to previously unknown reinforcement issues or a weak structure. With retrofit inspections, these issues are flagged up and resolved, helping you feel safer in your home.
Protecting Yourself From Earthquakes In Los Angeles
So it’s clear that there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from large earthquakes in Los Angeles, from retrofit inspections to seismic shutoff valves.
That’s where Retrofit Express comes in. With over 20 years of experience in retrofitting inspections and seismic shutoff valve installation, Retrofit Express is your go-to for earthquake protection services in Los Angeles.