Seismic Retrofitting The Post to Beam Connections

Retrofitting the post-to-beam connections is a complete waste of money. The building code says so, common sense says so, and the government says so. Why do so many people do it, then?

Seismic retrofit engineers and contractors often speculate about what will happen to a house in an earthquake and do not look at the evidence. Experience tells us post-to-beam connections do not increase or decrease a home's ability to resist earthquakes.

Go to our website to learn more and ask us to come look at your house.

[ericsb]

Hi. Very clear video. I was hoping at the end that you would show what type of connection or bracing is necessary for an older foundation where the piers are merely siting on top of a concrete block and not currently connected at either the top or bottom. Thanks.

[chrisc]

Thanks for this video. I only have 8 post and beam connections in my crawl space but this saves me ~$200 that I can use for retrofit material that I actually need!

[vigilantbystander]

Man, thank you. Just took the first of three bids for an EBB retrofit and the guy included an optional line item for retrofitting the posts. Thanks for the explanation.

[ahurtarte]

I was qouted $7500 for post connections in 2022! Thanks again for the wealth of knowledge, Howard.

[bph]

Extremely helpful. We are in north Oakland and assessing the viability (cost) of doing an extension and/or garage conversion ADU and this has really helped to educate me.

[wsiddiqi]

Thanks - very useful into. Going thru EBB process right now for my house and this was an option that my contractor proposed. I rejected it since it wasn't required and also thought its something I could easily do myself. However watching this video, it basically means I don't need to do it and its not needed.

[Max-jnsp]

thank you for the heads up, your videos saved me from making a stupid purchase

[bayarearetrofit]

The code says put a nail at the bottom of the post. Read the article. It also says the purpose of a connection here is simply to keep the post in place in the event someone kicks it by mistake. Everyone puts nails at the top and bottom of the post but you don't really need to per code.

[Patriots]

Thank you for a clear and informative video on this. Would be interested in seeing a video on bolting down a house after lifting it and then putting it back down on a new foundation.

[dylansoto]

Foundation Retro fit is recommended in California especially if your home was built before 1930-1940.

[jimf]

So what exactly SHOULD you do for a seismic retrofit?

[whoarru]

Wow, thank you! I was thinking of spending a bunch of money to put a third beam under my house....no more!

[bayarearetrofit]

Yes, and do a search on brick foundations. It contains an article I wrote that will help you.

[sethmeistergee]

When looking in my crawl space I noticed that several posts have almost completely slid off their pier blocks. Is THAT something you'd recommend fixing? If not, I'd worry that my floor would start sagging from the lack of support...

[andresjimenez]

I been upgrading my house and been using this metal plates anywhere I can. Probably keep doing it.

[centexan]

Working under an older house to level it was not a favorite thing that I have done. You start jacking up the house and it starts creaking and cracking. Very nerve-wracking. Get the steel plate shims in and get out.

[shanecurran]

great video, what about old underfloor that have 3', 4' posts supporting etc ..bracing does help

[paulcoffman]

Nice video. I just put upside down triangle plywood over side of beam and post. Not sure what happens when the big one comes and ground give way.

[donaldhendrickson]

I got EBB approved recently. I was only going to install the universal retrofit foundation plates per code and thought that would be sufficient. However, watching several YouTube videos it looks like code also requires upgrading mud sill bolts on older homes (mine was built in 1965) and drilling vent holes in cripple wall plywood and would like to know if that’s accurate.
Thank Donald

[drowe]

This is awesome but what should you do to maximize safety from earthquakes? I live right near one!
I was going to put on those Simpson ties so I won’t waste my money on these. I have beams supporting a 1-1/4” plywood floor so now floor joists. What should I do?