Materials and Strategies to Guard Against Damage

As your ministry plans for new construction — and exciting programs and services along with it — the tectonic plates beneath the earth’s surface may be one shift away from shaking up your plans. It’s important to know whether you’re building in an earthquake zone so you can take extra precautions.

By working with your contractor early in the construction process, you can take steps to minimize the risk of damage from tremors and quakes.

Invisible Threat

Earthquakes can crumble buildings in the blink of an eye, but they’re dangerous for other reasons, too. Sometimes they can damage buildings internally, compromising their structural integrity and leaving ministry leadership none the wiser.

The horizontal motion caused by earthquakes can cause unseen damage to roofs and make them susceptible to water damage. Additionally, fine cracks in beams and columns that go unnoticed after an earthquake can lead to long-term consequences. When you’re planning a new building design, consider ways to strengthen these elements of your building so they are earthquake-ready before a disastrous event occurs.

Proactive Strategy

While it is impossible to predict when an earthquake will strike, the following resilient materials can help fortify construction projects against earthquake damage.

Lightweight Roofing

To reduce the risk of a roof collapse, consider using lightweight roofing systems. Popular materials in earthquake-prone areas include:

• Metal (such as aluminum or steel)

• Fiberglass shingles

• Modified bitumen

• Asphalt Shingles + Strengthening Polymers (look for Class 4 impact resistant shingles)

As an added advantage, fiberglass shingles and modified bitumen are both resistant to damage from water, wind, and fire. Metal roofs can melt under high heat, but are resistant to water and wind.

In contrast, it is better to avoid heavy materials like slate, clay, and stone. If your underlying roof deck buckles during an earthquake, these materials could crumble, crack, and collapse along with it — which increases the chances of serious damage and injuries in the wake of the earthquake.

Earthquake-Resistant Sheathing

The sheathing, or decking, that makes up the framing of your roof system serves as a second layer of defense against the elements. Whether you’re facing wind, rain, hail, or an earthquake, quality sheathing can reduce the risk of your ministry sustaining damages. There are two main types of sheathing that are recommended for earthquake resistance: plywood placed horizontally (perpendicular to rafters) and oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing.1 Both materials have flexibility that helps them withstand the shaking of an earthquake.

Additionally, placing roof blocks in the space where rafters join with an exterior wall can help reduce damage to your roof and, by extension, the rest of your building. The blocks can distribute the forces created by an earthquake into the walls, whereas without the blocks, the back-and-forth motion could heighten the risk of collapse. Other ways to help your roof maintain its structural integrity include:

• Fastening roof rafters securely to exterior walls, then framing the rafters with ridge boards to distribute force during an earthquake

• Adding metal strap connectors, known as seismic ties, to the roof frame

Steel Reinforcement

When a building is made of concrete, its strength can withstand high winds and other external forces — but it does not bend. It can only crack and break. When an earthquake rattles a concrete building, it can’t stretch to accommodate the force. Adding a steel skeleton of rebar in concrete can help a building better withstand an earthquake. Rebar has elastic qualities that allow it to bend when compressed, rather than crumble. The reinforcement provided by rebar might even provide critical extra seconds that allow people in your ministry to escape the building. As you consider materials that can reinforce your building, look for fiber cement or other reinforced concrete to give your building some added protection.

Shear Walls

To add stability to your construction, apply shear walls that are less likely to twist and collapse. A shear wall is a wall that’s integrated into a building’s framing. It transfers forces from lateral pressure — such as an earthquake or wind — to the foundation of the building so that the building won’t sway or fall. These shear walls can be made of many kinds of materials, but three of the most common are steel plates, wood, and insulated concrete forms.

As you’re planning your new construction and considering what you’ll need, be sure to involve a structural engineer in the design process. Additionally, it’s always important to talk to a local construction professional to make sure you understand building codes and use materials that fit your ministry’s needs. Engaging in efforts to reduce the risk of property damage by selecting resilient materials could result in lower costs on your insurance. Let your insurance agent know when you've used resilient materials, and keep good records of your purchase of such materials.

Additional Protection: Strapping and Anchoring

Safeguarding the inside of your building is just as important as protecting its roof and walls. As you plan construction projects, consider ways to reduce the risk of earthquake-related damages like broken pipes or fallen HVAC systems and water heaters. Here are some tips that could save you some serious headaches:

• Use concentrically braced framing (CBF) on pipes, gas lines, and ductwork to reduce shaking that could lead to burst and broken structures.

• Strap down water heaters, HVAC systems, and other large equipment to prevent them from falling over and causing leaks or injuring people in the building.

• Install an automatic gas shut-off valve that can detect gas leaks and turn off the flow in the event of damage to your pipes.

1 https://www.decra.com/blog/what-is-the-best-roof-for-earthquakes

Additional Resources

• Earthquake Response: Take Action During and After an Event

• Earthquake Prep: Planning and Preparing to Keep Your People and Property Safe

Posted June 2024
The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program