Larger imageThis mountain home was built over a garage, and its walls were not strong enough to withstand an earthquake.

Source: Office of Emergency Services

The Problem

The large opening of a garage door and the weight of a second-story room built over the garage can result in the walls being too weak to withstand earthquake shaking.

When the narrow sections of the wall on each side of the opening are not reinforced or braced, the weakness is worse.

How to Identify

• Is the garage door opening in line with the rest of the house? (See Drawing A)
• If this is the case, additional bracing may not be needed.
• Is the house shaped like Drawing B? If this is the case, are there braces or plywood panels around the garage door opening?
• If there are no braces or plywood panels, strengthening may be needed.
• Consult a licensed architect or engineer to determine the strengthening required.

Larger imageA - If the wall of the main house is in line with the wall containing the door of a garage with a room over it, the adjoining wall may help brace the garage.

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission

Larger imageB - Additional bracing. Home configuration where there is no in-line wall. Additional bracing may be appropriate in this situation.

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission

Remember

• Many homes with this weakness have been severely damaged in past earthquakes.

Larger imageC - Bracing garage walls. If your house has a room over the garage, the garage walls may not be strong enough to hold up during an earthquake unless they are braced with plywood panels and steel straps.

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission

The Solution

1. Consult a licensed architect or engineer to design plywood paneling or a steel frame around the door opening (See Drawing C).
2. Have plans drawn.
3. Obtain a permit from your local Building Department.

How-to Resource

• Detailed information can be found in the International Existing Building Code, published by the International Code Council.