Preparing for Rain While Strengthening for Earthquakes: Sinai Construction’s Proactive Approach

Concrete Pouring for Soft Story Retrofit Project

Preparing for the rain

At Sinai Construction, safety doesn’t stop at earthquakes—it includes protecting our projects from everyday risks like rain. While working on a soft-story retrofit, unexpected rainfall can threaten exposed materials, foundations, and structural connections if not properly managed. That’s why our team takes proactive steps before storms arrive, including sealing vulnerable areas, securing temporary drainage, protecting open walls and foundations, and monitoring weather conditions closely. These measures help prevent water intrusion, delays, and costly damage, ensuring your retrofit stays on track.

Soft-story buildings remain one of the most serious earthquake hazards. During strong shaking, weak lower-level supports can fail, causing upper floors to collapse downward in what is known as a “pancake collapse.” This danger became tragically clear during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, when thousands of soft-story buildings were severely damaged and lives were lost. Retrofitting these structures is essential to protect residents, investments, and communities from irreversible damage.

Finishing touches before the storm

By combining careful rain preparedness with proven soft-story retrofit solutions, Sinai Construction delivers durable, code-compliant upgrades that fortify buildings against both immediate environmental risks and future seismic events. If your Los Angeles property has a soft story, acting now can make all the difference.

Contact Sinai Construction today at 323.655.0960, and one of our specialized soft-story retrofit contractors will be happy to discuss your project and next steps.