Hardening Your Home's Windows & Doors with Earthquakes in Mind
Windows and doors are essential entry points in every home, but they are also vulnerable during an Earthquake. Without proper reinforcement, they can shatter, become misaligned, or even break off their frames, posing risks to both the structure and the safety of the occupants. By taking steps to strengthen these openings, you can minimize damage, prevent injuries, and ensure easier access and Egress during and after an earthquake.
This article provides an overview of strategies to harden your home’s windows and doors to better withstand seismic activity.
Reinforcing Windows Against Earthquake Forces
Windows are susceptible to shattering and cracking during an earthquake, which can lead to injuries from broken glass and increased structural vulnerability. Reinforcing your windows enhances their durability, helping them resist seismic forces and protecting occupants from glass breakage.
Use Shatter-Resistant Window Film: Shatter-resistant film is a clear, adhesive material applied to the glass surface. It strengthens the glass by holding shards together if it breaks, reducing the risk of injury. Shatter-resistant film is relatively easy to install and can be added to most existing windows. For enhanced protection, consider impact-resistant film, which is specifically designed for extreme conditions.
Install Tempered or Laminated Glass: Tempered and laminated glass are stronger and more resilient than standard glass. Tempered Glass is heat-treated to improve its strength, and it breaks into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. Laminated glass consists of two glass layers bonded by an inner layer of plastic, which holds the glass together if it cracks. Both options reduce the risk of injury and are particularly useful for large windows or Sliding Doors.
Add Window Frames with Reinforced Joints: Window frames with reinforced joints and corner Brackets improve stability during seismic activity. Metal or heavy-duty Vinyl frames are typically more durable than standard wood or plastic frames. Reinforcing the joints with metal brackets or clips helps prevent the window frame from shifting, reducing the risk of glass breakage and window misalignment.
Consider Storm Windows or Window Shutters: Exterior storm windows and shutters provide an additional layer of protection against impacts. Storm windows create a second barrier, while shutters can be closed to shield the glass during seismic events. Roll-down or accordion-style shutters are convenient options, as they can be quickly deployed before a major event and easily stowed afterward.
Securing Doors for Earthquake Resilience
Doors can become warped or misaligned during an earthquake, making it difficult to open or close them. Reinforcing doors and their frames helps keep them operational and minimizes the risk of damage.
Install Heavy-Duty Hinges and Strike Plates: Reinforce door hinges with longer Screws and opt for heavy-duty hinges designed to handle extra force. Install a high-quality Strike Plate with longer screws that penetrate deep into the wall framing. This helps secure the door to the frame, reducing the likelihood of misalignment during seismic activity. For additional protection, use two or more hinges per door.
Use Solid Core Doors: Solid core doors are heavier and more durable than hollow core doors, making them better suited to withstand earthquake forces. In addition to providing added protection, solid core doors also offer enhanced soundproofing and insulation. Consider upgrading exterior doors and doors to critical rooms, like bedrooms, to solid core models.
Reinforce the Door Frame with Steel Brackets: Install steel brackets at the corners and along the sides of the door frame to provide extra support. These brackets reinforce the frame, making it more resistant to twisting and warping. Be sure to attach the brackets to the wall studs for optimal stability.
Install Multi-Point Locks: Multi-point locking systems secure the door at multiple points along the frame, offering greater stability and strength. These locks distribute the force more evenly, reducing stress on a single point. Multi-point locks are particularly useful for larger exterior doors, such as French Doors or sliding doors, which may experience greater movement during an earthquake.
Protecting Sliding Doors and French Doors
Sliding doors and French doors are more susceptible to earthquake damage due to their large glass panes and limited frame support. Reinforcing these doors helps prevent glass breakage and ensures they remain operational after seismic events.
Add Shatter-Resistant Film to Glass Panels: As with windows, applying shatter-resistant film to the glass panels of sliding doors and French doors can prevent the glass from shattering if it breaks. This film is especially useful for high-traffic areas, as it reduces the risk of injury from broken glass.
Use Top and Bottom Tracks for Sliding Doors: Install sliding doors with both top and bottom tracks to improve stability. Doors with only a bottom track are more likely to be derailed by seismic forces. For added security, consider adding an anti-lift device to prevent the door from being lifted out of the tracks during an earthquake.
Install Impact-Resistant Glass for French Doors: French doors are commonly made with large glass panels, which can break easily during an earthquake. Replacing the glass with impact-resistant glass, or upgrading to doors with built-in laminated or tempered glass, helps protect against breakage. Reinforced glass is particularly beneficial for exterior French doors or doors leading to high-risk areas.
Reinforce Door Frames with Steel Plates: Use steel plates or brackets on the door frame to increase structural integrity. Attach these reinforcements to the wall studs to improve stability and reduce the likelihood of frame distortion. Steel plates help distribute seismic forces more evenly, reducing stress on the frame.
Securing Garage Doors
Garage doors are typically large, lightweight, and prone to damage during earthquakes. Securing the garage door helps prevent it from detaching or collapsing, which can cause property damage and create access issues.
Install Bracing Kits for Garage Doors: Bracing kits provide additional support to the panels of a garage door, reinforcing them against the lateral forces of an earthquake. These kits typically include vertical or horizontal braces that attach to the door’s frame, reducing the risk of collapse. Consult a professional to ensure the braces are properly installed.
Use Heavy-Duty Tracks and Rollers: Upgrade to heavy-duty tracks and rollers that can better withstand seismic forces. Reinforced tracks are less likely to bend or warp, and high-quality rollers can help keep the door on track during an earthquake. Be sure to secure the tracks to the wall with long screws that reach the wall studs for maximum stability.
Install a Garage Door Locking Mechanism: Garage door locks prevent the door from being dislodged or blown open during seismic events. Install a manual locking mechanism or choose a Garage Door Opener with a built-in lock for additional security. Be sure to unlock the door before operating the automatic opener to avoid damage.
Ensuring Accessibility and Egress After an Earthquake
During an earthquake, doors can become jammed or misaligned, potentially trapping occupants inside or making it difficult to exit the home. Reinforcing your home’s doors ensures that they remain accessible after a seismic event.
Check Door Clearances Regularly: Earthquakes can cause minor shifts in your home’s structure, which may affect door alignment. Regularly check that doors open and close smoothly, and adjust the hinges or frame as needed to maintain proper alignment. For exterior doors, make sure there is enough clearance to prevent jamming.
Install Exit Devices on Key Doors: In an emergency, exit devices allow doors to open quickly with minimal force. Consider installing Panic Bars or lever-style handles on exit doors, as these are easier to operate during a high-stress situation. Exit devices can be particularly useful for bedrooms and other areas where rapid egress is critical.
Reinforce Egress Windows: If you have egress windows in bedrooms or basements, ensure they are properly reinforced to prevent jamming. Use heavy-duty hinges and consider installing window stops to prevent the window from fully detaching. Egress windows should remain operational and easy to open in case of emergency.
Maintaining Reinforcements and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspection of reinforced windows and doors ensure that your earthquake-preparation measures remain effective over time.
Inspect Hinges, Locks, and Frames: Check hinges, locks, and frames for wear or damage. Replace any corroded or loose components, and tighten screws to ensure stability. Regular maintenance helps keep doors and windows functional and reduces the risk of jamming.
Test Window and Door Functionality: Open and close all windows and doors periodically to ensure they operate smoothly. Adjust any misaligned frames or hinges to maintain proper operation, especially for exit doors that need to remain accessible during an earthquake.
Check Shatter-Resistant Film and Glass Condition: Inspect shatter-resistant film and glass for signs of wear, such as peeling film or cracked glass. Replace film as needed to maintain its protective properties, and repair or replace cracked glass to reduce the risk of shattering.
Additional Resources
For more information on reinforcing windows and doors for earthquake preparedness, consult these resources:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA offers guidance on earthquake-resistant home improvements, including window and door reinforcements. Visit FEMA’s Earthquake Safety Guide for additional information.
California Seismic Safety Commission: The California Seismic Safety Commission provides resources on retrofitting and seismic reinforcement for homes in earthquake-prone areas. Visit the CSSC’s Resources to learn more about protecting your home.
Wrap-Up
By reinforcing your home’s windows and doors, you can significantly improve its resilience against seismic forces. Shatter-resistant film, impact-resistant glass, reinforced frames, and secure door hardware all contribute to a safer and more functional environment during an earthquake. Proactively securing these vulnerable entry points not only protects against property damage but also enhances safety for you and your loved ones.
With regular inspections and maintenance, your home’s windows and doors can remain secure and operational, providing both peace of mind and critical protection in the face of an earthquake.