Foundation & Structure Articles
Structural and seismic topics for Portland-area homes, including cripple walls, anchor bolts, and what a visual inspection can and cannot see.
River Rock Foundations in Portland: What Buyers Need to Know
Portland's pre-1940 homes were often built on river rock concrete foundations that look solid but behave very differently than modern poured concrete.
Seismic Risk in Portland Homes: What Buyers Should Understand
Portland sits above the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Older brick and masonry homes carry specific seismic vulnerabilities.
What Portland Soils Really Do to a Foundation
Portland soils and foundations, explained. Most of the city sits on flood silt and gravel. Water, slopes, and...
Handrail and Guardrail Safety in Older Portland Homes: What the Code Says and Why It Matters
Handrail and guardrail deficiencies are common in older Portland homes. Here is what inspectors look for and how...
Load-Bearing Wall Removal and Floor Joist Deflection: What Inspectors Find
Removed load-bearing walls leave clues. Learn how inspectors find them, what floor joist deflection means, and when to...
The 2026 Guide to Seismic Retrofitting and Foundation Bolting in Portland
Portland sits in a seismic zone. Learn how foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing protect older homes and...
Expansive Clay Soils: The Willamette Valley Structural Guide
Expansive clay soils cause foundation movement across the Portland metro and Willamette Valley.
Cripple Wall Bracing: Strengthening Older Portland Homes
Cripple walls are a common vulnerability in older Portland homes. Learn what they are, why they fail in...
Balloon Framing Fire Risks: Identifying Legacy Voids in Older Portland Homes
Balloon-framed homes have continuous wall cavities that act as fire chimneys. What Portland-area agents need to know before...
Deck Ledger Attachment: The Leading Cause of Structural Failure
Ledger detachment is the top cause of deck collapse. Learn what inspectors look for and why Portland-area homes...