Our homes are engineered/built to the 2006 IRC (International Residential Code) and also the 1999 SBCCI (Standard For Hurricane Resistant Residential Construction) since most Alaska is in a wind zone higher then what the IRC covers. Then we’ve implemented the adopted local MOA (Municipality of Anchorage) codes amendments. The MOA adoptions are to help protect against Earthquake (Seismic), Snow and Wind loads that affect us here in Alaska. The Mat-Su Borough isn’t required to build to the MOA adoptions, but there’s a reason the MOA has taken these building safety steps to protect the public.
1964 Earthquake ring any bells?
Other then our 1-year limited warranty we also have the 10-structural warranty and the added materials and hardware really make a difference in the structural integrity of the building. Safety first… Shop and compare the quality of construction when looking for your new home and see the difference in what’s behind the sheetrock.
What does earthquake design do?
The lateral loads generated by an earthquake or high winds travel through the sheeting and diaphragms using an intentionally designed path for these lateral loads to follow. This is different than the vertical loads that travel down to the foundation in the framing members
It is very important to have a complete path from the roof to the footing. Imagine three feet of wet snow on your roof and your home swaying back and forth in an earthquake.
If your home is well designed and built to the International Residential Codes (IRC) and the code adoptions of the Municipality of Anchorage by the Building Safety Division it will channel the forces evenly through the walls to the ground. Homes poorly designed are more likely not designed for lateral loads at all and will incur more damage.
Engineered loads are given carefully designed paths to the foundation. These load pathways include shear wall hold-downs, nailing and proportion of wall height to width ratio (aspect ratio), wall-to-wall straps and tie-downs, diaphragm blocking and nailing, drag strut splice, and roof-to-wall anchors. The lateral forces need a complete and continuous system that carries the loads evenly and take them to the foundation. A weak spot in the path stops the loads from following the designed path.
A seam not properly nailed can cause the loads to travel through a different section of the wall. This extra load will cause deflection that will cause cracks or even fail completely. Live loads traveling to the ground pass through a sheet of OSB until it reaches the edge of the sheet. At the edge it transfers to the nails, then into the stud, then to the nails in the next sheet and now continues through the next sheet.
Bear Alaska is proud to offer homes sites available in
Hilander Hills (South of Wasilla) & Hart Lake Estates (North of Wasilla)
Or, Do you have your own lot? Give us a call.
If you happen to be looking for a new home, first home or relocating to get away from the hustle and bustle of Anchorage and Eagle River and looking to avoid expensive Owners Association Fees and Condo Dues, but still have a great quality of life. The Mat-Su Valley is the place to be. Bear Alaska is doing something new and different and should be considered when looking for your new home.
Are you an active adult 50+ and looking to not "down size", but "right size" your life style? Be independent in a detached home that's low maintenance, energy efficient, single story, a room for crafts/hobbies, large garage, yard space for gardening and bird watching, with an open-airy floor plan? Floor plans are available and homes have been customized just for you give us a call or email your wish list with contact information by filling out the contact form. (click here)
Your home is your future and a strong foundation for generations to come, invest well...
