About Us
Earthquake Tech started out in 1995 as Steve Gemmell Contracting — a sole proprietorship founded on the principles of owner-operated, hands-on construction contracting. Fourteen years later these same values of progressive thinking, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are what keep Earthquake Tech a word-of-mouth business. Oregon CCB#106780, Washington #GEMMECL917QS.
We believe in using the highest quality products and exceeding the expectations of our customers. As a licensed and bonded retrofitter, we are strong advocates for earthquake safety and ensure our services meet the strict code requirements enforced by local governments. We also enjoy educating our customers on the engineering behind seismic retrofits and foundation repair methodology.
Combining small-town loyalty with forward-thinking technology, we value the praise we’ve earned from customers, peers and local news media alike. Since we are uniquely qualified to perform retrofits and foundation reinforcements — unlike many other contractors in the business — we hope you will invest in us to reinforce your most valuable asset.
Hilti Anchor Certified Installers
All our crew is certified by Hilti to professionally and accurately install Hilti anchors. These anchors, which include several varieties, are the highest quality products we’ve found to support heavy, dynamic loads, such as seismic and shock loads.
The extensive training encompasses:
- Verbal explanation of installation instructions for each anchoring system.
- Split Block Demonstration showing the importance of proper concrete bore hole cleaning for adhesive anchoring systems.
- Blow-out Tube Extension Demonstration showing the importance of the compressed air reaching the bottom of the bore-hole
- Hilti PROFI Piston Plug Demonstration showing the importance of proper adhesive injection, starting from the
back of the bore-hole and air void free injection. - Short screen tube and long screen tube injection demonstration showing the proper technique for installing
HY-20 adhesive in hollow masonry applications. - Kwik Bolt-TZ Expansion anchor installation with proper drilled hole and torque wrench for setting.
Your Earthquake Insurance Guarantee
Our largest source of business is through Portland’s insurance companies, filling a niche that meets their stringent requirements. To certify this, we will provide to both you and your insurance agent the engineering records and city documents which illustrate in detail the work we complete.
As experts in bolting down all kinds of homes, we offer you the peace of mind knowing that both your family and your largest asset, your home, are protected. We also guarantee that our work helps you qualify for earthquake insurance.
“Earthquake Tech and Gemmell Construction were a pleasure to work with. They came in and within 2 days had securely bolted down our 80-year home. Now we can rest easier knowing our house is earthquake ready.”
Email Us or Call: 503-974-4EQT (503-974-4378)
