Was Your Home Affected by the Malibu Quake? 7 Step Checklist

On September 12, at around 7:28 a.m., a 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Malibu area, rattling Southern California. About an hour later, a magnitude 3.4 aftershock followed, adding to the region’s tremors and raising concerns about potential damage to homes and buildings.
Initially reported as a 5.1, the quake was quickly downgraded but still made its presence felt up to 60 miles away, with shaking reported in Riverside, Newport Beach, and many areas in between.
While there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage, aftershocks continue to rumble through the region, reminding us all of earthquakes’ unpredictable nature.
What Structural Damage to Look for After the Earthquake
Use this checklist to check for structural damage after this morning’s earthquake in Southern California. Even if your home appears fine, it’s important to thoroughly inspect for any hidden issues that could pose a danger in the future.
1. Cracks Outside
Look for any new or existing cracks that have widened in your foundation or exterior concrete. These could be signs of shifting or settling that occurred during the quake.
- Exterior Brickwork or Siding
- Cracked Retaining Wall
- Cracked Driveway
- Cracked or Sinking Porch
- Exterior Concrete Steps Leaning Away
- Pool Deck Cracks
- Sidewalk Cracks
- AC Concrete Pad Cracks

2. Cracks Inside
Interior Cracks are often the most noticeable signs of damage after a mild earthquake. These can develop in various areas, such as:
- Drywall
- At the intersections of wall corners
- Around windows and door frames
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Foundation walls

Interior cracks suggest that the earthquake has shifted or disturbed your home’s foundation, potentially compromising its structural stability. Larger cracks can also serve as entry points for water and pests, leading to further damage.
It’s crucial to seek professional assistance promptly, as if left untreated, these cracks are likely to expand and worsen over time.
3. Sticking Doors and Windows

Doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly can signal significant foundation problems.
The earthquake’s shaking can cause your home’s foundation to shift and settle unevenly, leading to warping or twisting around door and window frames. This can result in doors that swing open unexpectedly or become difficult to open or close.
You might also notice visible cracks or gaps around the frames, another sign that the structure has been compromised. These are clear indications of foundation settlement caused by the earthquake, so it’s essential to address them promptly by seeking professional help.
4. Uneven or Sloping Floors

As you walk through your home, pay close attention to areas where the floors feel uneven or appear to slope. These changes could be subtle or more pronounced, but they are important indicators of potential foundation damage caused by the recent quake.
Earthquakes can cause the soil beneath your home to shift, leading to foundation movement. When the foundation moves, it can cause your floors to become uneven or slope, affecting the stability of your home and creating a tripping hazard. Even if the change seems minor, it may point to underlying issues that need immediate attention.
5. Foundation Wall Movement

The recent earthquake may have caused intense pressure on your foundation walls, leading to two types of structural damage: bending and tilting.
- Bending (Bowing): This occurs when the center of the wall starts to curve inward due to the force of water-saturated soil pressing against it. This often results in a noticeable horizontal crack. If not addressed promptly, a bending wall can eventually give way and collapse.
- Tilting (Shearing): Tilting happens when the top or bottom of the wall is pushed inward, often due to soil movement or frost expansion. This can cause the entire wall to shift or tilt, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
These issues are serious and require immediate attention to prevent further damage or collapse.
6. Water Leaks

Look for water stains, wet spots, or moisture. Pay close attention to crawl spaces, slab foundations, and areas where water pipes run.
When the earth moves, it puts pressure on pipes and drainage systems, which can cause them to crack or disconnect. Foundation shifts can lead to small cracks where water can seep through, leading to dampness or leaks inside your home.
New leaks are a red flag indicating that your home’s structural integrity may have been compromised.
7. Leaning Chimney

After the recent earthquake, look closely at your chimney from outside your home.
If you notice that it appears to be leaning, tilting, or has new cracks in the mortar, it could be a sign of significant structural damage.
A leaning or tilting chimney is more than just an aesthetic problem—it indicates that your home’s foundation or supporting structures may have been compromised.
Proactive Steps to Prepare for the Next Earthquake
Even if your home wasn’t damaged, or if your area wasn’t affected this time, now is the perfect time to take proactive steps to strengthen your home’s resilience against future earthquakes.
Here are some essential steps to consider:
- Repair Any Existing Foundation Problems: If your home has any existing cracks or foundation issues, repairing them now can prevent further damage in another quake. Remember, foundation problems will only be exacerbated by the shaking and movement of an earthquake, leading to more costly repairs.
- Secure Heavy Furniture and Appliances: Ensure heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances are securely fastened to the walls or floors. This can prevent them from tipping over and causing injury or damage during an earthquake.
- Install Seismic Retrofitting: If your home is older or hasn’t been retrofitted, consider installing seismic bracing or bolting to make it more resistant to earthquakes.
- Strengthen Chimneys and Masonry: Reinforce chimneys, masonry walls, and other heavy elements that could become hazardous during an earthquake.
- Check Your Home’s Structural Integrity: Hire a professional to inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and overall structural integrity. Identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities now can prevent more serious damage later.
- Create an Emergency Plan: Ensure your family knows what to do during an earthquake. Have a plan for where to go, how to communicate, and what supplies you’ll need.
Contact Groundworks If You Notice Earthquake Damage

If you’ve spotted any signs of damage after the recent Southern California earthquake, don’t wait—schedule an inspection with Groundworks.
While no repair can fully protect against an earthquake, strengthening your home now can lead to the best outcome when the next quake strikes.
Groundworks offers a free inspection to assess any damage your foundation may have sustained during the tremors. Our experts will thoroughly evaluate and outline the steps to repair any issues.
Groundworks operates in 36 states, including California, and has decades of experience handling the unique challenges posed by weather events. Contact us today to help you keep your home secure and stable.
Foundation Damage FAQs
Yes, foundation issues can significantly decrease your home’s value and make it difficult to sell. Proper repair can restore value and ensure structural integrity.
In most cases, you can stay in your home during repairs. However, there might be some noise and temporary disruption depending on the extent of the work.
The duration of foundation repair depends on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed, but most repairs can be completed within a few days to a couple of weeks.