****
So — when comparing damage in Mexico to California, “different building codes” is probably the most workable explanation — for now... :-) ***
After RG posted about the use of tie rods in Charleston I read up more. Interesting stuff. Fire in early 1800’s burned the wood structures, but brick and stone homes from the 1700’s survived. New homes had to be built out of brick and stone per code (1800’s with building codes!).
EQ in late 1800’s destroyed newer brick and stone homes - 1700 homes still intact! Homes repaired or rebuilt in late 1800’s after EQ had to use tie-bars as per new city codes.
It got me thinking about codes and laws and stuff. They do serve a purpose in protecting the community as a whole. But when do they become so restrictive that they infringe on personal liberties? I was helping out a friend with getting a new water heater installed. The code calls for a pressure relief tank to keep the tank water from back-flowing into the city system. One plumber says that by code they have to be installed. Another plumber said it is a “grey area” and that it is only required at the time you sell the house. He was happy to install one, but also said that the rules may change by the time you sell - so it STILL may not be good enough.
I’m not so sure about the second plumber - I mean a “code” is code I would think. The only think is when you sell the home, someone will actually be looking to see if things are up to code.
Building fixtures that were up to code at the time they were installed, ought to be “grandfathered” into acceptability in spite of any changes in codes. That’s how I always understood it.