House Randomly Shakes? Find Out Why & Solutions Here!

House Randomly Shakes? Understand the Reasons and What You Can Do

A house that randomly shakes can be unsettling, to say the least. It’s natural to feel concerned and want to understand the cause. This guide aims to help you identify potential reasons why your house might be experiencing these tremors and offers practical solutions. We’ll walk you through the common culprits and provide actionable steps you can take.

Identifying the Potential Causes

The first step is to investigate potential causes. Shaking can stem from various sources, both internal and external to your property. Carefully consider the timing, intensity, and duration of the shaking episodes as you try to pinpoint the cause.

Natural Causes

Sometimes, the earth beneath us isn’t as still as we think. Natural occurrences can definitely be felt.

• Earthquakes (Minor Tremors): While major earthquakes are obvious, smaller tremors might be barely noticeable but still cause shaking. Check earthquake monitoring websites for recent activity in your area.
• Landslides: Instability in the ground around your home can occasionally trigger small vibrations.
• Sinkholes: Although usually gradual, sinkhole formation can sometimes involve subtle ground movement that feels like a shake.

External Human-Made Causes

Human activity is often the culprit behind unexpected vibrations.

• Construction: Heavy machinery used in construction projects nearby is a prime suspect. Demolition, pile driving, and even heavy equipment operation can transmit vibrations through the ground.
  • Proximity Matters: The closer the construction, the stronger the vibrations.
  • Type of Equipment: Pile drivers and blasting are particularly potent vibration sources.
• Mining or Quarrying: Blasting operations at mines or quarries, even several miles away, can generate noticeable shaking.
• Traffic: Heavy traffic, especially trucks and buses, on nearby roads can sometimes cause a house to vibrate, especially if the house is close to the road or the roadbed is poorly maintained.
• Trains: Railway lines generate significant vibrations, particularly when heavy freight trains pass by.

Internal Causes Within Your Home

The source of the shaking might actually be inside your own house.

• Appliances: Washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators, especially older models or those with unbalanced loads, can generate strong vibrations.
  • Check for Leveling: Ensure appliances are properly leveled and that all feet are in contact with the floor.
  • Maintenance: Regularly check for and replace worn-out parts, such as belts or shock absorbers.
• HVAC Systems: Furnaces and air conditioners, especially those with powerful blowers or those that are improperly mounted, can sometimes cause noticeable shaking.
  • Vibration Dampeners: Consider installing vibration dampeners to reduce noise and shaking.
• Plumbing: Sometimes, water hammer (a pressure surge in plumbing) can cause vibrations that feel like shaking.

Structural Issues

Problems with your home’s structure can amplify even minor vibrations.

• Foundation Problems: Cracks in the foundation, settling, or other issues can make a house more susceptible to shaking.
• Soil Conditions: The type of soil your house is built on can affect how it transmits vibrations. Loose, sandy soils are more prone to vibration than dense, clay-rich soils.
• Building Materials: The type and quality of construction materials used in your home can also influence how vibrations are felt.

Investigating the Shaking: A Step-by-Step Approach

Documenting what you experience is critical in uncovering the root cause.

1. Keep a Log: Record the date, time, duration, and intensity of each shaking episode. Note any patterns, such as time of day or specific events that precede the shaking.
2. Inspect Your Home: Carefully examine your foundation, walls, and ceilings for cracks or other signs of damage. Pay close attention to areas near where you feel the shaking most intensely.
3. Check Appliances: Ensure all appliances are properly leveled, secured, and in good working order.
4. Talk to Neighbors: See if your neighbors are experiencing similar issues. This can help you determine if the cause is localized to your property or more widespread.
5. Consult Professionals: If you suspect structural issues or can’t identify the cause, consider contacting a structural engineer or a qualified contractor for an inspection.

Potential Solutions & Preventative Measures

Once you’ve identified the likely cause, you can take steps to address the problem.

Addressing External Causes

• Construction: Contact the construction company and inquire about their blasting or pile-driving schedule. Request that they take measures to minimize vibrations, such as using smaller charges or implementing vibration monitoring.
• Mining/Quarrying: Contact the mine or quarry and voice your concerns. They may be able to adjust their blasting schedule or use alternative methods to reduce vibrations.
• Traffic: Contact your local transportation authority to report the problem. They may be able to implement measures to reduce traffic vibrations, such as speed limits or road repairs.
• Trains: Report the vibrations to the railway company. They may be able to adjust their train schedules or maintenance practices to reduce the vibrations.

Addressing Internal Causes

• Appliances:
  • Leveling: Properly level all appliances.
  • Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance and replace worn-out parts.
  • Upgrade: Consider upgrading to newer, quieter models.
• HVAC Systems:
  • Vibration Dampeners: Install vibration dampeners.
  • Professional Inspection: Have your HVAC system inspected by a qualified technician.
• Plumbing:
  • Water Hammer Arrestors: Install water hammer arrestors on your plumbing lines.
  • Professional Plumbing Inspection: Contact a plumber to inspect your plumbing system for potential issues.

Addressing Structural Issues

This requires professional attention.

• Foundation Repair: Repair any cracks or other damage to your foundation.
• Soil Stabilization: Stabilize the soil around your foundation, if necessary.
• Seismic Retrofitting: If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, consider seismic retrofitting your home to make it more resistant to shaking.

The following table summarizes common causes and solutions:

Cause	Description	Solutions
Minor Earthquake	Slight earth movement	Monitor geological survey websites, improve structural integrity if needed
Nearby Construction	Use of heavy machinery	Contact construction company, request vibration mitigation measures
Unbalanced Appliances	Washing machine/dryer vibrating excessively	Level appliance, balance loads, replace worn parts
HVAC Systems	Furnace/AC units causing vibrations	Install vibration dampeners, professional inspection and maintenance
Foundation Problems	Cracks or settling in the foundation	Professional inspection and repair
Heavy Traffic	Large vehicles passing close to the house	Report to local authority, request traffic calming measures

So, that covers the basics of what could be making your house feel a little… shaky. Hopefully, you found something helpful in figuring out why your house randomly shakes! Stay safe out there!