Why Does My House Sway and How Can I Fix It?

If you've ever felt your house sway, you're not alone. Many homeowners have experienced this phenomenon and often wonder what causes it. House sway can be caused by a variety of factors, including strong winds, earthquakes, and even heavy traffic.

While it may be alarming to feel your home move, it is usually no cause for concern. In most cases, house sway is simply a result of strong winds, and most houses are designed to withstand this kind of swaying.

However, if you're concerned about house sway, there are a few things you can do to mitigate it.

What is house sway?

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House sway is the movement of a house from side to side. This can be caused by strong winds, an earthquake, or even a heavy truck passing by. Although house sway is usually not dangerous, it can cause damage in severe cases so it's worth getting it checked out if you experience significant swaying.

What causes house sway?

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There are many potential causes of house swaying. One common cause is wind. Strong winds can cause a house to sway, especially if the house is not securely anchored to its foundation.

Another potential cause of house swaying is an earthquake. Earthquakes can cause the ground to shift, which can cause a house to sway if it is not securely anchored.

House sway can also be caused by a heavy object hitting the side of the house, or by someone inside the house moving around vigorously.

Is house sway a cause for concern?

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If your house is swaying, it is probably due to high winds. House sway is not generally a cause for concern, but if the swaying is severe, it could be a sign of a structural problem. If you are concerned about house sway, you should contact a qualified engineer or architect to inspect your home.

How can I mitigate house sway?

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There are a few things you can do to mitigate house sway:

  1. Make sure your house is built on a strong foundation (get a professional to assess this if you're not sure).
  2. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider retrofitting your home with earthquake-resistant features, and perhaps investing in earthquake insurance.
  3. If your home is in a location prone to high winds, consider installing hurricane straps or other wind-resistant features.
  4. If you notice your home is starting to sway, try to identify the source of the problem and address it. For example, if a tree is leaning against your house, contact a professional to prop it up or remove it.

What should I do if I'm in a house that is swaying?

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If you are in a house that is swaying, you should try to stay calm and avoid panicking. If possible, you should try to identify the source of the swaying and see if there is anything you can do to stop it. If the swaying is severe (such as in the case of an earthquake), you should evacuate the premises and move to a safe location.

Closing thoughts

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If your house is swaying, it is likely due to high winds. If the wind is strong enough, it can cause your house to sway. If you are concerned about your house swaying, you should contact a structural engineer to assess the situation.