Homes that make unexpected noises are quite annoying. You just want to relax in peace, but something is making an awful racket in the next room!
The purpose of this post is to explain some of the reasons why your house might be making a rattling sound and what to do about them.
Here’s a rundown:
1. Animals
One common cause is animals, and we’re not talking about your pet cat. Pests that get into your home can make all sorts of noises that resemble rattling, especially if they are scurrying around behind the walls and under the floorboards.
Unfortunately, the only way to deal with this issue is to call in the exterminator. Pest control can remove these creatures from your home humanely and block access points that allow them to get inside in the first place.
2. Appliances
You should also check your appliances. These can also make rattling noises, especially old washing machines and furnaces.
If you have a problem with these, get a handyman or a gas engineer to fix them. You could also try stabilizing them on the floor better to see if that works.
3. Windows and doors
Windows and doors can also lead to rattling in high winds. Units without proper sealing can vibrate, causing an annoying noise that travels through the whole of your home.
This problem is particularly bad in older homes. Windows and doors can warp or become misshapen over time.
You can fix these problems by getting windows professionals to maintain or replace your windows. Often, it is possible to prevent doors from rattling by simply gunking up the window seals.
4. Plumbing
Plumbing and pipework can also cause rattling in your home. Pipes will often move over time and can sometimes escape from their fittings, causing them to come loose.
Sometimes, you will also experience what’s called a “water hammer” where it sounds like the water is slamming against the metal inside the pipes. Again, this can happen if your setup is wrong or you don’t have the correct pressure in the system.
To fix these problems, hire a top-rated plumber. Look for someone who has experience in rattling issues and knows how to solve them.
5. HVAC
Your HVAC can also cause your home to make a rattling sound. Ducts and other ventilation systems can sometimes come loose, causing them to slam against the walls and surrounding materials. Obstructions can also cause issues, preventing air from moving through naturally with minimal resistance.
Sometimes you can fix these issues yourself if they are obvious. But other times, inviting an engineer is the best policy.
6. Foundation Settling
You might also sometimes experience rattling because your foundations are settling into the ground over time. Usually, most of this process occurs during the building phase, but it can also happen afterwards.
Usually, this type of rattling isn’t anything to worry about.
7. Loose Siding
Finally, you may have rattling because of loose siding. Wind running around your home can whip up panels and cause them to crash into each other.
Deal with loose siding by working with a roofing and siding expert.
